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Heart, Def Leppard to play State Fair

The classic-rock staples will co-headline the grandstand on Aug. 26.

By Chris Riemenschneider

February 25, 2011 at 7:41PM

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Heart's Ann Wilson proved she still has the pipes at last summer's Lilith Fair concert at Target Center. / Star Tribune photo (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minnesota State Fair organizers have yet to release any names on their list of 2011 performers (although if they could, I'm sure they would, since outdoor concerts sure have added appeal when announced in February). Two big names for KQ92 listeners, however, just confirmed they will be there on one night: Heart and Def Leppard will co-headline the grandstand on Aug. 26, a Friday. Def Leppard is saying tickets go on sale on its site next weekend, and there will also be a Citi cardholder pre-sale. In the meantime, let's start a debate: Which band do you think used more hairspray and makeup in the '80s? And which was the mushier, cheesier power ballad: "What About Love" or "Love Bites?"

about the writer

Chris Riemenschneider

Critic / Reporter

Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.