Review: Def Leppard Purr, Not Roar, in Vancouver

Despite their colossal commercial success, a recurring theme in seemingly every Def Leppard media interview is a complaint that they’ve been critically overlooked throughout their lengthy career.

It’s a legitimate grievance. The numbers don’t lie. Yorkshire’s best-selling musical export have been shifting units and putting tushes on seats since the early 1980s. People love the Leppard. But at the Vancouver leg of their trans-Canada jaunt at Rogers Arena last night, they also proved why a critical re-evaluation isn’t due any time soon.

For a band whose songs are awash with the promise of imminent and limitless rocking (“Rock! Rock! Till You Drop,” “Rocket,” “Let’s Get Rocked,” “Rock of Ages” and a cover of David Essex’s “Rock On” were all unleashed last night), this was a concert that merely partied politely as it chugged along in third gear.

Much of the blame for an evening that delivered hits but few thrills has to sit with vocalist Joe Elliott, the once lithe front man whose stage persona is now reduced to ambling around, holding up his mic stand and pointing at fans. Bereft of energy and enthusiasm, his scripted stage banter provided a prime example of why touring rock bands need to switch up their set list on a nightly basis. As much for themselves as their audiences.

“Good evening Vancouver!” bellowed Elliott, after a rousing “Animal”. “Guess what? It’s Saturday night!”

This rote introduction to “High’n’Dry (Saturday Night),” perfectly summed up his uninspired approach to frontmanship. Spontaneity be damned. Best stick to what’s worked in the past.

Even though the front man was operating on autopilot, the band was still churning out razor sharp harmonies and hits, “Loves Bites,” “Rocket” and the inevitable “Pour Some Sugar On Me” all sending the crowd into nostalgic rapture. Guitarist Phil Collen (whose sharp abs beneath a flapping leather vest hinted at a workout regime Elliott would be wise to emulate) ripped the first of countless pristine solos during “Foolin’.” Incredible one-armed drummer Rick Allen was able to take centre stage during instrumental “Switch 625,” the giant screen revealing his fascinating and unique technique for the first time.

Midway through the show Elliott sauntered down the stage runway alone sporting an acoustic guitar.

“It’s just you and me. How’d you feel about that?” he asked to a muted response, before listing his favourite Canadian artists and mumbling that “I can’t play Rush on an acoustic guitar.” Instead, he strummed his way through the Bryan Adamsesque “Two Steps Behind,” the crowd singing along with every word.

For a band whose back catalogue is so firmly entrenched in the youth of so many people, crowds will enjoy Def Leppard concerts for many years to come on nostalgia value alone. But converting arenas into ’80s discos isn’t going to convert Def Leppard into critics’ darlings either.

“I got a question for you. Do you wanna get rocked?” asked Elliott as the introduction to “Let’s Get Rocked,” the same question he’s asked at an identical point a thousand times before. The answer, inevitably, was yes please. But if Def Leppard are serious about cementing their musical legacy, they’re going to need to up their game next time around.