Simon Rushworth
Who better to headline Download 2009’s Classic Rock Sunday than the mightiest of NWOBHM pioneers Def Leppard? Mixing Sheffield steel with Hollywood glitz the multi-million selling Brits are experiencing a well-deserved renaissance on the back of return-to-form Songs From The Sparkle Lounge and a series of blistering live shows.
This summer’s key festival date should be no different with Joe and the boys desperate to prove their credentials to a Download crowd bound to include potentail new recruits and hardened sceptics alike. But before you make your mind up on Download 2009’s festival closers here’s what you need to know about the Lepps.
Name: Def Leppard
Formed: 1977
Home town: Sheffield
Essential track: Animal (1987)
Essential album: Pyromania (1983)
Secret weapon: John ‘Mutt’ Lange, producer of the band’s biggest-selling records.
Achilles heel: Tragedies. Drummer Rick Allen lost an arm in a car smash and guitarist Steve Clarke died alone in his flat after a battle with drink and drugs.
Why Download: Why not? Leppard are back among rock’s big boys after years of huge grossing tours across the US and they’re ready to teach the young kids a thing or two.
Live Rating: 8/10 Uber-professional, hugely passionate.