Hysteria strikes Independence
Get ready for Def Leppard, as delivered by Hysteria, a Seattle-based tribute band. Friday’s show at Riverview Park in Independence begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, with children 10 and under free. Band members are from left to right: Marco Lago (Rick Savage, bass), Dan Kehoe (Steve Clark, guitar), Shawn Worra (Joe Elliott, vocals), Doug Cisler (Phil Collen, guitar) and Vance Nurkala (Rick Allen, drums). Submitted photo by Anita Koontz.
Who is Hysteria?
Shawn Worra (Joe Elliott, vocals), Doug Cisler (Phil Collen, guitar), Dan Kehoe (Steve Clark, guitar), Marco Lago (Rick Savage, bass) and Vance Nurkala (Rick Allen, drums)
Is it unusual to pay tribute to a band that is still performing?
Not at all, it’s actually very common to have tribute acts performing shows when the band they pay tribute to are still active. We've often heard fans enjoyed the show so much that they want to go back and revisit the original artists' catalog or go buy a particular album by them. Plus, we pay/play tribute to the 80's version of the band, so we're sort of a rock and roll time machine for the audiences. It's a win-win for all.
Why Def Leppard?
First off, we love Def Leppard. They are one of the most iconic bands of all time, particularly in the 80s, which is the era we pay tribute to.
What is the secret of Def Leppard’s success?
The music speaks for itself. Their melodic and memorable songs made them the “IT” band of the 80’s and their musical legacy has stood the test of time. Plus, it's evident from interviews that they are truly a band of brothers, great camaraderie. You need only look at how they handled Rick Allen's accident and his subsequent (and incredible) return to the stage.
What’s your favorite Def Leppard memory?
Getting to finally see them on the Stadium Tour 2022. The sound and performance were absolutely incredible. They basically mopped the stage with the other bands on the bill, they were THAT great.
Ever have a close encounter with any of the original members?
Not yet, but we have friends that have met some of them. We're next.
Does Hysteria try to recapture Def Leppard’s onstage magic?
Absolutely! We recreate the Pyromania and Hysteria era concert experience with authentic costuming, instruments, and album quality musicality. Fans come away feeling like they were transported back to an 80's era Lepp concert.
What are things you learned about the British band that helps make for a better, more complete performance?
Nothing beats “game tape” on YouTube of early Def Leppard concerts to learn the stage dynamics, mannerisms and concert personas of each band member as well as the camraderie they have onstage with one another.
Why is Seattle home to so many fine tribute bands?
The Pacific Northwest in general is home to numerous great tribute acts (Seattle and Portland are where most can be found). Both cities seem to be hotbeds of incredible talent, both musically and artistically.
Please explain the growing popularity with tribute bands, especially those playing songs from the 70’s and 80’s?
People love to relive their youth and the great times associated with that, and tribute bands are the perfect vehicle to get them there. The higher quality the act, the bigger opportunities there are. We put a lot of effort into our band and as such have been fortunate enough to get performance opportunities across the country and even into Canada.
