My mother and my aunt (mom’s sister) took me to my very first concert when I was twelve years old: it was Journey and Def Leppard.
I mean besides the lack of teeth and bearded men at the show, experiencing a live rock show as your first concert is pretty memorable. I think one of the most unforgettable moments of that day was when I kept asking my mother what that strange smell was throughout the concert. Mom informed me it was Mary-J years later. Needless to say, my mother did find it humorous though how much I loved the bands. I guess not too many twelve-year-old kids listen to ’80s rock.
Anyway since then, my love for rock music and Def Leppard, in general, has continued to grow as the years have gone by. That is why when I heard a few months ago that Def Leppard was coming to Charlotte…well, I just needed to go.
After practically begging my boss to let me go to the Def Leppard concert for the past two weeks, which he found rather amusing, I was finally granted one of my many dreams come true and given two lawn tickets to see Def Leppard, Tesla, and Styx on their 2015 tour here in Charlotte. (Again, I love rock music) So, I put on my acid-washed romper and added a can of hairspray to my hair, dragged my longtime friend with me, then headed to the show.
Once we got there, needless to say, it was intense. There were over 3,000 people that showed up to this thing; because nearly everyone was packed into the pavilion like a bunch of sardines. The crowd was doubtfully ready for the show; with plenty of beer, beards, and cut-off tees to make even Joe Dirt look bad. I highly enjoyed being able to see Styx as the second lineup of the show. (I mean how many 21-year-old kids can say they saw Styx in concert?) They played the infamous song “Come to Sail Away” along with some “Bohemian Rhapsody” in tribute to good old Queen.
Def Leppard played a great setlist as well; with some of my favorites “Love Bites” and “Photograph” as an encore song. They showed some power throughout the show, with the song “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” in full blast. It was funny actually because you could see the older attendees in the crowd taking a nostalgic trip as they all sang every single word to each song being played.
People watching was definitely at an ultimate high yesterday; making it an even better concert experience. I do however despise when people start getting ‘stupid drunk’ at events like this because that’s when the fights start and people become just downright rude. Last night I got to witness some man yell at the guy in front of us that there was no pushing when he mistakenly thought the man pushed him…but he was just too drunk that he didn’t notice he fell on his own. Very sad, but sadly true. Overall, though, the concert brought back some great memories and was a perfect end to my Tuesday night. (Yes the concert was on a Tuesday, weird I know)
The 48-date tour will be running through October 4th in Bismarck, North Dakota; so remember…if you love some good old rock music as I do…get your tickets fast! Thank you, Def Leppard, for bringing back some great memories and allowing me to make some new ones! DEF LEPPARD RULES!
With Love,
Lex Paige
