Category: News

Def Leppard will join The Electric Mayhem on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Posted on by James Janocha

Beginning May 26, 2026, guests will be able to experience Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Featuring high speed thrills, zany comedy and an electrifying soundtrack, the attraction delivers a newly reimagined experience that feels fresh, fast and unforgettable.

Before boarding the attraction, guests will hear the familiar, sweet tunes of “Can You Picture That?” as The Electric Mayhem rehearses for their big concert — setting the stage for the chaos, comedy and rockin’ fun that follows.

Music takes center stage in Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, powered by an incredible track list. Featuring high-energy covers of iconic songs and collaborations with top artists, guests can experience one of five songs:

  • “Song 2” – The Electric Mayhem
  • “Born To Be Wild” – The Electric Mayhem featuring Camilla the Chicken
  • “Love Rollercoaster” – The Electric Mayhem featuring Jennifer Hudson and Questlove
  • “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” – The Electric Mayhem featuring Def Leppard
  • “Walking on Sunshine” – The Electric Mayhem featuring Kelly Clarkson

The buzz for this must-see concert is off the charts. Throughout the queue, guests will encounter cameos from The Muppets and some of their biggest fans woven throughout the experience. Savvy fans can spot appearances from:

  • Awkwafina
  • Danny Trejo
  • Darren Criss
  • John Stamos
  • Neil Patrick Harris
  • Travis Barker
  • Yvette Nicole Brown
  • Wayne Brady
  • “Weird Al” Yankovic
  • And more…

More details about Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

The Muppets transformation begins in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Courtyard. Legendary Muppet tycoon and owner of The Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, purchased G-Force Records and enlisted the help of his trusty nephew Scooter to run the place and completely transform the courtyard. A new psychedelic paint job gives the iconic red guitar marquee a groovy twist, and the piano motif at the base of the guitar will feature one gold key as a nod to a certain far-out band leader’s gold tooth.

Once inside the queue, VIP visitors will discover The Muppets house band, The Electric Mayhem, laying down new tracks inside the recording studio. In the control booth, a team of penguin audio engineers are hard at work while band manager Scooter tries to persuade the musicians to wrap up and get to their increasingly restless fans. Guests will be immersed in the story with the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Scooter located inside the recording studio.

With help from Muppet Labs (and a very fast limo), guests will take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time. The iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown will feature a Muppet twist while a soundtrack of iconic, rockin’ hits performed by Electric Mayhem keeps the adrenaline pumping.

30th Anniversary of Def Leppard’s Slang

Posted on by James Janocha

Clinton Desveaux, unpublished.ca

Slang, Def Leppard’s 1996 magnum opus, was a flawless record forged from the wreckage of real life – a truly creative milestone that redefined the band.

Grief and Growth
Track 9: “Blood Runs Cold”

“A wide-eyed suicide drive / Remains a fake / As if you’d ever / Ever go and make the same mistake / Strung out as the night comes crawlin’ / Your halo of thorns is fallin’ / Blood runs cold / I feel it in my bones / But you don’t know your time is up / Blood runs cold”

By the mid-90s, the band finally had the space to process the passing of co-founder Steve Clark. His death occurred just as Adrenalize was nearing release, followed by a grueling world tour of 244 shows in 18 months. Slang was the moment they finally stopped running and let the grief bleed into the music.

The “Plaid” Shift
Track 1: “Truth?”

“I’m still alive, and so should I / Soak up the wave of compromise / Am I the victim of youth? / Is this the truth? / Why don’t you tell me?”

As pop culture began rejecting polished showmanship, Def Leppard didn’t just “go grunge” – they went authentic. They recognized the world had shifted and knew they had to evolve. Between 1991 and 1995, the era of lo-fi alternative rock had altered the cultural landscape, ushering in a moodier atmosphere where “rock stars” stood in plaid and Doc Martens, staring at their shoes and declaring pyrotechnics and happiness taboo.

Leppard adapted, swapping drum triggers for Rick Allen’s acoustic kit and massive vocal stacks for raw, singular performances. Suddenly, the band sounded fresh – a phoenix rising from the cultural ashes.

Personal Storms
Track 10: “Where Does Love Go When It Dies”

“You’re drowning in the darkness, and you’re blinded by the light / And there ain’t no prayer that’s gonna save you now”

The band members were weathering personal storms: Joe Elliott and Phil Collen were both navigating divorces; Rick Allen was finally coming to terms with the trauma of losing his arm a decade prior; and bassist Rick Savage had recently lost his father. Meanwhile, Vivian Campbell was finding his footing while filling the massive void left by Clark, only to discover the music world had permanently changed.

The Reintroduction
Track 5: “Work It Out”

“We show the world a brand new face / It’s taken us all this time / All this time / All of this doubt / We get to work it out”

On Slang, Def Leppard spread their artistic wings and pushed the boundaries of rock to the next horizon. From the Middle Eastern-flavored “Turn to Dust” to the psychedelic, Morrison-meets-Zeppelin vibe of “Pearl of Euphoria,” the creative growth was undeniable.

Elliott penned some of his best lyrics on “Where Does Love Go When It Dies,” while Vivian Campbell wrote what many hardcore fans consider the perfect Leppard track: “Work It Out.” It is a song that sounds as if it could have been released in 2026 rather than 1996; it has truly stood the test of time.

The Passing of the Torch
Track 3: “Slang”

“What’s affecting my condition / What’s about to knock you down / Wrapped and bound and a goddamn / I’d love to get connected but it’s out of my hand”

The irony is striking: just days before the release of Slang in 1996, I walked into my local Sam the Record Man store in Canada. The manager spotted me and asked, “You’re a Def Leppard fan, aren’t you?” When I nodded, he didn’t just point me toward a pre-order; he handed me the entire in-store marketing kit – posters, standees, the works.

Confused, I asked, “Don’t you need this for the release?” He just shrugged and said, “Nah, we’ve made a decision. We’re not promoting it. We’re moving on.” Just like that, they handed over the entire campaign as if the band had no connection to them.

It is a fascinating piece of history: Def Leppard had spent nearly two decades building that brand through faithful autograph sessions and in-store appearances at Sam the Record Man locations across Canada. In that moment, all those years of loyalty seemingly counted for nothing.

However, history has a way of balancing the scales. In a final, biting twist of irony, in 2007, Sam the Record Man had been relegated to the dustbin of history, while Def Leppard continues to play sold-out stadiums and festivals around the globe.

Slang was essential for Def Leppard’s survival. It allowed them to grow up, shed expectations, and stay true enough to still be here three decades later. Without this album, the story would have ended differently. Happy 30th anniversary Slang!

Remembering Moya Brennan

Posted on by James Janocha

We’re heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Moya Brennan, the unmistakable voice of CLANNAD. When we first moved to Dublin in 1984 the band were very welcoming to us and a 40 + years friendship was born, Moya literally had the voice of an angel & now she’s up there singing with them… God speed, forever in our hearts 💔

JOE ELLIOTT’S SONGS FROM THE VAULT – SIRIUS XM (MARCH 2026 EDITION)

Posted on by James Janocha

GREETINGS MUSIC LOVERS – AND WELCOME BACK TO JOE ELLIOTT’S SONGS FROM THE VAULT SHOW ON SIRIUSXM’S DEEP TRACKS CHANNEL.

In the MARCH 2026 hour’s show, Joe highlights and tells stories about some of his favourite songs and artists from his own personal collection.

March’s Show features music and stories from Motrose, Lone Star, Utopia and more!

WHO: Def Leppard frontman, musician, and musicologist Joe Elliott

WHAT: Joe Elliott’s Songs from the Vault

WHERE: SiriusXM’s DeepTracks (Ch. 27)

WHEN: Show Schedule HERE

MORE:

In his youth, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott was creatively influenced by the music of the late 60’s and early 70’s. From legendary acts like T. Rex, Mott The Hoople, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and so many others. Each month, listen to Elliott play “Deep Tracks” from his personal music collection. Expect to hear songs from Joe’s vault and some of the stories behind them.

JOE ELLIOTT’S SONGS FROM THE VAULT – SIRIUS XM (FEBRUARY 2026 EDITION)

Posted on by James Janocha

GREETINGS MUSIC LOVERS – AND WELCOME BACK TO JOE ELLIOTT’S SONGS FROM THE VAULT SHOW ON SIRIUSXM’S DEEP TRACKS CHANNEL.

In the FEBRUARY 2026 hour’s show, Joe highlights and tells stories about some of his favourite songs and artists from his own personal collection.

February’s Show features music and stories from T. Rex, Sex Pistols, Brian Eno and more!

WHO: Def Leppard frontman, musician, and musicologist Joe Elliott

WHAT: Joe Elliott’s Songs from the Vault

WHERE: SiriusXM’s DeepTracks (Ch. 27)

WHEN: Show Schedule HERE

MORE:

In his youth, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott was creatively influenced by the music of the late 60’s and early 70’s. From legendary acts like T. Rex, Mott The Hoople, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and so many others. Each month, listen to Elliott play “Deep Tracks” from his personal music collection. Expect to hear songs from Joe’s vault and some of the stories behind them.

Live Review: Stepping Inside Def Leppard’s Monumental Caesars Palace Residency

Posted on by James Janocha

via Atwood Magazine

“I would like to introduce you to someone who I have known this August coming for… too long,”

Def Leppard vocalist Joe Elliott laughed, looking over at bandmate and longtime friend Rick Savage from across the stage at Caesars Palace. “49 years, it will be. We formed this fucking thing in August 1977, me and him. Him being, on the bass guitar, mister Rick Savage.”

49 years ago, in congruence with that fateful meeting in Sheffield, rock was changed forever when founding members Elliott and Savage created Def Leppard. It started as a project in art class for the then-teenage Elliott: tasked with titling a fictitious band, he settled on the rowdy, somewhat nonsensical Deaf Leopard. In the five ensuing decades, the real band – made up of vocalist Elliott, bassist Savage, guitarists Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen, and drummer Rick Allen – rose to the summit of rock in all ways imaginable, but not without their fair share of heartaches in-between.

While the current lineup has been a steadfast brotherhood for decades, tragedy has always loomed over Def Leppard. Whether it be the 1984 car crash that cost Allen his left arm, or the unimaginable passing of guitarist Steve Clark in 1991, the band has endured – and more importantly, come out the other side stronger for – a series of events that could have torn any other recording group apart. But here they are, nearly 50 years into the ongoing creation of their legacy, optimistic and powerful as ever.

Most recently, the band kickstarted a monumental residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Spanning the month of February, the Las Vegas shows feature a brand new production including a fresh setlist, intricate stage design, and a return of fan-favorite tracks seldom explored in previous tours. From the venue to the onstage visuals to the detail poured into the band’s pop-up shop, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind show experience tailored for longtime and new fans alike.

Continue Reading…

Def Leppard rocks biggest hits, surprise songs at stunning Las Vegas residency

Posted on by James Janocha

via USAtoday.com

 

LAS VEGAS – Even if you’ve been to a Def Leppard concert before, you’ve never seen them like this.

The enduring British quintet kicked off their 12-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Feb. 3 with a 100-minute blitzkrieg of stunning visuals, frenetic lasers and a set list deftly curated to hopscotch between nearly 50 years of classics and dashes of newer material that verifies their vitality.

In recent years, Def Leppard has primarily played stadiums, arenas and festivals, which makes the confines of the 4,100-capacity Colosseum feel especially intimate.

The new production designed for this monthlong, mostly sold-out run is spackled with Def Leppard hallmarks – the lighted “Hysteria”-era trianglethat rises and lowers to bookend the show, the 3D graphics of a menacing leopard, the zigzagging lights that prompt sheer euphoria.

Def Leppard's new Vegas residency includes rarely played songs, such as their cover of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus." Onstage (from left) at Caesars Palace: guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Rick Savage, singer Joe Elliott, drummer Rick Allen and guitarist Phil Collen.

Denise Truscello, Getty Images

It’s all delivered around a sleek set that features drummer Rick Allen, his Union Jack headphones firmly in place, atop a platform reachable by lighted stairs, and plenty of open space for the band to roam.

Led by silver fox frontman Joe Elliott, Def Leppard exudes the confidence of a band that has absolutely nothing left to prove, but wants to anyway.

Guitarists Phil Collen – he of ripped bare chest under vest and sparkly sneakers – and Vivian Campbell – unassumingly cool in dark glasses – frequently crisscrossed on stage, their dual guitar attack so integral to Def Leppard’s sound.

The band, which has played two other Las Vegas residencies since 2013, kicked off the show with their new song, “Rejoice.” Filled with layered harmonies and a gripping drum loop, it sounds like classic Def Leppardwith a glow-up.

As Elliott told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview at Caesars Palace after the band’s final rehearsal, the goal of new music is “not to sound old-fashioned, but at the same time maintain our identity. (“Rejoice”) has all the ingredients – great guitar riffs, melodies, drama. We like a bit of onstage drama; we don’t like drama in the dressing room.”

Casual fans of the band’s abundant hits – “Animal, “Armageddon It” and “Love Bites” among the smashes from 1987’s 12-million-selling album “Hysteria” and “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” and “Foolin’” from earlier that decade among them – can devour the familiar. But what makes this residency special are the outliers.

In 2018, Def Leppard recorded a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” for a hits collection, yet never performed it live.

Until now, with the dark electronica of the original pairing perfectly with Def Leppard’s chiming guitars and a flurry of white lights added to the vibe.

The band also hadn’t played their hit version of David Essex’s “Rock On”since 2019. The clever live production finds cool cat bassist Rick Savage thrumming out a solo before dovetailing into the song’s familiar opening riff, which gives Elliott enough time to dash to the top level of the theater to belt the evocative anthem.

Diehard fans will appreciate the resurrection of “White Lightning,” a 1992 “Adrenalize” track written in tribute to Steve Clark, the band’s early guitarist who died in 1991. Elliott clearly had his old friend top of mind at song’s end as he raised his fist and blew a kiss skyward.

The endurance of Def Leppard is not only due to their stability. Yes, they’re one of the few rock bands to boast an original/longtime lineup and yes, while all of the members are in their 60s, they still ooze rock star fire.

Vivian Campbell (left) and Phil Collen of Def Leppard play off each other repeatedly during the band's new residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Denise Truscello, Getty Images

Elliott’s voice, while occasionally husky on the high notes in “Rocket” and “Photograph” (a visual nostalgia-fest showcasing a retrospective of the band in, well, photos), still contains plenty of heft. And the blistering fretwork from Collen and Campbell injects every Def Leppard song with adrenaline.

But it’s the band’s atypical ability to experiment without altering their musical DNA that adds to their legend.

The underappreciated, near-electronica “Slang” has returned after several years, and the combination of zippy neon green lighting, a midsong detour into David Bowie’s “Fame” and Elliott’s stroll through the crowd to slap hands with fans made it a set highlight.

But Def Leppard can just as adroitly spin into the defiant “Rock of Ages”(complete with a special feathered guest to handle its illustrious “gunter glieben” intro) or the delicate guitar strains and emotional longing of “Hysteria.”

The band famously sings in “Rock of Ages” that “it’s better to burn out than fade away.” But Def Leppard has proven yet again that it won’t be doing either anytime soon.

 

Record Store Day UK Exclusive: Slang 30th Anniversary

Posted on by James Janocha

Def Leppard’s sixth studio album Slang celebrates its 30th anniversary with a brand new exclusive release for Record Store Day! Releasing for the first time featuring a second LP personally curated by Joe with B-sides and rarities from the time. This package is presented on pink vinyl with brand new enhanced artwork.

Pick up your copy on Saturday 18 April from your local participating indie record shop. Find a store near you at recordstoreday.co.uk

Def Leppard: “I practice a lot because you have to reach a certain bar otherwise it’s not acceptable.”

Posted on by James Janocha

Def Leppard V13

via V13

After more than four decades at the top, Def Leppard continues to mark new milestones while showing no signs of slowing down. Most recently, the band were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, placing them alongside some of the most iconic names in music history. For guitarist Phil Collen, it was another moment that helped cement the band’s legacy, a reflection of a career that started in Sheffield and has taken the band to the world’s biggest stages.

Alongside the recognition, Def Leppard are preparing to return to the UK and Europe with a major summer tour. With decades of global touring behind them, Collen reflects on how life on the road has evolved, from the physical demands of touring to the game-changing advances in live production, sound, and visual technology. Whether playing stadiums, arenas, or extended residencies in Las Vegas, the band continue to adapt, embracing innovation while staying rooted in the musicianship and performance standards that have defined them since the early days.

In our latest Cover Story, and fresh from the release of their brand new single, “Rejoice”, V13 sat down with Phil to talk about Def Leppard’s recent honours, their upcoming UK and EU tour, and how the band continue to evolve in a rapidly changing music industry. From thoughts on technology, streaming, and social media to maintaining an organic live sound and the enduring thrill of walking on stage, Collen looks at where Def Leppard stands today and why the band’s drive and passion remain as strong as ever.

Congratulations on the recent Hollywood Hall of Fame Star. What was that like to get that and have yourself on that landmark? What did it symbolise, and what did it mean to you personally?

“It is great plus where they put it is right next to the Capitol Records building, and we are next to Paul McCartney, Ringo, George and John Lennon on the right side, on the left side, we’ve got Tina Turner. So great a company. That was really cool. It’s just another one of those things. I’m not really into awards and all that stuff, but when you get them, and especially that one, that’s pretty cool.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame did that a few years ago, so it just cements stuff, it’s really good. That particular day was wonderful. The weather was great. Jon Bon Jovi gave a wonderful speech for us, and Bruce from the label did so all of it really worked out. It was the perfect day, and it was great to get that star as well.”

Def Leppard have had a lot of awards in the past, but what was it like actually hearing for the first time that you’re gonna be immortalised in possibly one of the most famous locations for Hollywood and movie stars and musicians?

“It was great. I live in California. I live in Orange County, it’s like an hour and a half drive, an hour and twenty, depending on the traffic, so I’m up there all the time, actually. I just never even thought about even being on this, when they said that, and when you actually see it, it’s actually really cool.”

Continue Reading at V13.net