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10/08/05 - OLDSMOBILE PARK,
LANSING, MI Review
by Anne Erickson (Lansing State Journal):
Bryan Adams and Def Leppard have
no doubt played to many packed arenas and theaters throughout their careers, but
minor league baseball stadiums? That's the idea behind this summer's "Rock
'N Roll Doubleheader" concert tour. The tour is reaching 26 minor league
parks across the country, including Oldsmobile Park last night. That two '80s
hitmakers can still pack 10,000-seat stadiums sounds questionable. But with passionate
stage shows, both proved their nostalgic pop-rock is relevant 25 years later. 
Adams
hit the stage at 7:10 p.m. In the '80s, the Canadian rocker skyrocketed up the
charts with his melodic but rocking songs and straightforward musical style. Dressed
in all-black - along with the other members of his four-piece band - Adams played
off the crowd, encouraging them to sing along to hits like "18 'Till I Die"
and "Can't Stop This Thing We Started." He led them through the "na-na-nas"
of "Cuts Like A Knife" and brought up an excited audience member to
help sing "When You're Gone." Breezy vignettes like "Summer of
'69" and "Heaven" fit the summertime atmosphere perfectly. His
most familiar tune? "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." The '91 ballad
remains his most popular single; the crowd swayed along to the chords. Def
Leppard headlined the show, kicking off at 9:10 p.m., playing fist-pumping hits
"Action" and "Let's Get Rocked." Those who grew up in the
1980s no doubt remember the British band's "hair metal" - heavy riffs
and soaring harmonies fused with acid-wash jeans and, of course, hair spray. And
Leppard still knows how to rock. Amid a colorful lightshow, singer Joe Elliott
wailed; guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell toted dexterity-defying chops
and blazing solos. The group dished out one chart-topper after another. There
were girl-pleasing power ballads and wall-shaking hard rock tunes - "Love
Bites," "Foolin'," "Hysteria" - you know the routine.
The group injected covers into the mix, such as Badfinger's "No Matter What."
The songs are off Leppard's forthcoming album of all cover tunes, "Yeah!,"
set for release late this year or early next. In the end, it was a night of good
songs, good weather and great fun. ********** 
Review
by Melissa Shoemaker:
WOW!!! I'm still thinking that last night was all just
a dream....only it wasn't;) My boyfriend and I drove from Westland to Lansing
(only over an hour drive, not bad) and were surprised to see a long line forming
at the ballpark already, since it was about an hour until the doors opened. Lots
of Def Leppard fans. Waiting seemed to be the hardest part but finally they let
us in. You could sit in the bleachers out of the sun or down on the grass (or
stand right up to the stage). I won't bore anyone with lots of details. Basically
the guys were incredible, as always. This was only my second BA show and this
time I was closer...so maybe my pics will come out better! Last time BA was only
a dot in my pictures! Anyway, Bryan was very humourous and full of smiles...and
looked hot as ever! Keith was very impressive with his guitar solos and Mickey
kicked ass on the drums! He threw out a bunch of his drumsticks at the end of
their show. What I love the most about them is how much they have a good time
performing on stage. You can see they love what they do:) Bryan did lots of his
old stuff.....Cuts Like A Knife, Summer of '69, Heaven, Somebody, It's Only Love,
Run to You, Everything I Do....and he did Open Road. I was hoping he'd sing more
off of Room Service but oh well;) I forgot to mention the opening act was Randy
Coleman...very impressive man. He reminds me of Bryan a little bit. He's very
good on the acoustic guitar and has a great voice. I think he created a new fan:)
Then....after Randy and BA, Def Leppard came on and closed for the night. It was
awesome being at the very last show of the tour:) Anyway, it seemed like DL had
the bigger show only because they had the special effects and lights, etc. Even
at the t-shirt booths there were wayyyy more DL stuff to buy vs. Bryan stuff.
I guess I just wanted a fair show. Anyway....enough complaining by me.....Def
Leppard did a great job too and really got the crowd on their feet. Everyone was
dancing and swaying to the music....I even saw a bunch of kids having a great
time! Oh and the WYG girl (Sherry) was from New Baltimore MI....she had a fantastic
job on stage next to Bryan. She didn't want to get off practically:) So...there's
my review....Greg and I had a wonderful time. We saw lots of interesting people
there....too many were too drunk to remember last night probably!! Beer bottles
were thrown at people, guys running around with no shirts on chasing each other....it
was an amusing night! The highlight was just getting to spend a wonderful night
out with my guy, listening to my favorite music live:) | | |
