42 Years Of 'High n' Dry'

Well, if you want to feel ancient, I can help: Def Leppard's High N' Dry album is 42 years old. Of course the album features "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," a song that solidified the Brits as the real rock deal.

The new Def Leppard book DEFinitely has a little tidbit about the album cover for their debut On Through The Night and how the band had nothing to do with the creative concept at all. The label "took care of it" and the band wasn't pleased. From then on, the members of Def Leppard exerted creative control over their album covers and iconic art. The cover for High n' Dry was actually meant for Pink Floyd in the late 70s, but rejected by the prog legends. (The graphic designer of the cover was Storm Thorgerson. He also did the art for Dark Side of the Moon).

Def Leppard began their long partnership with the late designer Andie Airfix with the Pyromania album. 

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Sammy Hagar, Def Leppard To Get Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

I'm pretty pumped for this: both Sammy Hagar and Def Leppard will finally get stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The news came from the Hollywood Walk officials yesterday during a livestreamed event. The video below of Sammy getting the news is pretty sweet.

I have to be honest: I thought both Hagar and the Leps already had their stars, so this honor is beyond overdue.

The ceremonies for both star unveilings have not been scheduled/announced yet.

Seriously, Get The New Def Leppard Book

I am having so much fun going through the new Def Leppard book. It's called Definitely: The Official Story of Def Leppard and it is a mix of coffee table and true story telling. There's interviews with everyone important to the Leps orbit and so many cool photos and early press clippings. I've already Googled some places mentioned about the band's early history in Sheffield, U.K.

It's really interesting to note that Joe Elliott hates being lumped in with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and also "hair metal." He says the band is neither. To him, Def Leppard has always been Queen meets AC/DC. I guess I can see that.

I'm going back to reading (and icing my elbow!) now. Happy Sunday!

Sunday Spins: 'Drastic Symphonies'

I knew I was going to love Def Leppard's Drastic Symphonies as soon as it was announced. The collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was released May 19. I pre-ordered the vinyl as soon as it was announced.

The vinyl is a gatefold package comprised of two records. The package is currently selling for around $35 on Amazon.

I love symphonic renditions of classic rock so this is right up my alley. My favorite tracks are "Animal" and "When Love and Hate Collide." Other standouts are "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad" and "Paper Sun." Slang happens to be one of my favorite Def Leppard albums so the addition of "Turn To Dust" on Drastic Symphonies is a big plus in my mind.

For the naysayers, it seems Def Leppard has yet another hit on their hands with this album because it has already reached number one on the Billboard classical crossover chart.

Drastic Symphonies hasn't left my turntable in a week, meaning so many other new records are still sitting in their cellophane wrappers. It makes me happy and that is all that matters.

Captain's Log: Behind The Scenes With Def Leppard 'Drastic Symphonies' Release Week

This is a fun video featuring Def Leppard chronicling the release week of their new album Drastic Symphonies and the release of their book, Definitely: The Official Story of Def Leppard. (The book is already out in the U.K. and comes to the U.S. next month).

Spend about seven minutes watching the band chronicle their rehearsals for their big BBC concert to promote Drastic Symphonies, plus their press for the new book and hear their nightmares before launching a big tour. More than 40 years on they all still get panicked the night before the first tour stop! Oh and the accents. So many delicious accents!

Happy New Def Leppard Album Eve!

Drastic Symphonies is out tomorrow and I am so pumped. Def Leppard are celebrating this new album and collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and performed on BBC2 Radio to promote the release.

Sadly, it doesn't seem like my pre-ordered vinyl will show up tomorrow. Looks like I will have to wait for a Monday delivery to get that new vinyl in my hot little hands. Until then, I'll be streaming on Amazon Music.

All the naysayers out there (ok, in the comments section here) will not detract from my excitement about this album!

'Hysteria (Drastic Symphonies)' -- New Video

Happy Friday! Def Leppard just released a new video from their upcoming Drastic Symphonies album. The clip is for the symphonic version of "Hysteria" featuring London's Philharmonic Orchestra. The album comes out May 19 and I can't wait. I was a day-one pre-order of course!