On April 20, 2024, the legendary Rockfest took place at the Ottakringer Brewery. DEF CRÜE rocked the Blue Floor. As Sally Simpson from Tommy/THE WHO would say: “…the crowd went crazy as DEF CRÜE hit the stage…!!!” Yes, and then the DEF CRÜE boys set off a fireworks display of Bad Ass Hard Rock Hits.
The opener, “You Could Be Mine” by the GUNNERS, blasted directly into the ears and got the fans shouting along from the beginning of the gig… and then seamlessly transitioned to “Living After Midnight” by JUDAS PRIEST. The full hall was shaking. The setlist included real bangers like “Whiskey In The Jar,” naturally in the style of METALLICA, “Cum On Feel The Noize” in the QUIET RIOT version, played a bit harder. After the first few numbers, the killer rock voice Paul “Mr. Nice Guy” Venturini explained what the band name DEF CRÜE is all about. DEF CRÜE is not a nod to DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY CRÜE nor does it intend to establish any connection to a tribute band. Only the Ü in CRÜE is meant to evoke a bit of MÖTLEY CRÜE and the Hair Metal era. An amusing anecdote in this context is that DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY CRÜE named their plane DEF CRÜE during last year’s joint world tour. So, no tribute ambitions. However, since fans kept assuming that the band had something to do with these Hair Metal icons, some numbers were added to the set. This way, the crowd could enjoy classics like “Animal” by DEF LEPPARD and “Wild Side” as well as “Kickstart My Heart” by MÖTLEY CRÜE and rock out properly.
Speaking of “Animal,” the vocal performance by Paul “Mr. Nice Guy,” Alex “Djentleman Jack,” and “Captain” Fred McGuinness was simply outstanding, supported by top-notch background singer Helene REITERER. In addition to Helene, the DEF CRÜE boys were also supported by Melanie KOHOUT. Helene and Melanie delivered a sensational version of the THUNDERMOTHER hit “Driving In Style” as lead vocals.
A surprising and enthusiastically received update for the fans were three current hits that one wouldn’t expect from DEF CRÜE. But the Bad Ass style of the guys turned Ed SHEERAN’s “Blow” and ROYAL REPUBLIC’s “Baby” into the coolest Hard Rock material. “…and “Burn It To The Ground” by NICKELBACK is already Bad Bad Ass. The hard beat from Harry “Pituli” was awesome! He literally hammered the Bad Ass pieces through the set with pressure and power.
Before the encore, there were still songs from METALLICA/Enter Sandman, WHITESNAKE/Fool For Your Loving, TWISTED SISTER/We’re Not Gonna Take It, and several more classics.
The outstanding and powerful set was concluded with two encore numbers that, despite repetition, represent top classics: “JUMPING JACK FLASH” in a never-heard-before Hard Rock version and “FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT (TO PARTY)” by the BEASTIE BOYS.
Final summary: Insane gig with a Bad Ass authenticity certificate! …and definitely worth watching and listening to!!!
Text: Michel Jaeger/ROLLING BONES MAGAZINE
