Def Leppard and Journey Rock Comerica Park for 35,000 Fans in Detroit

Comerica Park was buzzing with ‘80s rock energy as approximately 35,000 fans flooded into the Detroit ballpark on Thursday night. They came for a powerhouse doubleheader featuring Def Leppard and Journey.

The dynamic duo, both giants of their era, were joined by another legend of rock radio, the Steve Miller Band. Together, they delivered a long, spirited evening packed with musical variety on a warm summer night in downtown Detroit.

Detroit marked the fifth stop on Def Leppard and Journey’s Summer Stadium Tour. Despite being early in the tour, the performance ran smoothly, which is expected given the extensive touring histories of the two co-headliners.

Def Leppard closed the night with a meticulously crafted 1½-hour set of Union Jack-emblazoned hard rock. Their signature sound, a rich blend of vocal harmonies, piercing guitars, and catchy pop hooks, is designed for large venues like Comerica Park. The vibrant visual show on the centerfield stage enhanced the performance.

Joe Elliott, the band’s lead vocalist, now sports a distinguished white mane. He led the performance alongside fellow vocalists Phil Collen (guitar), Vivian Campbell (guitar), and Rick Savage (bass), with drummer Rick Allen providing his usual cheerful and powerful rhythm from behind the kit.

This concert featured more tracks from the band’s 1983 album “Pyromania” than their previous Comerica Park visit in 2022. They kicked off with the fiery “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop).” The nostalgia trip continued with tracks like “Foolin’” and the deep cut “Comin’ Under Fire,” which has never been performed live until this tour. The regular set concluded with the hits “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph.”

Popular tracks from their 1987 album “Hysteria” were also part of the setlist. Chart-toppers like “Armageddon It,” “Animal,” and “Love Bites” delighted the crowd. “Hysteria” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” were saved for the encore, adding to the night’s excitement.

Among the classic hits, the band included a new track, “Just Like ’73,” which pays homage to their formative musical years. Elliott also played a quick riff of Kiss’s “Detroit Rock City” during an acoustic session at the stage’s edge.

Journey also put on a polished, hit-filled performance, highlighted by guitarist Neal Schon’s expressive playing and Jonathan Cain’s cinematic keyboard work. Cain occasionally switched to rhythm guitar for songs like “Keep on Runnin’.”

Arnel Pineda, Journey’s frontman for the past sixteen years, exuded professionalism as he energetically worked the stage in a bright blue suit. At 56, his vocal performance remained impressive, though signs of wear appeared toward the end of the 90-minute set.

Before performing “Faithfully,” Cain dedicated the song to members of the armed forces, calling it a musical prayer. Journey’s set was packed with hits like the ballads “Open Arms,” the midtempo “Only the Young,” and rockers like “Wheel in the Sky.” An extended jam of “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” had the crowd swaying and joining in with the chorus. “Lights” saw a stadium filled with glowing cell phones and even some old-fashioned lighters.

The set closed with “Don’t Stop Believin’,” launched by Cain’s distinct keyboard riff. Sure enough, the crowd erupted as they sang the iconic “born and raised in south Detroit !”

The Steve Miller Band opened the night with a lively 55-minute set, featuring hits that date back to Miller’s late-’60s breakout with “Living in the U.S.A.” The set also included fan favorites like “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Take the Money and Run,” and “Jet Airliner.”

Before performing 1977’s “Serenade,” Miller made a dedication to Detroit’s own Eminem. The rapper recently enjoyed chart-topping success with his single “Houdini,” which features a sample from Miller’s 1982 hit “Abracadabra.” Miller noted the global success of both tracks.

The Summer Stadium Tour continues through September. Fans in other cities should note that in Detroit, the Steve Miller Band started promptly at 6 p.m., followed by Journey at 7:30 p.m., and Def Leppard at 9:30 p.m.

Source: Detroit Free Press, Particle News