Def Leppard are back at it. Releasing new, excellent live material. Which is crazy considering that they never released an audio live document until 2011’s ‘Mirror Ball.’ And since then they’ve released a slew of live albums that include, ‘And There Will Be A Next Time…Live in Detroit’ and ‘Viva! Hysteria,’ the first Vegas live document. As well as audio live versions of their legendary 1983 show at the L.A. forum and ‘Live…In the Round, In Your Face.’ That’s four live albums being released in the last nine years. And the tradition keeps rolling with the new ‘London to Vegas.’
The hard copy of the new live album includes two concerts: ‘Hysteria at the O2’ and ‘Hits Vegas.’ The latter being the crown jewel. And on sale separately as a digital copy. There’s been several live incarnations of the band eponymous fourth album. But ‘Hits Vegas’ is the fist live album that really cuts deep into the bands storied discography.
It’s a 28 song set list runs through the bands best material from ‘High ‘n Dry’ all the way through the self titled album. There’s many live gems that we haven’t heard before. Even though there are plenty of live versions of track from ‘Pyromania’ and ‘Hysteria,’ there aren’t many live takes of cuts from ‘Euphoria,’ ‘Slang’ and ‘X.’ But there’s at least one track from each album. Even if it’s only one song. And even if it’s the excellent title track. The live version of ‘Now’ is a particular step up from the studio version as well.
Def Leppard were always able to re-create what they do in the studio live to the tee. They’re one of the only bands that’s 100% percent live. Each member can sing in tune. And sing well. And although the band downtunes a little since their 80’s heyday, it doesn’t do anything to detract from the excitement of the show. The two songs on display from ‘Euphoria:’ ‘Promises’ and ‘Paper Sun’ ring with excellence. Particularly the latter. Which benefits from a killer, heavy bridge. Another highlight includes a bad ass, short, drum solo from the one armed thunder god Rick Allen after ‘Switch 625.’
The album closes with the highlights: ‘Lets Get Rocked,’ ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me,’ ‘Armageddon It’ and ‘Rock Of Ages.’ To name a few. And they rank among some of the best live versions recorded. Making making ‘Hits Vegas’ well worth the purchase. It’s the definitive live collection from the British 80’s defining band. Absolutely worth the purchase. Unfortunately, the band has had to postpone their tour dates for the upcoming tour with Motley Crue and Joan Jett. But the shows have been set back a year. They will happen. Stay safe, stay healthy.
