Def Leppard‘s sold-out performance at the Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ, on June 28th, was designed with one clear goal: to solidify their status with New Jersey fans as the world’s premier band.
Few bands embody the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll quite like the legendary British powerhouse Def Leppard. With over 100 million albums sold worldwide and a catalog of stadium-shaking hits, when Def Leppard hit the stage, they don’t just perform — they electrify with 18 classic hits where everyone sings every word to all their songs. It’s a testament to their bona fide catalog of hits.
Tonight’s crowd was a sea of diehard fans — many clad in vintage concert tees, tight jeans, boots, and short skirts. Def Leppard was part of the fabric of our lives, and this was more than just a concert; fans were there to relive their youth and make memories with their newer songs.
Joe Elliott [vocals], Vivian Campbell [guitar], Phil Collen [guitar], Rick Savage [bass], and Rick Allen [drums] unleashed a blistering trifecta of rock anthems that lit the fuse on an unforgettable night. From the first thunderous note, “Rock, Rock (Till You Drop)” off the band’s 1983 album Pyromania, the crowd was hooked, swept up in a tidal wave of pure Def Leppard energy.
Seamlessly sliding into the sleazy swaggering of “Rocket,” the band turned up the heat with Rick Allen laying down a hypnotic tribal drum beat that rumbled like a war chant while the rest of the band moved in perfect sync, tight and fluid. The knockout punch was “Let’s Get Rocked.” It hit with surgical precision, igniting a venue-wide sing-along that shook the walls of the venue.
A relentless guitar onslaught fuels a Def Leppard show, courtesy of Phil and Viv, as they showcase their technical mastery throughout the night, particularly on their instrumental track, “This Guitar.” Their fingers danced effortlessly and fluidly across the fretboard with speed and meticulousness while unleashing an onslaught of crushing rhythms and furiously melodic solos throughout the night. Together, they created a wall of guitars that was both powerful and nuanced, evidence of their innate musical chemistry. It’s great to see Viv back, and hoping he feels as good as he looks!
Not to be outdone, Joe brought his soulful and powerful singing. The performance continued at a dizzying pace as Joe moved across the stage, posturing with a mic stand for the crowd. Sav, Viv, and Phil are vocal masters, constantly singing in harmony with Joe to recreate the band’s signature layered and lush sound.
Rick Allen ensured all songs were timed and paced to perfection. He is a versatile drummer who can easily switch his playing styles to suit the needs of each song. Sav took center stage for much of the night, using a headset microphone so he wouldn’t be tied to a mic stand. His lightning-fast picking laid down the low end, and he knew how to handle a song by playing between the melody and the harmony, which is felt more than heard.
In a moment of intimacy, Def Leppard stepped away from their trademark thunder and spectacle, as seen in “Animal” and “Armageddon It,” to reveal a more vulnerable side. Trading ferocity for feeling, they delivered a haunting acoustic rendition of “Two Steps Behind.” Then, in the blink of an eye, jump back into the area, rock hits “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak,” and “Rock of Ages,” “Photograph” before closing the show with “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
After more than four decades, Def Leppard still knows how to excite a crowd and deliver a show packed with nostalgia, power, and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to their legacy, their Summer Tour 2025 is a celebration not to be missed. You will leave the show with your ears ringing, your heart racing, and a grin you can’t shake.
To purchase tickets for their upcoming shows, click here.
1 Comment
Just saw Daryl Hall.
A bad show.
He either had a cold and on medication, is unable because of age ,or under the influence of alcohol, but something was seriously wrong.
We have too much respect for him to stay.