Def Leppard and Motley Crue are two of the biggest bands to come out of the 1980s hard rock/heavy metal scene. This summer, they are embarking on a massive stadium tour together that will see them hit major venues across the UK and Ireland. Support acts can make or break a concert, so who Def Leppard and Motley Crue choose to bring on tour with them will be crucial to setting the tone and getting the crowd pumped up. There has been much speculation among British rock fans regarding who will be tapped as the coveted opening bands for the upcoming UK dates. Here, we break down the leading contenders to provide supporting performances on what is sure to be an unforgettable tour for fans of 80s rock.
Frontrunners for the Supporting Slots
There are a few names that stand out as likely options to open the shows on Def Leppard and Motley Crue’s UK tour legs:
- The Darkness
- Thunder
- Saxon
- FM
These bands seem like strong possibilities based on their musical styles, previous touring histories, continued activity, and fanbase overlap with the two headliners. Let’s take a closer look at each to see why they could find themselves performing concise 30-45 minute sets to kick off the festivities this summer.
The Darkness
The Darkness burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a retro-tinged classic rock sound that hearkened back to the exact era Def Leppard and Motley Crue rose to prominence. Powered by Justin Hawkins’ stratospheric falsetto, the band scored several hits including “I Believe In a Thing Called Love” and won the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Rock Act. Though their star dimmed for a period, The Darkness have continued to record and tour regularly over the past decade. Their engaging and entertaining live show, connections to the headliners’ 80s heyday, and solid following among UK rock fans make The Darkness a smart choice for getting the crowds riled up to start the night.
Thunder
Veteran hard rock outfit Thunder rode the wave of the early 90s rock revival to achieve success throughout that decade. Known for fist pumping anthems like “Love Walked In” and “Dirty Love,” Thunder have continued to tour small clubs and larger venues consistently over the past 30 years. Though they may lack the commercial peaks of the two headliners, Thunder’s dedicated fanbase, relentless touring ethic, and blue collar rock vibe position them well to warm up audiences hungry for classic 80s metal. Their profile and sound seem a natural fit for the supporting duties.
Saxon
Saxon stand tall among the luminaries of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement that exploded in the late 70s and early 80s. While Saxon did not reach the heights of compatriots like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, they have maintained a consistently solid presence ever since behind Biff Byford’s gritty vocals and a twin guitar attack. Saxon have continued to release albums and tour regularly, including a recent 40th anniversary tour. Their pedigree and influence during the formative years of Def Leppard and Motley Crue’s careers make Saxon an intriguing prospect to bring aboard as an opening act. They would provide an authentic connection to the early days of the scene the two headliners rose out of.
FM
Somewhat lesser known but also potential contenders are FM, a melodic hard rock band that formed in the late 70s and scored their biggest success in the mid-to-late 80s. Behind the vocals of Steve Overland, they landed a handful of hits like “Frozen Heart” and “Bad Luck.” FM are still actively gigging today, Overland remains an expressive frontman, and their pop-tinged take on melodic hard rock seems suited for warming up the arena crowds. Songs like “That Girl” and “Burning My Heart Down” would provide catchy, fist-pumping primers for the Main Event of Def Leppard and Motley Crue. FM may offer an outside the box supporting choice that could connect well.
Wildcard Possibilities
Beyond the odds-on favorites, there are a few wildcard options that might capture opening slot(s) to provide exposure for promising up-and-coming bands:
- The Last Internationale
- Broken Witt Rebels
- Massive Wagons
- Dirty Thrills
- Stone Broken
These bands represent some of the more buzzed about emerging groups on the UK rock scene. They vary from hard rock to bluesy rock to metal but all offer youthful energy and have garnered critical praise. Offering a crucial platform for an emerging band like these could pay dividends by endearing Def Leppard and Motley Crue to younger audiences. There is a chance promoters roll the dice on one having a breakout moment after playing the coveted support slot.
Conclusion
Only time will tell exactly who secures the opening act roles for Def Leppard and Motley Crue’s highly anticipated UK tour this summer. The smart money seems on established veterans The Darkness, Thunder, or Saxon getting the nod based on their proficiency, strong followings, and musical connections to the headliners. However, the potential for exposing developing talents like The Last Internationale or Massive Wagons also exists. One thing is certain – the bands chosen will receive massive exposure, and have the massive responsibility of starting the show off on the right foot. Judging by the buzz already swirling around the tour, fans can count on Def Leppard and Motley Crue delivering terrific shows after 30+ years of performing experience. Their support acts will need to bring fiery, energetic performances of their own to keep pace on what is sure to be an historic night of rock and roll when the tour kicks off this June.
Potential Supporting Act | Background | Style | Best Supporting Credential |
---|---|---|---|
The Darkness | 2000s retro rockers with hits like “I Believe In a Thing Called Love” | Classic hard rock | Authentic 80s-influenced sound |
Thunder | Veteran bluesy hard rock band active since late 80s | Bluesy hard rock | Extensive live experience |
Saxon | Pioneers of New Wave of British Heavy Metal | Heavy metal | Historical significance |
FM | Melodic rock band founded in late 70s | Melodic hard rock | Catchy hits |
The Last Internationale | Recent critically praised blues rock trio | Blues rock | Buzzed about developing act |
Broken Witt Rebels | Emerging bluesy hard rock group | Blues rock | Up-and-coming excitement |
The upcoming Def Leppard/Motley Crue UK tour is poised to be one of the most celebrated rock events of 2023. As their supporting acts will play a key role in setting the stage each night, the choices will be crucial. The ideal openers will stoke crowd energy and channel the spirit of the unforgettable 80s hard rock era. While the official selections have yet to be unveiled, several seasoned veterans and promising newcomers seem primed as strong options for the coveted slots based on musical style, background, and concert credentials. One thing is for certain – the bands tapped for supporting duties will provide a vital supporting role in ensuring a legendary night of rock for the ages transpires when these giants reunite on UK stages this June.
Key Takeaways
- Def Leppard and Motley Crue are embarking on a major UK/Ireland stadium tour in summer 2023 and the opening acts selected will be critical.
- Leading contenders for supporting slots include veterans The Darkness, Thunder, and Saxon based on their styles, follower bases, and ties back to the 80s hard rock scene.
- Emerging acts like The Last Internationale or Massive Wagons are possible wildcard options to provide exposure for new bands.
- Whoever is chosen will play a key role energizing crowds and setting the tone for the headliners’ hugely anticipated sets.
- Fans can count on an unforgettable evening of classic 80s hard rock and metal whoever ultimately ends up securing the coveted supporting spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is most likely to open for Def Leppard and Motley Crue on the UK tour?
Based on their active status, fan crossover, and connections back to the headliners’ 80s heyday, the favorites look to be The Darkness, Thunder, or Saxon. All three could provide strong opening sets highlighting retro-tinged hard rock and metal.
Will any new or emerging bands get to open the shows?
There is a chance that up-and-coming groups like The Last Internationale, Broken Witt Rebels, or Massive Wagons get a shot at opening. This would provide helpful exposure for these developing acts early in their careers.
How long will the opening acts likely perform?
Most supporting slots of this nature run 30-45 minutes. This allows time for about 5-8 songs to warm up the audience without taking the spotlight too much from the heavyweight headliners slated for full sets.
What kinds of songs will the openers play?
Uptempo, high-energy cuts designed to get the crowd pumped up and excited for the main attractions will likely dominate the supporting sets. Big riffs, fist-pumping choruses, and soaring vocals can be expected.
How will the openers reflect the headliners’ 80s roots?
Veteran acts like Saxon and Thunder emerged in the same era and can link back to it directly through their music. Retro-influenced bands like The Darkness will also channel the 80s hard rock spirit in their sound and visual presentation.