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Live at Yaamava’ Theater
August 28th, 2025 Review by Christina Sanchez
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Wednesday night than watching Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Def Leppard, rock the Yaamava’ Theater in Highland.
The summer heat in Highland was sweltering hot, but it didn’t compare to the fire Def Leppard brought to the stage that night. The energy of the crowd was electric, and Def Leppard delivered musical perfection on every song.
August 22nd, 2025
With a career in the music industry spanning over 40 years, the rock icons from Sheffield, England remain a household name through the generations. They have two of the biggest rock albums in history – “Hysteria” and “Pyromania.” Those albums were very well represented by t-shirts on audience members, but there was a sea of generic Def Leppard shirts as well, showing this crowd was truly ready for the rock show.
As for me, I fell in love with DL as a teenager and I was just as excited to see them now as a 46-year-old mom. I can attest that their music has withstood the test of time and transcends any barrier Father Time can put on any band. If “Photograph” or “Pour Some Sugar on Me” starts playing on the radio, I – and millions of fans worldwide – turn up the volume without fail.
In the shadows of the unreal casino known as Yaamava’ is the kick-ass concert venue, Yaamava’ Theater. For this show, there wasn’t any opening act, just the main event: Def Leppard.
In speaking with fans as they rolled in, they were all very, very happy that there was no opener – get to the main event! Everyone was paying attention to the countdown clock on each side of the stage and when it hit zero… that place erupted!
Def Leppard burst onto the stage, kicking things off with “Rock! Rock! (Til You Drop).”
The sold-out crowd was cheering and jumped to their feet, a sea of cell phones in their hands. What followed was a set of 18 classic hits that everyone knew every single word to.
Def Leppard has had so many chart-topping singles over the years, and they rocked them all: “Rocket,” “Let’s Get Rocked,” “Foolin,’” “Armageddon It,” and “Animal” had the crowd going.
They slowed things down for an incredible singalong to “Love Bites” and did acoustic versions of “This Guitar” and “Two Steps Behind.” Lead guitarist Phil Collen made sure the room was ready to get amped. He made sure of that for “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” and “Switch 625,” it was insane for the last four songs of the show.
Def Leppard finished their main set with mega-Hits “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph. In unison everyone was on their feet screaming out every word to each song. It’s amazing how certain bands can turn adults into teenagers again, even for a brief moment.
The ovation they received as they left the stage was so loud, everyone knew they would be coaxed back for an encore. Equal to the crowd’s efforts, everyone was freaking out when the silhouettes of the band appeared on stage. Then, the crowd was launched into overdrive to “Hysteria” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
I may be a little bias, but it’s this reporter’s opinion that Def Leppard is just as phenomenal now as the day they started out.
Legendary one-armed drummer, Rick Allen, looked like a kid in a candy store with a smile plastered across his face for the entire performance.
It was easy to see drumming is, and has always been, his passion and he is grateful for the opportunity to still be doing what he loves.
As for lead singer Joe Elliot, he was in the zone. Not sure what was in his water, but he had a spring in his step and was animated throughout the show. Even at the end, he seemed to have more energy than when the show started.
Rick Savage was shredding on bass, and with the guitar legends Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, Def Leppard did not disappoint. The entire band looked strong and healthy, I suspect they will be showing off for us for years to come.
In fact, at the end of the show, Joe Elliott promised to see everyone next time and that there WILL be a next time.
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