Def Leppard + Whitesnake @ Birmingham NEC – 18th June 2008
With the crowd suitably warmed up by Black Stone Cherry, anticipation was high for Whitesnake’s return to the live stage after a year of studio work. The thumping bass of the Who’s My Generation introduced Coverdale & co. and an appreciative full house nodded in recognition of the fact that this was real music from their era (although some had brought their kids along too)! Whitesnake apparel in the crowd was in high abundance so there was some surprise that arguably the bigger band were on first but that did nothing to dull the occasion.
Launching into Best Years from the new Good to be Bad album, it was clear that the new stuff is every bit as good as the old and David Coverdale was on top form, striking an immediate rapport with the audience. The band looked like they were loving every minute and Doug Aldrich joined Coverdale on the podium frequently to display his slick fretboard skills on his immaculate Les Paul. Doug, Reb Beach, Uriah Duffy, Timothy Drury and Chris Frazier slipped effortlessly into Fool for Your Lovin’ and Coverdale preened, posed, spun the mike stand and prowled about his domain with the confidence of a star at the top of his game. Looking almost immortal, he sported a trademark open white shirt with Love & Hate emblazoned on the arms.
As we slipped out of the pit to listen to the rest of the set from the wings, DC joked with the audience about hard drinking and shagging. “Looks like there’s plenty of shaggers out there tonight” he smirked.
The rest of the set was a mix of old and new, including a classic rock drum solo, and beautifully capped by Here I Go Again (plenty of audience participation) and Still of the Night.
Def Leppard stormed on to the stage to a strobe-effect montage of images from the 70s to the present day and a stage-set emblazoned with St. George flags. You couldn’t help but think that the crowd were more excited by the anticipation just before though, as AC/DC’s For Those About to Rock thundered from the PA. But die-hard Def Leppard fans wouldn’t have been disappointed as Joe Elliot gave it his best shot to follow David Coverdale’s stage presence and talent. Once again, I only had limited time at the front but I left having witnessed a real classic rock night out from two bands who know just how to put on a great show.
Review & Photos – Steve Bulley