Joe Elliott of Def Leppard discusses new album creation process: ‘Laptops are like Abbey Road’

Def Leppard, a band with nearly half a century of experience under its belt, is not slowing down. Despite announcing the upcoming Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace The Las Vegas Residency, set for a dozen shows in February at The Colosseum, the band is also hard at work on a new album slated for release next year.

This fresh album will be Def Leppard’s first new material since the successful 2022 release of “Diamond Star Halos,” an album that paid homage to the glam rock that has long influenced their distinctive sound. The band struck gold with the track “Kick,” which surged up the charts. Notably, “Diamond Star Halos” was recorded remotely, a departure from the band’s traditional in-studio process, due to pandemic restrictions. However, the experiment was a triumph, prompting the band to once again opt for individual remote recording.

Lead singer Joe Elliott shared that technological advancements have been instrumental in realizing this collaborative approach. Through virtual meetings and platforms like Zoom, the band members can work simultaneously on the same song from different corners of the world. Elliott metaphorically compared this method to the iconic Abbey Road studio, emphasizing the significance of laptops in the modern music-making process.

Currently, Def Leppard has amassed a substantial catalog of new material, leaving them at the pivotal stage of deciding on the final selection of tracks for the upcoming album. The band is also in the process of determining the album’s title and the optimal sequence of songs. This forthcoming record will mark Def Leppard’s 13th studio album, tracing back to their debut release in 1980 with “On Through the Night.”

Elliott expressed profound pride in the band’s enduring legacy, underscoring the remarkable 33-year tenure of the current lineup, with himself and bassist Rick Savage as the longest-standing members. The camaraderie and musical synergy of the band members have been pivotal in sustaining Def Leppard’s longevity and creative energy.

As the band forges ahead with their latest endeavor, fans can anticipate a fusion of Def Leppard’s signature sound with fresh creativity and experimental flair. This forthcoming album promises to be a testament to the enduring spirit and evolution of one of rock music’s most iconic bands.