Def Leppard and The Unband
Post-Gazette Pavilion at Starlake Amphitheater
Pittsburgh, PA August 12, 2000

The Unband

The Unband is Eugene Farrari (Drums), Matt Pierce (Guitar, Vocals), and Michael Ruffino (Bass, Vocals).  The trio made their major label debut on TVT Records with Retarder, recently scored a spot on the Scary Movie soundtrack (TVT) with a cover of Billy Squier's "Everybody Wants You," and are said to rock "like a b@stard jackhammer that forgot to take its Ritalin."  

     

Since their bio reads like a Mad Libbs word puzzle (no joke) it is difficult for TPRS.com to offer up much background on the band, but what we can tell you that their performance is all about energy and you are sure to be entertained.  They have recently toured with Fu Manchu, Motorhead, and Nashville Pussy, and are now supporting Def Leppard in the United States. 

The Unband plays off a high-voltage delivery of rock 'n roll ala AC/DC with strong vocals, great riffs, and a handful of odes to women, excess, and music as the familiar cliché goes.  Songs like "Geez Louise" and "Too Much is Never Enough" from their TVT release will get you singing along in no time, and if that fails, their cover of Billy Squier’s "Everybody Wants You" or (big surprise) AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" will help win you over by the end of the set.  

With a power chord punch, The Unband sets themselves apart from the growing seas of "experimental" and "alternative" offerings in mainstream rock.  If you are looking for raw rock 'n roll without the frills and with the attitude, look no further.  For more information on the band visit their record label's Web site at www.tvtrecords.com, and keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming band site.

Def Leppard

Def Leppard is one of the many bands that got huge in the eighties, experimented, and then came back to their roots.  Despite internal tragedy and external roadblocks, the band has always played on and remained successful.   Perhaps it is because they are one of the few leaders, who will always be in a league of their own, keeping company with bands like KISS, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC.  

                

Their latest release Euphoria (Mercury) was first tested out on crowds at festivals and state fairs last summer, and has now brought them full force into a summer tour at large amphitheaters and arena-sized shows.

Though Def Leppard has returned to the sound that earned them several top slots on the pop charts and released several singles,  many still haven't made it into their live set, namely "21^st Century Sha La La Girl" and "Goodbye."  And surprisingly the 1999 answer to "Pure Some Sugar on Me," "Demolition Man" has also been scratched from the list.  In their place are the surprise hit that started as a  b-side, "Paper Sun," and "Promises."  

                  

The big plus, however, is that the set list has really been revamped since their jaunt last summer, separating the band from those who are only playing greatest hits shows in hopes of keeping the audience's interest.  Their set now includes acoustic versions of "Two Steps Behind" and "Bringin' on the Heartbreak," as well as a few surprises from Hysteria, namely "Excitable" and "Gods of War." 

In addition, the band delivered most of the singles from Pyromania , Hysteria, and Adrenalize, including all the "rock" anthems:  "Rock of Ages," "Rocket," "Rock Rock (Till You Drop),"and "Let's Get Rocked."   

Other interruptions from the norm included a cover of Sweet's "Action" and a crowd-pleasing -energetic delivery of the sole survivor from the album that strayed, "Slang."

For more information about Def Leppard, visit their newly revamped Web site at www.defleppard.com.

Reviews and Photos by Kara Phillips

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