Saturday night in Atlantic City crackled with nostalgia as Def Leppard reignited their classic sound at the Borgata Event Center. Nearly thirty years after “Hysteria” cemented their pop‑metal legacy, the Sheffield icons continue to prove their relevance—melding arena-ready bombast with newly refined maturity.
The evening opened dramatically: “Gods of War,” introduced in its “Drastic Symphonies” orchestral guise with a cinematic countdown, set a theatrical tone. This choice reflects the band’s 2023 collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra—the album Drastic Symphonies featured 16 tracks reimagined with orchestral accompaniment which elevated the start.
Immediately following the intro, the blistering “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” and “Rocket” roared through the venue, bridging the orchestral opening to full-band fury. Hits like “Let’s Get Rocked” and “Foolin’” drew huge sing-alongs, showcasing why their mid-’80s era—Pyromania and Hysteria—has endured. Redolent of MTV’s golden age (“Photograph” held the number‑1 spot on rock charts for weeks), tonight’s renditions retained their original swagger.
Setlist depth was a highlight: “Die Hard the Hunter” omitted its second verse, creating a compact, punchy rendition. The emotional pivot came with “This Guitar” and full-band acoustic “Two Steps Behind.” These softer numbers underscored the band’s songwriting—a side of Def Leppard often overshadowed by arena anthems.
Reconnecting with roots, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” and “Switch 625” were standouts. In Atlantic City, the band honored that legacy without the orchestra, letting rich harmonies and Phil Collen’s solos shine..
The final ascent began with arena staples: “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph” sent the crowd into euphoria. The encore hammered nostalgia further: a driving “Hysteria”; the unabashed singalong “Pour Some Sugar on Me”; and an unexpected, soulful twist—their cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” Its placement was a masterstroke, offering reflective closure after high-octane anthems. Joe Elliott’s vocals, though seasoned, remained gravel-strong and emotive; Rick Allen’s drumming—on a one-armed custom kit—was thunderous as always. The crowd, varied in age, roared with appreciation—highlighting a strong sound, shared family memories, and first-time attendees awestruck by the raw energy.
Def Leppard’s AC show was a masterclass in balancing flash and substance. From symphonic opening arcs to full-blast rockers and stripped-down intimacy, the band showcased their evolving artistic narrative. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a living retrospective, proving their legacy spans both arena anthems and mature expression.
Def Leppard hit every note brilliantly in Atlantic City. Whether you came for power-pop classics or deeper cuts, the night humbled and thrilled in equal measure. For fans old and new—families, first-timers, lifelong devotees—June 28 was a reminder: Def Leppard still “bringin’ on the heartbreak,” but with grace, history, and unmistakable swagger
TOUR DATES
Tue, JUL 1 - Maine Savings Amphitheater - Bangor, ME
Thu, JUL 3 - Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT
Sun, JUL 6 - FEQ 2025 - Québec, Canada
Wed, JUL 9 - Princess Auto Stadium - Winnipeg, Canada
Jul. 10 - 13, 2025 - Country Thunder Craven 2025 - Craven, Canada
Fri, JUL 11 - Rockin' Thunder - Edmonton, Canada
Wed, JUL 16 - Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 - Ottawa, Canada
Fri, JUL 18 - Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort - Mount Pleasant, MI
Sun, JUL 20 - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Bethel, NY
Tue, JUL 22 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Saratoga Springs, NY
Fri, JUL 25 - Churchill Park Music Festival 2025 - St. John's, Canada
Sat, AUG 9 - THE VENUE AT THUNDER VALLEY - Placer County, CA
Tue, AUG 12 - Isleta Amphitheater - Albuquerque, NM
Thu, AUG 14 - Iowa State Fair Grandstand - Des Moines, IA
Sat, AUG 16 -Illinois State Fair 2025 - Springfield, IL
Wed, AUG 20 - Yaamava’ Theater - Highland, CA
Tue, AUG 26 - Minnesota State Fair 2025 - St Paul, MN
Fri, AUG 29 - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL
Sun, AUG 31 - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Sun, SEP 7 - Radio 2 in the Park - Writtle, United Kingdom
Sat, OCT 11 -Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana - Gary, IN
SETLIST
Gods of War
(“Drastic Symphonies” version; countdown)
Pyromania Intro
Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
Rocket
Let's Get Rocked
Foolin'
Armageddon It
(shortened ending version)
Animal
Love Bites
Just Like '73
Let It Go
Die Hard the Hunter
(with no second verse/chorus)
This Guitar
(acoustic/electric version)
Two Steps Behind
(acoustic - full band)
Bringin' On the Heartbreak
Switch 625
Rock of Ages
Photograph
Encore:
Hysteria
Pour Some Sugar on Me
Stand by Me
(Ben E. King song) (Def Leppard version)
Review and Photography by: Bob Linneman