IN REVIEW
DEF LEPPARD
"Diamond Star Heroes - Live In Sheffield"
“This release captures Def Leppard doing what they do best, in the place that shaped them, and reminds us they’re far from finished yet.”
There is something undeniably powerful about watching a band return to the place where it all began, and 'Diamond Star Heroes: Live From Sheffield' captures that spark from Def Leppard that still burns strong after all this time. Recorded in May 2023 at Bramall Lane during their co-headline run with Mötley Crüe, the album’s entire atmosphere is something that you can really feel when you hear the fans cheering. Thats forty thousand fans, decades of history, and a setlist full to the brim of rock goodness, it all comes together in an epic release that feels suitably celebratory.
The band sound sharp from the opening moments of 'Take What You Want', a track making its UK live debut here. It fits in comfortably alongside long loved favourites like 'Animal', 'Foolin’', 'Love Bites' and the still untouchable 'Photograph'. The performance has that familiar stadium weightiness behind it, full of personality, and you can hear just how much the home crowd lifts the band throughout.
The emotions understandably run high throughout the band's rendition of 'This Guitar', dedicated to the late Steve Clark. It is a thoughtful inclusion and a moment that grounds the show in the band’s legacy as much as the city they grew up in. Elsewhere, the run from 'Rocket' through 'Switch 625' and 'Hysteria' proves why Def Leppard’s live reputation has endured for nearly five decades, packed full of big choruses, big production, all from a band who still know exactly how to work a crowd.
The band sound sharp from the opening moments of 'Take What You Want', a track making its UK live debut here. It fits in comfortably alongside long loved favourites like 'Animal', 'Foolin’', 'Love Bites' and the still untouchable 'Photograph'. The performance has that familiar stadium weightiness behind it, full of personality, and you can hear just how much the home crowd lifts the band throughout.
The emotions understandably run high throughout the band's rendition of 'This Guitar', dedicated to the late Steve Clark. It is a thoughtful inclusion and a moment that grounds the show in the band’s legacy as much as the city they grew up in. Elsewhere, the run from 'Rocket' through 'Switch 625' and 'Hysteria' proves why Def Leppard’s live reputation has endured for nearly five decades, packed full of big choruses, big production, all from a band who still know exactly how to work a crowd.
Credit Ryan Sebastyan
The various formats give fans plenty to dig into. The 2LP option, pressed on red, white and black splatter in a nod to Sheffield United, is a nice touch for collectors, while the Blu-ray captures the scale of the performance. The 4K UHD release is particularly notable, marking the band’s first foray into the format and bundling in One Night Only: Live at The Leadmill, an intimate 900-capacity show recorded on the eve of the tour. It’s a sharp contrast to the stadium set, highlighting another side of the band with rarities and deep cuts spanning their entire catalogue.
Diamond Star Heroes is, ultimately, a well earned celebration of a band returning home. It celebrates a career that continues to evolve, and of the songs that built their legacy in the first place. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering them through more recent work like 'Diamond Star Halos', this release captures Def Leppard doing what they do best, in the place that shaped them. It’s a fitting tribute to where they came from, and a reminder that they’re far from finished yet.
Diamond Star Heroes is, ultimately, a well earned celebration of a band returning home. It celebrates a career that continues to evolve, and of the songs that built their legacy in the first place. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering them through more recent work like 'Diamond Star Halos', this release captures Def Leppard doing what they do best, in the place that shaped them. It’s a fitting tribute to where they came from, and a reminder that they’re far from finished yet.
Credit Ryan Sebastyan
Def Leppard 'Diamond Star Heroes Live From Sheffield' is released on 21st of November, you can pre-order your copy now by clicking here.
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