DEF LEPPARD's Joe Elliott Reveals 17 New Songs in the Works for Upcoming Album
In a revealing interview with Marjorie Hache of France 24, DEF LEPPARD vocalist Joe Elliott shared exciting news about the band's creative endeavors. With their latest single "Rejoice" making waves since its release in late January, Elliott is optimistic about the future. The single coincided with DEF LEPPARD's return to Las Vegas for their "Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace The Las Vegas Residency," which kicked off on February 3. Fans can stream "Rejoice" via UMe on all major platforms.
When asked about the message behind "Rejoice," Elliott explained, "Well, the title kind of sums it up, really. I wanted to write a really uplifting, positive-message song. I said to Phil [Collen, DEF LEPPARD guitarist], 'I got this great idea. I need it to be mid-tempo. I want it to have a big intro drum loop so we can actually walk on stage to this and expand it and make it longer live.' The song begins with the bold line, 'I'm bored of boredom. I'm sick of all this,' and evolves into a powerful chorus of, 'I wanna go higher.' It’s all about uplifting the spirit and escaping into a joyous moment together.
Elliott didn't stop there; he confirmed that "Rejoice" is just a taste of what's to come. "Absolutely. We're actually recording it. As I speak, somewhere in the world, people are adding their bits to some new songs," he said. The band has embraced a new recording method that emerged from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Elliott’s home studio serving as a hub, members of DEF LEPPARD have been able to collaborate remotely, creating a dynamic and exhilarating recording process.
"We've been recording while we were in Vegas for the residency. On days off, we had the drums set up in the basement of the theater, and Rick [Allen, DEF LEPPARD drummer] played loads of drums on his days off, while guitars were laid down in hotel rooms. I sing when I get home. We've got about 17 or 18 songs written, and we’re looking at an early '27 release for the first album," he elaborated.
Meanwhile, the residency at Caesars Palace ran through February 28, 2026, continuing the legacy of their previous sold-out performances in 2019 and 2013. In January 2025, DEF LEPPARD also released a cover of Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me," with proceeds going to FireAid to support victims of the devastating fires in Los Angeles.
Additionally, DEF LEPPARD's single "Just Like 73," featuring a guest solo from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello, dropped in June 2024. Their last studio album, "Diamond Star Halos," released in 2022, was followed by the successful "Drastic Symphonies" in 2023, showcasing reimagined hits with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
On a personal note, guitarist Vivian Campbell, who has battled Hodgkin's lymphoma since 2013, announced in June 2025 that he is "completely in remission." His journey has been marked by resilience, culminating in the band's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2019. As DEF LEPPARD continues to evolve, fans can expect a powerful new chapter in their storied career.