THIS coming Saturday (March 19) The Wharf, Tavistock will be home to fans of 80s era classic rock when Def Leppard tribute Dep Leppard play their debut gig at the venue.

Dep Leppard are authentic in every way possible — no expense spared — and the lead singer Tom Whitlock is even from Joe Elliot’s home of Sheffield.

As a Sheffield lad, and growing up through his teenage years in the 1980s, Def Leppard became a huge influence through Tom’s early musical adventures.

He said: ‘It’s amazing that now I get to perform the Def Leppard material so many years after becoming a fan of the band and having seen Joe and the guys perform on many occasions.’

Tom’s musical career started in the 1980s playing with a selection of bands and even achieving national exposure through the televised TSB Rockschool competition.

Despite great reviews and record company support the band never broke into the big time and before too long it was back to the rat race! After soldiering through many covers of bands in the 90s, some good, some great! Tom formed the Whitesnake Tribute Snakebite in 2006.

The band achieved some major accolades including endorsements from ex Whitesnake members as well as headlining the Legends of Rock Tour at Newcastle 02 Academy in December 2009.

Those stomping Def Leppard hits Animal, Pour Some Sugar on Me, Hysteria, Photograph, Let’s Get Rocked and Rock of Ages will be getting an airing at The Wharf gig and plenty more to keep you on your toes.

Support comes from Plymouth-based up and coming rockers Southern Storm.

All in their early twenties, with a wide range of rock influences, this energetic original four piece band has developed its own melodic rock sound with a southern style influence, sassy and infectious.