Def Leppard’s In The Round In Your Face Live – A Laser Disc Gem That Still Kicks Butt (1989)
Alright, buckle up, rock fans. We’re diving into Def Leppard’s In The Round In Your Face Live, a laser disc release from 1989 that screams glam and hard rock louder than your neighbor’s car stereo at 3 AM. Released in Japan under PolyGram, this live album is like a time capsule of big hair, bigger riffs, and the kind of energy that makes you want to smash something (preferably not your TV).
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just another live album. It’s a full-blown spectacle. Picture this—Def Leppard performing in the round, surrounded by a sea of screaming fans, while lasers and pyro turn the venue into what feels like a heavy metal spaceship. Tracks like “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Photograph” are instant crowd-pleasers, but let me tell ya, there are two tracks that really stuck with me after all these years.
First up, “Animal.” Oh man, this song hits like a freight train. When Joe Elliott belts out those opening lines, it’s impossible not to fist-pump like a total dork. The way the band cranks up the energy live is unreal—it’s like they’re daring you to sit still. Spoiler alert: you won’t. And when the chorus kicks in? Forget about it. You’ll be shouting “ANIMAL!” at the top of your lungs, scaring your cat and possibly your neighbors.
Then there’s “Hysteria.” This track is pure magic. It starts off slow and sultry, like a rock ‘n’ roll seduction, before exploding into a frenzy of drums and guitar solos. Rick Allen’s drumming deserves a standing ovation here—he’s got one arm but plays like he’s got ten. By the time the final notes ring out, you’re left breathless, wondering how they pulled it off without setting the stage on fire.
Now, let’s talk about the rest of the tracklist for a sec. With bangers like “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop),” “Foolin’,” and “Die Hard The Hunter,” this album is basically a masterclass in how to keep a crowd hyped. Even slower tunes like “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” get the live treatment, proving that Def Leppard knows how to balance raw power with emotional depth.
But here’s the kicker: this album came out in 1989, back when laser discs were the future—or so we thought. Watching it now feels like stepping into a retro sci-fi movie where everyone wears spandex and eyeliner. And honestly? That’s part of its charm.
So, what’s the verdict? In The Round In Your Face Live is more than just a concert recording—it’s a wild ride through Def Leppard’s golden era. Sure, some of the visuals might feel dated, but the music? Timeless. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be front row at a Def Leppard show in the ‘80s, this is as close as you’ll get without inventing a time machine.
Final thought: I’m just glad they didn’t name this album Laser Cats Attack Tokyo. Though, honestly, that might’ve sold even better.
