Steve Miller Band, Journey, & Def Leppard Co-Headline at Fenway Park

Steve Miller Band (who replaced Heart on the bill after the devastating news of Ann Wilson's cancer diagnosis) kicked the show off at sunset. At 80, Miller performed a balanced blend of easy-going tunes like "Abracadabra" and "Fly Like an Eagle", and upbeat favorites like "Jungle Love" effortlessly, and got the crowd dancing early on.

Journey followed, and only kept the energy going. After word of the band's original frontman Steve Perry potentially coming out of retirement, some fans speculated early on that he might make a return to the stage. This proved to be wishful thinking, especially as inter-band conflicts continue. Perry's longtime successor Arnel Pineda's voice and stage presence made attendees forget about any dashed hopes. Pineda's streets-to-stage success is endlessly inspirational, and seeing his impassioned performances of "Open Arms", "Separate Ways", and "Don't Stop Believin' " was equally powerful.

With that said, there are few stories quite so affecting as that of Def Leppard's drummer, Rick Allen. Allen is arguably among the most motivational musicians in history, after refusing to let the loss of his left arm in a tragic car accident early in the band's career cost him his destiny. Seeing him on the throne almost forty years after he relearned to drum using a complex system of pedals was an undeniably emotional experience. But Allen wasn't the only rocker who overcame obstacles to get to Fenway. Despite a past case of near career-ending pneumonia, and struggling with an apparent upper respiratory infection that evening, lead singer Joe Elliott powered through the setlist. He had plenty of help from the audience, as fans of all ages belted out beloved hits, and joined in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Def Leppard's multi-platinum album, Pyromania. With guitarists Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen's riffs, and bassist Rick Savage keeping the pulse of the performance, Def Leppard proved why they're still selling out arenas and producing chart topping albums after nearly fifty years in the business. The sold-out show came just two days after the heartbreaking announcement that Boston's own Aerosmith had retired from touring, making it that much more of an honor and privilege to witness each of the three headliners perform.