Review: Def Leppard And Whitesnake - Sheffield Arena

If you thought rock music was loosing its ground to pop music then think again, tonight these two melodic rock acts had sold out the 12,000 capacity Sheffield Arena.

Playing a full set Whitesnake have had many members pass through the line up over the years, of course lead singer David Coverdale has been there from the start but drummer Tommy Aldridge has been in and out of the band over the years. He is still one of the best rock drummers around and is in good shape despite being in his mid 60's.

Coverdale is still all rock poses and attitude and although his voice on some of the tracks may not be as strong as you remember he still is a commanding figure. The band released The Purple Album in the summer and the track that opens the album, Burn, opens up their set. The Deep Purple tracks that Coverdale sang when he was in Deep Purple have been re-recorded and sound, in some cases, better than the original versions.

"Good evening Sheffield, good evening Yorkshire" Coverdale says as he welcomes the fans. The set list is basically a greatest hits set that goes right back to the late 70's with Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City and then visits the bands American success with Is This Love. Whilst being more blues based when the band started their mainstream success came the band relocated to America and hit the big time with Here I Go Again.

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell joins the band to perform Still of the Night, Campbell has played guitar in both bands and he looked healthy despite his recent cancer scare.

"We're home" says Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott as he surveys the sold out audience. "Hello Sheffield, what a place to finish our tour" he continues.

The new album is heavily featured which is no bad thing as it ranks up there as one of their best. Let's Go opens up the show and is a statement of intent. It isn't long before the band revisit their past with Animal and Love Bites still sounding as good as you remember.

With a parapet that goes into the audience the band make full use of it with the fans getting the chance to get even closer to the band. You would not expect them to do a David Essex cover but they do a great version of his hit, Rock On. The band leave the stage leaving Elliott to sing an acoustic version of Two Steps Behind.

Let's Get Rocked and Pour Some Sugar On Me up the tempo but it's not all over yet as they return to perform Rock of Ages and Photograph.

"Don't Forget us because we won't forget you" informs Elliott. " See you next time and there will be a next time" he continues. On tonight's evidence let's hope we don't have to wait too long for next time.