Joe Elliott on Why Bad Company Were an Unstoppable Force

via Ultimate Classic Rock

If you spend any amount of time talking to Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, one of the best things you’ll discover is that he’s a real music fan, rabidly passionate for the things, artists and bands that he loves, just like you.

With Bad Company’s pending induction this weekend into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, we got together with Joe for a lengthy conversation where he shared plenty of stories with us, tracing his love of Free, Mott the Hoople and eventually, Bad Company.

“No band deserves it more,” he told UCR via Zoom. “I’m happy that Mick Ralphs knew he was in before he passed. I remember Paul [Rodgers] saying to me, ‘You should have seen the smile on his face when I told him.’ Those are the things that make me happy. You know, the music’s what we’re there for, really.”

Understandably, it was a fever dream come true for the vocalist, working with two of his heroes, Rodgers and Simon Kirke. The pair joined Elliott and Def Leppard bandmate Phil Collen to record a new version of the Bad Company classic, “Seagull.” The song appears on Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company.

 

JOE ELLIOTT’S SONGS FROM THE VAULT – SIRIUS XM (NOVEMBER 2025 EDITION)

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

In the NOVEMBER 2025 hour’s show, Joe highlights and tells stories about some of his favourite songs and artists from his own personal collection.

July’s Show features music and stories from Bad Company, Bon Jovi, Mott the Hoople 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 and Phil Release “Seagull” for Bad Company Tribute Album – OUT NOW

WATCH LYRIC VIDEO AND STREAM “SEAGULL” HERE

Available Everywhere, Joe Elliott and Phil Collen are proud to be part of CAN’T GET ENOUGH — the first-ever official Bad Company tribute album, honoring one of rock’s most iconic bands as they celebrate their long-overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and 50+ year career.

Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (feat. Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke of Bad Company) delivers a beautiful reinvention of Bad Company’s “Seagull.” Bringing a powerful, emotionally charged edge to the classic, it features one of the UK’s greatest ever rock bands, and huge Bad Company fans, alongside original members Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke.

Album available now on limited-edition silver colored vinyl, CD and all digital formats and special merch bundles HERE

“I’ve loved Bad Company since the very beginning — a phenomenal combination of two of my favourite bands, Free & Mott The Hoople, what’s not to love?! What a privilege it is for myself & Phil to cover one of my favourite Bad Co songs WITH Paul & Simon! Wow!” – Joe Elliott

Album Tracklisting:
“Ready For Love” – HARDY
“Shooting Star” – Halestorm (feat. Paul Rodgers)
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” – ​​Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators
“Run with the Pack” – Blackberry Smoke (feat. Paul Rodgers & Brann Dailor)
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy”– The Struts
“Bad Company” – Charley Crockett
“Rock Steady” – Dirty Honey
“Burnin’ Sky” – Black Stone Cherry
“Seagull” – Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (feat. Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke)
“All Right Now” – The Pretty Reckless

Joe Elliott & Phil Collen to Appear on Star-Studded Tribute Album to Bad Company

Joe Elliott and Phil Collen are proud to be part of CAN’T GET ENOUGH — the first-ever official Bad Company tribute album, honoring one of rock’s most iconic bands as they celebrate their long-overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and 50+ year career.

Pre-order & Pre-save album on limited-edition silver colored vinyl, CD and all digital formats and special merch bundles HERE

Their contribution is a powerful and unexpected reinterpretation of “Seagull”, featuring none other than Bad Company legends Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. Their version of “Seagull” is unlike anything fans might expect, it’s a standout moment on a project full of surprises.

“I’ve loved Bad Company since the very beginning — a phenomenal combination of two of my favourite bands, Free & Mott The Hoople, what’s not to love?! What a privilege it is for myself & Phil to cover one of my favourite Bad Co songs WITH Paul & Simon! Wow!” – Joe Elliott

Get the inside scoop on the album and read more about the album now on BILLBOARD 
Album Tracklisting:
  1. “Ready For Love” – HARDY
  2. “Shooting Star” – Halestorm (feat. Paul Rodgers)
  3. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – ​​Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators
  4. “Run with the Pack” – Blackberry Smoke (feat. Paul Rodgers & Brann Dailor)
  5. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy”– The Struts
  6. “Bad Company” – Charley Crockett
  7. “Rock Steady” – Dirty Honey
  8. “Burnin’ Sky” – Black Stone Cherry
  9. “Seagull” – Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (feat. Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke)
  10. “All Right Now” – The Pretty Reckless

RIP Ozzy: A Message From Joe

“Kinda lost for words here… we toured with Ozzy in 1981 & he, the band & Sharon were SO supportive… he always had time for a chat, took us under his wing & showed us how & how not to party… & played us the 2nd album months before it came out… he was funny, charming & I for one am eternally grateful to have had the chance to spend precious time with him over the years… all my love to Sharon & the kids… God bless you Ozzy x” – Joe

📸 Ross Halfin

JOE ELLIOTT’S SONGS FROM THE VAULT – SIRIUS XM (JULY 2025 EDITION)

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

In the JULY 2025 hour’s show, Joe highlights and tells stories about some of his favourite songs and artists from his own personal collection.

July’s Show features music and stories from Page & Plant, ELO, Kansas 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 (APRIL 2025 EDITION)

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

In the APRIL 2025 hour’s show, Joe highlights and tells stories about some of his favourite songs and artists from his own personal collection.

April’s Show features music and stories from War, Luke Spiller, Bad Company 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.

Planet Rock Radio UK – Cash For Kids Charity

Planet Rock radio in the UK has launched Cash for Kids which aims to to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK – money raised during Wyatt’s Walk to Planet Rockstock will be used to help young people who are struggling with their mental health.

For more info go HERE

Listen to Joe’s Planet Rock Radio show every Saturday at 17:00 at this link HERE