Def Leppard - Sleeptrain Pavilion, Concord, CA - Sept. 18th, 2007

The following setlist was performed by Def Leppard on Sept. 18th, 2007 at the Sleeptrain Pavilion, Concord, CA:

Rocket
Def Leppard pays tribute to its past though an amazing video montage, depicting different eras of the band.   For old and new fans alike, it's a powerful (re)introduction to a legendary band.  The live version of this song closely mirrors the edited version from MTV where a large part of the song's middle is cut out.
Animal 
Excitable As one of the more diverse tracks on the Hysteria album, it's an unexpected choice live.  There's no mistaking the song's pop/new wave influence and although it may sound a bit dated, one's things for sure - it's a hit with the ladies.
Foolin'
Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)
Before the song, Joe Elliot introduces Vivian Campbell, "He's been in the band longer than the Beatles were together, but is still considered the new guy.  He wasn't around when we recorded the High 'N' Dry album, but he can play the fuck out of it."
Another Hit and Run
Love Bites (extended jam at the end)
Rick Savage Solo
Rock On 
From their 2006 cover album, "Yeah!" - While they played this track, I thought, "why are they covering someone else's song?"  They don't need to.  At the same time, however, I considered where they are in their careers.  After playing the same songs tour after tour, it probably keeps things fresh and exciting.
Two Steps Behind
Viv, Joe, and Phil come to the front of the runway going into the crowd.  Joe talks about the "Downstage Thrust Tour", how they aren't touring behind a new album, but that they are working on a new album which will be released next year.  Joe then comments, "Somebody's drinking a lot of Jack Daniels up front 'cause I'm getting high off the fumes.  So if I fuck up, you'll know why (the crowd gets a good laugh). 
Bringin' on the Heartbreak
The song begins with Viv, Joe, and Phil playing acoustically.  Midway through the song, Viv and Phil depart and come back with their electric guitars.  The song ends with Rick playing the bass line that leads into the next song, just as it is played on the High N' Dry album.
Switch 625
Just as Phil and Viv trade off guitar lines, I can imagine Phil and Steve doing the same years ago.  A great tribute to their fallen guitar hero, Steve Clark (R.I.P.)
Hysteria
Armageddon It
Photograph
Pour Some Sugar On Me

Encore:
Rock of Ages
A timeless classic and a fitting end to a great show.  Joe tells the crowd, "don't forget about us and we won't forget you.  We will see you again next year."
 
I have not followed Def Leppard since their Retro-Active album (1993), but seeing them live made me remember why I became a fan of theirs so many years ago.  They've written some of the best songs in rock history and helped define an era of music.  Very few bands can boast the same level of success and longevity as Def Leppard and after all these years, they still deliver. 

 

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