Def Leppard Dominates Hellfest 2023 with High-Energy Set of Classic Hits – Gig review.

July 5, 2023 rocknews

Def Leppard took to the Main Stage at Hellfest 2023 on Friday, June 16th, and delivered a high-energy, crowd-pleasing set that showcased their status as one of the world’s premier rock bands.

The setlist was a mix of classic hits and newer material, with plenty of fan favourites to keep the crowd singing along. The band opened with ‘Take What You Want’ from their latest album, Diamond Star Halos, before launching into a string of hits, including ‘Let’s Get Rocked,’ ’Animal,’ and ‘Foolin’.

Through the set the various members of the band took a trip to see Rick Allen who commanded the stage from behind his drum kit high on a riser towards the back of the stage. As Joe interacted with the crowd, he was thrown by the sight of one of the festival goers and he announces that in all the years he has toured he has never seen a man riding a shark wearing a thong! Well, it is Hellfest after all.

Joe Elliot singing was on form and the sound at the venue was excellent. Joe took to the acoustic guitar for the first verse of ‘When Love And Hate Collide.’ As Joe sings the end of the first verse’s lines, he throws his plectrum out in to the crowd which ques Rick Savage, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell to strike their guitars to continue the song electrically.

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One of the highlights of the set was a performance of ‘Hysteria,’ with the band’s trademark guitar harmonies and interlocking drumbeats. The crowd went wild, and it was clear that this was a song that they had been waiting to hear. Joe played with the crowd as the song played out getting the massive audience to singalong with him by repeating the ‘Whoa Whoa’s’ he shouts out.

The band closed the set with some of their biggest hits: ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’ and ‘Rock of Ages’ and the thousands of fans in front of Def Leppard sang along with every word. The very last song of the gig is ‘Photograph’ and during the song pictures of the band throughout their career are shown on the massive video screens each side of the stage. There were even a few snaps of some of the Hellfest attendees taken earlier in the day which will be a memorable surprise to the lucky fans who get to appear on the screens.

Def Leppard’s concert at Hellfest 2023 has been a truly memorable experience and one that will be a highlight for them on their current World Tour. It was a high-energy, crowd-pleasing show that showcased the band’s status as one of the world’s premier rock bands. If you’re a fan of classic rock and have the opportunity to see them live, I highly recommend it.