The Stadium Tour 2022

Sorry it’s been so long Friends!

Last week my son and I made the pilgrimage to Charlotte NC to see the Stadium Tour which consisted of Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison, and Joan Jett. It was two years in the making due to Covid, but we made it.

We got up early to knock out farm chores and then drove to Charlotte. We had VIP tickets so we needed to get there by 2pm, which we did. Once we parked we headed toward the Bank of America Stadium. We hit will call and got our tickets and then we snagged our lanyards and got the rapid covid test, thank God we were negative.

We enjoyed a little early perch access as we waited to go up for the Meet and Greet. Once we got up to the M&G area (530pm) we knew we may miss Joan Jett, but we could hear her, that was ok. As we waited in line we were able to see all kinds of Leppard decor and then I noticed drummer Rick Allen in the corner looking out the window.

 I was able to keep my excitement to a controllable level as we started to enter the M&G area. Joe went in first and I could hear him talking with the band. He told them how much he loved the High n Dry CD. Then it was my turn. I walked in and looked at my heroes and simply told them Thank you for a life time of memories and music. The band was super kind and Joe Elliott (singer) said nice hat as he noticed I was wearing his side band (Down n Outz) hat. The photo op went quick. We had to stand in front of them due to covid restrictions. Some were ticked, I was not. I know that Vivian Campbell (guitar) is batting Cancer so it’s always better safe than sorry.

After the M&G Joe and I raced to our seats. We got there just as Poison took the stage. Poison was absolutely amazing. This is the first time I had ever seen them live and they really put on an amazing show. Bret Micheals is a top notch front man, and I know this will not be the last time I see them.Song of the night: Unskinny Bop  

Next was Motley Crue. I can honestly say the band was good despite weak vocals. I have been a fan of Nikki Sixx more than I was the band so I was happy to see him live. Song of the night: Dr. Feelgood.

Then around 930pm it was time to see who Joe and I came to see, Def Leppard. They opened with their new song Take What you Want and had the crowd in their hands until the closed with Photograph. This was my 10th time seeing the band and it was so cool to see them with my son, who is named after the singer. Song of the night: Bringing on The Heartbreak

 There are very few things in life that still bring me instant joy, and Def Leppard is one of them. If you ever get a chance to see these guys.. do it.

Once the concert was over, we were Able to get out of Charlotte pretty easy. Once we got home it was clear that we would sleep pretty hard.

Thanks for reading and be looking for the full return of Championship Vinyl this weekend!