Def Leppard explains why they enjoy feeding off their younger fans: “We’ve always been vampires”

Known as a band from Sheffield, Def Leppard gained American success in the 1980s and 90s by incorporating the Union flag into their set design during stadium-filling performances. However, the band has strong Irish connections, with frontman Joe Elliot owning a home and studio facility in Co Dublin for over 40 years, while guitarist Viv Campbell, originally from Co Down, joined the band in 1992.

Having played numerous shows both north and south of the border in Ireland, Def Leppard recently announced their biggest Irish headline date at Belfast’s Belsonic next June. In anticipation of their upcoming performance at BBC Radio 2 In the Park, we had the opportunity to chat with Viv about the band’s return to Ireland and more.

Looking forward to touring again next year, Viv expressed his excitement as the band recently completed a series of shows in North America and Canada, highlighting the band’s exceptional performance and musical skills. Despite their ‘advanced years’, as Viv puts it, the band has continued to improve as singers and musicians, mastering their songs over decades of playing together.

While the band is known for hits from their albums like Pyromania and Hysteria, they have also introduced newer tunes like ‘Just Like ’73’ featuring Tom Morello, which adds a fresh touch to their setlist. Viv acknowledges that finding space for newer songs can be challenging, as the audience often gravitates towards beloved classics that have become staples of their era.

Discussing the ever-evolving music industry, Viv recognizes the difficulty in achieving the level of ubiquity that past hits enjoyed due to the current fragmented media landscape. However, the band continues to create new music as a creative outlet, understanding that their live shows heavily feature well-known classics that resonate with their audience.

Regarding upcoming projects, Viv mentioned that Def Leppard has recorded around 18 new songs, which will be narrowed down for a potential album release. Despite the changing dynamics of the music business, where albums are now used to promote tours rather than the other way around, the band remains cautious about introducing too many new tracks into their live shows.

Looking ahead to their performance at Belsonic next summer, Viv expressed his excitement for what could be their biggest show in all of Ireland. As an ambassador for the Northern Ireland Hospice, Viv also mentioned their collaboration to raise funds for the charity through ticket giveaways and meet-and-greets at the upcoming event.

Reflecting on the band’s popularity and performance at non-rock festival events, Viv emphasized the importance of attracting newer and younger fans by diversifying their shows. With an eye towards engaging with audiences who may have discovered their music through platforms like Napster, Def Leppard continues to evolve while staying true to their classic rock roots.