There’s a cost of living crisis. People can’t afford tickets to big shows. Tours are getting  downsized and cancelled. That’s a reality for both grass roots and arena bands, but its a memo that Def Leppard clearly didn’t get because tonight a smidge under 16,000 people have descended upon Birmingham’s BP Pulse Arena (that’s how the NEC is currently known) for a sold out show which when adding Extreme to the bill makes for one of this Summer’s hot rock tickets.

Almost a year to the day since Nuno Bettencourt was in Birmingham wowing fans with his contribution to Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning he’s back with his own band, and, unlike many supports, Extreme take to the stage to a full house and ‘Decadence Dance’ gets things started with a bang. With the huge back drop screen displaying a re-imagined scene from the cover of Pornograffiti, and some choice lighting, we’re certainly not being short changed on production. A lithe and energetic Gary Cherone seems to have flexible parts more commonly afforded to people 40 years younger as he sqauats and splits through a glorious ‘#Rebel’ and ‘Rest In Peace’. Bettencourt’s talent and dexterity is showcased on ‘Midnight Express’ which sits between those two ballads that were inescapable in the early 90’s; ‘Hole Hearted’ and ‘More Than Words’ both of which are rapturously received as part of an acoustic section.

Pat Badger’s unmistakable bass intro to ‘Get The Funk Out’ would seemingly be the obvious choice to end on and it’s brilliant, but the addition of the excellent ‘Rise’ from most recent album Six makes the point that there’s plenty more to Extreme with the present being just as good as the past. They then close off their set with a tribute to Ozzy with a medley of classics; ‘I Don’t Know’, ‘Bark At The Moon’, ‘Crazy Train’ and a snippet of ‘Iron Man’ round off an exceptional 60 minute set.

Def Leppard are currently in the process of recording their 13th studio album and choose to open the show with one of their new songs; ‘Rejoice’ was unleashed at the start of the year and sees Leppard hitting their typically unhurried groove, strong on the vocal harmonies. It starts with the band framed within a triangular lighting rig and as the song smoulders, the pyramid transforms opening up the full stage with the band uncaged for a roaring ‘Animal’ immediately taking us back, scarily, now 39 years. Of all the hits on Hysteria, this always stood out and has aged well, sounding as fresh and vital as it was in 1987.

If there’s a song to follow ‘Animal’ then ‘Let’s Get Rocked’ is the one to do it and if there wasn’t anyone already in that 80’s party vibe this was the one to get them there. After a cover of Depeche Mode’s ‘Personal Jesus’ they take things back to High and Dry with a bonafide classic in ‘Bringin’ On The Heartache’ and ‘Switch 625’. A mention must go to the  production which is key in elevating a great show in to a spectacle. The lighting is magnificent – exactly how you’d expect a rock band to be presented. The screen behind used to great effect without being overused and those small cameras on the stage tracking the band perfectly, unobtrusively and projecting them on to the big screens to make sure no one is missing the action wherever they are in the venue. ‘Rocket’ sounds immense; arena rock at its most exuberant.

While talking about being involved in the show, Elliot plays a masterstoke as he appears in one of the blocks of seating to stage right, singing directly to the seated fans for ‘Rock On’. Even though it may make the song drag a little, it makes for a special moment and any qualms are instantly dispelled with a tremendous deep cut of ‘White Lightning’. The band seem very at ease as Elliot and Savage talk about the formation of the band, and later Elliot will recall Leppard’s first visit to Birmingham when the played the Odeon supporting Sammy Hagar.

‘Slang’ sees the band welcome Nuno Bettencourt back on to the stage for a funky extended run through that incorporated James Brown’s ‘Get Up’ meanwhile Elliot was back into the crowd, this time doing a lap of the whole arena.

It’s a sign that things are starting to reach a conclusion with the final run in of the main set when power ballad ‘Love Bites’ and a monumental ‘Rock Of Ages’ hit. Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen then walk to the end of the runway to play the opening riff to ‘Photograph’ sending the crowd into a frenzy while the screens mix in images of both past and present. There’s going to be some fans nursing sore throats on Sunday.

Even though we’re at 90 minutes already the encore is inevitable. ‘When Love & Hate Collide’, ‘Hysteria’ and ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ round things off in style. Fabulous songs delivered with class and world class production, Def Leppard owned Birmingham tonight and rightly so. A big dose of nostalgia for some, but also a reminder of their relevance and the fact that they’re still masters of their art delivering worldbeating shows. Rock gigs don’t get much better than this.

Set List:
Rejoice
Animal
Let’s Get Rocked
Personal Jesus
Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
Switch 625
Just Like ’73
Rocket
Rock On
White Lightning
Slang
Promises
Armageddon It
Love Bites
Rock of Ages
Photograph

Encore:
When Love & Hate Collide
Hysteria
Pour Some Sugar on Me