On May 22, 2023, more than 40,000 adoring fans packed Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England, for a triumphant homecoming concert by Def Leppard. The show was the band’s second-ever stadium concert in their hometown in their then 47-year history and the group did not disappoint, delivering hit after hit, as well as new songs from Diamond Star Halos. The band filmed the show and it makes up the Blu-ray/2-CD set Def Leppard: Diamond Star Heroes – Live from Sheffield.
Buy Def Leppard: Diamond Star Heroes – Live from SheffieldThe group opens with the strong “Take What You Want” from Diamond Star Halos, reminding fans that the band can still rock hard when it wants to. The song would not be out of place on earlier albums such as High ‘n’ Dry or Pyromania and showcases some tasty guitar interplay between Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen. The big, full sound on the Blu-ray is evident from the start, as is the response from the adoring crowd. Clad in a Union Jack-inspired jacket, Joe Elliott is in fine form throughout though it takes him a couple songs to really get his voice going.
From here, the band trots out four massive hits in a row, starting with 1992’s “Let’s Get Rocked,” with the crowd singing along to every word. “Animal” follows and, flanked by giant screens with images that enhance the song, it is here that Elliott finds his vocal groove. Campbell and Elliott open the classic “Foolin’,” which nearly brings at least one fan in the crowd to tears. These are difficult songs to sing and the band nails all the tricky harmonies in note-perfect renditions. This is evident on “Armageddon It” in particular.
In recent years, the band has been more willing to diversify their sound and pay tribute to their heroes, particularly those of the glam-rock era. “Kick” is one of those such songs, sounding heavily influenced by the likes of David Bowie and T. Rex while showcasing a bluesy lead from Collen with killer harmonies and a big groove.
The band slows down the pace for a short acoustic set including a poignant “This Guitar” and “When Love and Hate Collide,” with the former dedicated to late guitarist Steve Clark and his mother, who was in attendance. From here, it is nothing but hits to close out the show, with the highlight being “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” leading into the instrumental “Switch 625,” which finds Campbell and Collen at the head of the stage trading leads. If there is a beef with this show, it is that this is the one somewhat deep cut the group plays. Aside from the few new songs, it is all the radio hits, and there are many. It is a good problem to have, having so many popular songs that you can’t possibly play them all, but something like ‘Wasted” would have been a nice treat for the hometown crowd.
“Rock of Ages” and “Photograph” close the show in customary fashion, with the band offering potent versions of both and the crowd singing in unison. As the end credits roll, with the band having conquered their hometown, footage of the crowd leaving and the stage tear down graces the screen.
The show runs 17 songs and about 89 minutes. The video is presented in 1080i HD 16×9 and looks fantastic, with crystal clear images. The audio is big and powerful with a strong bass response. Audio options include LPCM Stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos. There are no additional bonus features on the set.
Nearly 50 years into their careers, Def Leppard remain a strong live act that clearly loves what they do. On Diamond Star Heroes – Live from Sheffield, the band proves you really can go home again.
