On April 20, 2024, the legendary Rockfest took place at the Ottakringer Brewery. DEF CR\u00dcE rocked the Blue Floor. As Sally Simpson from Tommy\/THE WHO would say: “…the crowd went crazy as DEF CR\u00dcE hit the stage\u2026!!!” Yes, and then the DEF CR\u00dcE boys set off a fireworks display of Bad Ass Hard Rock Hits.
\nThe 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 CR\u00dcE is all about. DEF CR\u00dcE is not a nod to DEF LEPPARD and M\u00d6TLEY CR\u00dcE nor does it intend to establish any connection to a tribute band. Only the \u00dc in CR\u00dcE is meant to evoke a bit of M\u00d6TLEY CR\u00dcE and the Hair Metal era. An amusing anecdote in this context is that DEF LEPPARD and M\u00d6TLEY CR\u00dcE named their plane DEF CR\u00dcE 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 M\u00d6TLEY CR\u00dcE and rock out properly.
\nSpeaking 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 CR\u00dcE boys were also supported by Melanie KOHOUT. Helene and Melanie delivered a sensational version of the THUNDERMOTHER hit “Driving In Style” as lead vocals.
\nA surprising and enthusiastically received update for the fans were three current hits that one wouldn’t expect from DEF CR\u00dcE. 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 \u201cPituli\u201d was awesome! He literally hammered the Bad Ass pieces through the set with pressure and power.
\nBefore the encore, there were still songs from METALLICA\/Enter Sandman, WHITESNAKE\/Fool For Your Loving, TWISTED SISTER\/We\u2019re Not Gonna Take It, and several more classics.
\nThe 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.
\nFinal summary: Insane gig with a Bad Ass authenticity certificate! …and definitely worth watching and listening to!!!
\nText: Michel Jaeger\/ROLLING BONES MAGAZINE<\/p>\n
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