A 15 minutes countdown to Rock On was shown on the big screen of the Giants Stadium in the Sydney Olympic Park.
As the countdown was ending, the crowd shouted “3,2,1” and Def Leppard was the first to play. The Englishmen dared to start the show with “Take What You Want” from their latest album “Diamond Star Halos”. Despite being a new song, it was the same as enjoyable as the classic songs. The same atmosphere they could create with “Kick” or “This Guitar”.
In the other hand, Mötley Crue’s intro was more dramatic because they played “Requiem in D minor, K. 626” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Also, the breaking news riot scene and the slogan “The Füture is Ours” were elements of the calm before the storm.
Def Leppard’s concerts are more emotional and gives you a nostalgic experience. One example of this is that “Photograph” is a perfect to end a show, because all the memories and photos taken through all these 50 and plus years. Also, the Englishmen can hit you deep in your heart with ballads like “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” or “Love Bites”.
An injection of pure adrenaline is the Mötley Crüe’s concerts as they started rebellious with “Wild Side”, “Shout at the Devil” and “Too Fast for Love”. Of course, the quartet can slow down and be tender with songs like “Home Sweet Home” and “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)”.
Technology can be a powerful ally if used correctly. This was the case for this show as the lights were awesome and the use of the big screen was perfect. The glow up in “Armageddon It” and the strange effect in “Primal Fear” just helped to pump up the crowd. Moreover, the rain effect in “Love Bites” helped a lot to set the romantic mood.
John 5 is a perfect addition to Mötley Crüe. They sound and look as if they have been together for more than a decade. As Nikki Sixx said, he is a wizard. With his excellent guitar technique and alien sound, he can contribute much more to this band. Besides, John can play while he is lying on the floor as he did this with Nikki. This gave me many hilarious moments.
Surely Def Leppard fans missed the extended version of “Rocket” that gave plenty of time in terms of interaction with the crowd. Instead, there was a short but much precious time of interaction at the end while playing “Hysteria” to close an electric and pitch perfect exhibition.
Mötley Crüe is a band with many personalities because not only Vince Neil, Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx can do the talk with their fans while John 5 entertains with his gentle guitar.
This World Tour came to Australia after a long wait. These two bands represent the classic Hard Rock sounds in their own styles. Def Leppard has a nostalgic sound and it is no wonder Joe Elliott mentioned that they first landed in Australia in 1984, during the “Pyromania” tour. In contrast, Mötley Crüe is pure chaos, but they do not lose the perfect timing while they execute their songs.
It is true that Mötley Crüe broke their contract and came out of retirement. Many rockers criticised them, but they have more to offer. Vince’s voice was enjoyable as it was Joe’s. Both of them were charismatic as hell.
It was a shame that this tour had not special guests like Poison or Joan Jett. In the World tour, Latin Americans had the pleasure to see Rata Blanca, Europeans, Mammoth WVH. Despite that, this concert was totally worth it. They are still on the top-notch. Remember they have 60+ years and more than 40 years in the music industry giving the best of each. }
Reviewed by Taiki Ishii
