Tesla excited to open for Def Leppard at Hersheypark Stadium
As if this summer’s lineup at Hersheypark Stadium wasn’t already perhaps one of its best ever, another set of good, classic rock 'n' roll bands are coming to chocolate town at the end of June, including a legendary one. Def Leppard, along with Tesla and Reo Speedwagon, will rock the stadium stage Wednesday, June 29, for a 7 p.m. show.
Tesla member Dave Rude, who’s on guitar, bass and vocals, says the bands always love coming back to Pennsylvania, and looking forward to returning to Hershey, though they may not be able to enjoy its amenities.
“We didn’t hit on the last run, so we wanted to come back this time. We rarely get to do anything, but if we have time we’ll check everything out,” Rude said. “Pennsylvania is always cool for some good rock. We’re excited to come back and play for everybody.”
Tesla will be the first band performing, which will open up for Def Leppard. Although Tesla just released their newest album, “Simplicity” in 2014, the band will only focus on all its classic 80s and 90s hits, and maybe include an old-school album track for their act.
Even though both bands have performed together in the past, anyone who attends the show will still see some history between the two bands.
“Tesla has a long history with Leppard, but this is the first time since I’ve been around that we’ve done a long, serious tour.” Rude said. “The guys are really cool and every show has been amazing and almost every show has been sold out so far. It’s a dream come true. It’s so much fun.”
And when the legendary Def Leppard finally hits the stage, you’ll hear their numerous hit singles and including hits from two of the best-selling albums of all time, "Pyromania" and "Hysteria," and many other hits of old and new.
For Rude, who started playing guitar when he was nine, and was a big fan of the original Tesla band when he was 12, says it's yet another dream come true to be playing with not only a band like Def Leppard, but to be playing in the band he grew up listening to.
“I came to shows and hung out backstage like a fan, and to be performing with them is pretty surreal,” he said. “Same with the Leppard guys. Everyone’s super nice and super down to earth. It’s been really great.”
Since Tesla reformed in 2000, the band has produced eight albums and have done other numerous tours, including when Rude joined the band in 2006. The band is also in the middle of recording a new album being produced by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen. Rude says the band hopes to release the new album by the end of the year. And the band is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, Rude says it’s the total opposite.
“We’re going as long as we can. There’s no plans to slow down,” he said. “We’re actually just revving it up.”
But when you come for this thrilling rock and roll experience, Rude just wants audience members to enjoy the music.
“Hopefully just a great night and good rock 'n' roll. It’s a great package of music, and people will get their money’s worth,” he said. “If you like one of these bands, there’s a great chance you’ll like the other two. It’s a similar demographic.”
Tickets are $30.10, $54.60, $74.60 and $104.60. They can be purchased online at http://www.hersheyentertainment.com/hersheypark-stadium.