Def Leppard’s own Vivian Campbell is on tour with Last In Line, promoting their Heavy Crown release. They are support with Saxon, but delivered a killer set.
HEAVY CROWN
Last in Line is a British rock band formed not too long ago by the former members of Dio’s original line-up. The band’s name actually comes from the 1984 Dio album The Last in Line. My introduction came from Def Leppard reposting the single earlier this year, and I loved it! Def Leppard’s (and ex-Whitesnake) guitarist Vivian Campbell plays guitar in this band of highly accomplished musicians. Andrew Freeman is on vocals and has an absolute killer voice! Phil Soussan sounds incredible on the bass and the band is completed by Vinnie Appice. An absolute all-star band.
Unfortunately due to the passing of bassist Jimmy Bain earlier this year I was never able to see him play live. However, Phil did a great job!
GIRLSCHOOL & SAXON
You can hate me all you want, but I honestly didn’t come to the Saxon show. For me, this concert was about Last In Line, as I love the album. That said, let’s talk about these bands as well!
Girlschool was the first support and features four hard-rocking ladies. Formed back in 1978, the band became part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. Honestly, I think a nice way of seeing this band is as a female Motörhead, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. The band is the longest-running all-female rock band that gained commercial success in the ’80s.
They were rocking hard and brought a lot of energy, and I enjoyed seeing them live. Come the Revolution especially sounded awesome!
Saxon was the headliner of this concert. But I have to admit that I wasn’t very familiar with their work before this show. However, they’re another British classic heavy metal band, formed in 1975, and part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement that took the world by storm in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Their influence on the genre is undeniable. Alongside bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, they helped to shape the future of heavy metal.
I didn’t come to the show for them, but their powerful stage presence quickly won me over. Biff Byford’s commanding vocals and Paul Quinn’s guitar work stood out immediately. Songs like Wheels of Steel and Denim and Leather had the crowd roaring, and I could see why Saxon has such a loyal fanbase. By the end of their set, I had a newfound appreciation for their music. While I might not have been a fan coming in, I certainly left with a deeper respect for their legacy.
