Out of the 10 contest winners of our DefLeppard/YouTube contest (see this post), Bob Small from St. Cloud, FL was the sixth one to collect his prize (two tickets, a backstage tour and meeting with the band) when he went to the band's show in Tampa, FL on August 14. Here's his report.

"Many people just don't understand. We all have our passions in life, things that get us fired up and take us to another level. Not sure why exactly I am wired up as I am, but for sure Def Leppard has been, and continues to be one of those "things" that ignites a fire in me. "

"I was in 7th grade when "PYROMANIA" was released. Up to this time I was a fan of my parent's music, mostly singer/songwriters like James Taylor, Paul Simon, Harry Chapin, CSN, and the like. While to this day this music is still a part of my assortment, there just was not that "something" special. MTV was an elusive pleasure that few people had in 81-82. I recall seeing some live videos from the "HIGH 'N' DRY" album at a friend's house. Not a large rotation back then. When "PYROMANIA" came out, us average folks had MTV as well...and then came the video for "PHOTOGRAPH". I was hooked. Something just clicked. The hard edge, yet melodic harmonies. "PYROMANIA" was the first album I ever bought. I laugh about it now, but admit I could not get my hands on enough Circus or Hit Parader magazines. Pics, interviews, etc.....I wanted all I could get. God bless the Internet. We are spoiled now with instant access. "

"Def Leppard totally set the foundation for my musical library. Most people I knew did not identify with this. I met my best friend, Wayne, in 9th grade - he got it. We instantly connected, both from dysfunctional families and a passion for a harder edge in music. This was the symphony of our youth. "

"Guess what -- I grew up. Got married to the woman of my dreams, have three sons.... And still love Def Leppard. Fortunately, I have been able to see them in concert many times since I first saw them in 1983. When they announced the YouTube contest I did not hesitate for a moment....I was in! I tried my best, made a crazy fool of myself, and had fun, just like I was at a concert. Initial high hopes of winning settled to a mere hope of a chance. I chose my favorite song, "LET IT GO." Then, after a few weeks, I was thrilled to get the email that I was one of the winners! I actually scared some folks in the office as I screamed quite a bit when I discovered I won....this was literally a dream come true! "

"Jump forward to the day of the show. I went to work for 5 hours and thought I was going to vomit as my nerves were intense. I was a bit jittery and weak in the knees for the drive to Tampa. We met Matt, our host, at 3:45pm. Joe was in midst of a radio interview for a local classic rock station...good music, but honestly talking heads a bit too trashy. We watched the interview for a few minutes, and when Joe was done he stopped with Malvin to say hello. I thought this cannot be real...5 minutes in, and I've met Joe! He certainly was my favorite over the years and I figured the most difficult to meet. After all, the contest said no guarantees to meet everyone. Matt then took my wife and I on stage to see the sound check. When we got there, Rick Allen was banging away on the drums. We went behind the drum kit, looking up a short staircase at Rick's back. He stopped drumming, turned around and greeted us. He actually got off his stool to kneel down, reach over and shake our hands. This couldn't be real. He then suggested that we come up on the drum riser...GET OUT! But, of course Kathy and I climbed up. Matt snapped a picture of us with Rick from the front of the stage. Unbelievable! "

"We stepped off the drum riser, and there's Vivian...low waist jeans, shirtless, with a peace sign medallion on his necklace. Gracious man! Acknowledged my contest entry and wished us well. Again, unbelievable. Ten steps later...there was Phil grabbing his guitar for sound check. Quick handshake and picture and it was time for the soundcheck. "

"Matt set us up on side stage to witness the soundcheck. I thought my face was going to split in half as I could not stop smiling....pinch me, I must be dreaming! Rick Savage was not present at this time so Joe played a little bass as well as a tech. They played "HYSTERIA" to warm up. It was especially cool to see these guys so casual. Matt shot some great pics with our camera and a little video clip. My wife mentioned to Matt how much our 12 year old son, Chandler, like the neon green Alien graphic guitar Phil was playing. Matt casually replied that she could hold it later...yeah right, we thought. The soundcheck also included "TWO STEPS BEHIND", my wife's favorite Def Leppard song, which we watched from the sound board area. All the crew and staff were kind and gracious to us.....thanks! "

"We then went backstage and hung out for awhile. Walked around the buses and sat in the catering trailer for 30 minutes to cool down. At this time I got the impression that Matt was a bit concerned..... We met 4 of the 5 members of the band in our first 20 minutes, so what was he to do with us? It's all good -- we went back into the venue and we agreed to hook back up in an hour. At 6:45pm we went backstage again, and got to see Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, and Bobby Dall of Poison. There were a few other guests backstage and Matt took us over for an "official" meet and greet with Joe and Rick. They posed for a group photo and autographed our tickets. By the way, speaking of tickets; I had purchased presale tickets. Got 10th row, section 1. I was a bit concerned as I was not sure what to expect in my free prize tickets, but guess what -- 1st row center at the end of the thrust! Matt, you are the man! By the way, at the meet and greet, Joe mentioned my contest entry! He said "Let it rock, let it roll, let it go....good job Bob!". Oh snap, Kathy, I think I just wet myself! I told Joe I hope I did not do a disservice to the song but he said that I didn't, not at all. I wish we could have had a little more time for small talk, but totally understand the circumstances. "

"Matt then took us back to the side of the stage where we watched the second half of the Cheap Trick set. We were standing by Phil's guitar rack. Matt handed us 2 of his picks and invited my wife over to hold the neon green Alien guitar. Once again, unbelievable!! After Cheap Trick, Matt took us on stage in front of thousands of fans. Kathy displayed an autographed guitar that was part of the Rockzimity promotion, and I got to throw 2 t-shirts to the crowd. This cannot be real! At this time I was a bit disappointed.....cause I knew the backstage experience was coming to an end. I must tell you, I did not want it to ..it was just too spectacular! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would actually happen. "

"The good news was that we still got those front row seats for the best band in the world. Let's rock! The performance was outstanding. What a team of professionals 'there to entertain, and take us through the night.' I think as fans we take it for granted that the front men who please us. These icons are ultimately just like you and I and are not much without the outstanding cast of supporting people. The logistics to pull this off on a nightly basis is just incredible. Without the amazing people in lights, sound, transportation, security, catering, etc, we would not be the fans we are as the band could not survive without them. Hats off to the entire team that makes our enjoyment possible. The show was awesome. Phil gave me two fist bumps and Joe gave me a high five towards the end of the show."

"Headed home we again listened to Def Leppard for the 90 minute drive. I was a bit overcome with emotion. Originally, I must be honest, I wanted my best friend and fellow Leppard Fan, Wayne to experience this once in a lifetime event. While I love my buddy, I was wrong. I made the best choice of having my wife with me. While not quite as passionate or enthusiastic about Def Leppard as I am, she is enthusiastic and passionate about me and wanted to experience my joy as one of my dreams came true. This was an unbelievable gift and I am truly thankful to my wife for sharing it with me. I will never forget it. Thanks so much to the band, the crew, Matt, and Defleppard.com. Blessings to all. Keep Rocking!!"