“Do you want to get rocked…?” That’s the question of the evening at the Avenir Centre in Moncton tonight as British rock band Def Leppard rolls in for probably the most anticipated show of the year in the city to date. With special guest opening act Tesla, it was bound to be a rocking night of music. There were lines wrapping around the building on this warm summer evening even before the doors opened to let in ticket holders, the crowd was filled with old versions of Def Leppard t-shirts from years gone by in their 40+ years of making music. The last time I saw Def Leppard was just down the highway, outside at Parlee Beach, way back in 1993.
Tesla – Avenir Centre – Moncton, NB – 07/13/19
Tesla, the band formed in 1981 in Sacramento, California, kicked off the night with guitarist and founder Frank Hannon stepping onto stage and launching into a wicked guitar solo. Not to be outdone fellow guitarist Dave Rude joined him and they began riffing together. Tesla was very Tesla-like this night as lead singer Jeff Keith growled and screamed through lots of their best music including “Changes”, along with a song from their new album the Phil Collen (Def Leppard guitarist) produced 2019 album ‘Shock’. There were definite Tesla fans in the crowd as they sang along decked out in their Tesla merchandise. Of course we knew what song was coming when Keith “tucked his hair up under his cap” and the band finished off their hour long set with their famous song “Signs”.
Def Leppard – Avenir Centre – Moncton, NB – 07/13/19
After a 30 minutes break (counted down by a very cool video timer on the stage, wish more bands did this) it was time to flash back to what most of the 8000+ attendees came to see tonight, Def Leppard.
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen(guitars, backing vocals), and Vivian Campbell (guitars, backing vocals).
In 1981 the album, High n Dry (which I listened to on Vinyl before the show) was produced by well known producer Robert “Mutt” Lange, and the album’s standout track ‘Bringin On The Heartbreak’ became one of the first rock videos played on MTV in 1982. The band’s album, Pyromania, was released in 1983, with ‘Photograph’ and ‘Rock of Ages’ as the big leads. In the U.S., Pyromania was certified diamond (10× platinum), this made Def Leppard among the most popular groups at the time.
Def Leppard – Avenir Centre – Moncton, NB – 07/13/19
The band started the night with a complete blackout and the video screens (remember the counter) raising from the stage to the ceiling emblazoned with “Moncton” in a Def Leppard styled graphic on them as the band appeared behind them and launched into what would be a fantastic 90 minute set (with encore) of music. The crowd was immediately on their feet (for us short photographers at the sound board that makes things a very difficult challenge) and stayed there for pretty much the entire time the band was on stage.
Joe Elliott (& Rick Allen) – Def Leppard – Avenir Centre – Moncton, NB – 07/13/19
Simply put Def Leppard was on fire last night at the Centre on the second night of their cross Canada tour. They played both to and with the audience, as Joe Elliott encouraged the crowd to sing along to many songs including ‘Two Steps Behind’. Elliott was obviously appreciative of the crowds response, telling them it’s been “far too long since we’ve been here” and that Canada has always been one of their best markets as a band. An obvious fan favorite, after guitar solo’s by Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, Rick Allen gave a little wink from behind the drums to bassist Rick Savage and launched into his own solo to a roar of the crowd. Allen, loving every second of it ,was grinning from ear to ear.
Phil Collin – Def Leppard – Avenir Centre – Moncton, NB – 07/13/19
The 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s definitely showed why for over forty years they have been one of music fans favourite bands. The answer to “do you want to get rocked” was a resounding ‘yes!’ from the crowd and we did in fact do just that. One thing that Joe Elliott said “we can’t wait for next time…and there WILL be a next time!” has me wondering…could there be a new album in the works? Let’s hope so!
Joe Elliott – Def Leppard – Avenir Centre – Moncton, NB – 07/13/19
After their encore they bid a fond farewell to the raucous crowd at the Avenir Centre and fans exited into the warm summer night still singing Rock of Ages.
If you can…don’t miss this tour, you will not be disappointed! Thanks to Tesla, Def Leppard, the Avenir Centre, PPRL for another rocking night of music and the best show of the year so far! Until next time! ~ J
Tour Dates
July 12 Scotiabank Centre Halifax
July 13 Avenir Centre Moncton
July 15 Centre Vidéotron Quebec City
July 17 Bell CentreMontreal
July 19 Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa
July 20 FirstOntario CentreHamilton
July 22 Budweiser Gardens London
July 25 Bell MTS Place Winnipeg
July 27 SaskTel CentreSaskatoon
July 29 Rogers PlaceEdmonton
July 31 Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary