DEF LEPPARD/EXTREME - Glasgow

Def Leppard/Extreme

OVO Hydro, Glasgow

28th June 2026

Review - Michael Bruce

For me, this was the end of a long, busy week of gigs. Starting with Iron Maiden in Paris. I won’t dwell on that one too much, as we all know now, it got cut short, which put a dampener on what was already a sweltering trip. Next up was Alter Bridge in Dunfermline, then Metallica at Hampden, and finally Def Leppard rolled into the OVO Hydro to show exactly why they’re still one of rock’s most reliable, long-running live acts.

Opening was Extreme, and sure enough, the usual Hydro sound issues hit from where I was sitting — drums and guitar blaring out, everything a bit muddled. Still, frontman Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt served up all the hits we’d come for, plus a three-song tribute to Ozzy at the end. Throw in an acoustic solo from Nuno and his famous “bumblebee” electric spot, and it started to feel more like The Nuno Show than a proper support set. Even so, the band were on top form, and the packed arena made it clear just how much they’re still loved.  The crowd got into full voice when More Than Words was played.

Then came the main event and what we had all paid for. The Hydro was practically sold out with hardly an empty seat anywhere and from my seat the main floor looked packed.  Best of all, the sound was spot on and perfectly balanced from start to finish. It just shows that it is achievable in the Hydro given the right people.

Visually, it was far from your average rock show. Huge screens stretched across the stage, throwing up bright, sharp images that changed with every song,  bold graphics, retro animations, moody backdrops, and even old footage that matched the mood perfectly. The lighting rig was just as good, starting with a familiar Def Leppard triangle that eventually was raised from the floor up to the main rig during the first song.

The setlist wasn't going to be a surprise tonight, the big hits and favourites will be on show. Kicking off with newest song Rejoice, before they launched straight into Animal and Let’s Get Rocked, both had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs.

There were so many standout bits. Their take on Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus got a heavier, rockier edge that suited them down to the ground. Bringin’ On the Heartbreak followed by the instrumental Switch 625 showed off just how strong their melodic side is, while Rocket came alive with more visuals and that big layered sound everyone knows.

Joe Elliott stepped right off the stage and walked out into the seated crowd to perform Rock On, something that he started doing back in their Vegas residency. It brought him right up close with fans who never usually get that near, and surrounded by cheers. The woman behind him at this point was clearly seen on the screen gasping with her mouth wide open, clearly loving every second.

Slang was another favourite not played very often until recently and reworked with little snippets of James Brown’s Get Up Offa That Thing and David Bowie’s Fame woven right in. Promises opened with a vocal intro before building into its full power, a timely reminder that these guys can actually sing, no trickery needed. Almost felt like a quiet “stick it in yer pipe” to anyone who ever doubted them.

The final stretch of songs brought the house down: Armageddon It, the big ballad Love Bites, and the classic one-two punch of Rock of Ages and Photograph had everyone on their feet, yelling every word.

After the main set, they came back for a three-song encore, wrapping up with the money maker Pour Some Sugar On Me. The band took their bows and Joe told us once again “Don’t forget us and we won’t forget you”, promising to come back.

One thing that stood out all night was how many phones were held up to film every second, something my friend and a few others were talking about as we left. Having just been to a phone-free show, it felt like such a distraction. Maybe it’s time more venues and bands considered banning them, when you’re not looking through a screen, you enjoy the night so much more.

There was no question that Def Leppard delivered another brilliant show and sounding better than ever, Glasgow lapped up every minute.

Setlist

Rejoice

Animal

Let's Get Rocked

Personal Jesus

Bringin' On The Heartbreak

Switch 625

Just Like '73

Rocket

Rock On/Rick Savage Bass Intro

White Lightning/Phil Collen/Vivian Campbell Guitar Intro

Slang/Get Up Offa That Thing (By James Brown/Fame by David Bowie)

Promises (With A cappella Vocal Intro)

Armageddon It

Love Bites

Rock of Ages

Photograph

When Love & Hate Collide

Hysteria/Bass Intro/Extended Outro

Pour Some Sugar On Me