Def Leppard

DEF LEPPARD Teases New Era: A Sonic Evolution in the Works

By Jason •
Phil Collen spills the beans on the band's relentless creative journey and their upcoming album, set to redefine glam rock.

In a revealing interview with Chile's Radio Futuro, DEF LEPPARD's guitar maestro Phil Collen has hinted at the band's upcoming follow-up to their critically-acclaimed 2022 album, "Diamond Star Halos." The new LP is set to feature the track "Rejoice," which dropped in late January as the band prepped for their electrifying return to Las Vegas with their residency, "Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace." When the interviewer speculated about a release in early 2027, Collen shot back with a grin, "Well, we are DEF LEPPARD, so it may be '28, but we're always recording. We never really stop; we just keep pushing the envelope of creativity. So, it’ll be ready when it’s ready."

Collen went on to discuss the glam rock influences that have shaped their work, particularly the legacy of icons like David Bowie. "With all of our glam rock idols, Bowie evolved his sound, and so do we. We draw from diverse influences, which is what keeps our songwriting fresh and exciting. Just like QUEEN, our tracks are a collage of varied styles; each member brings something unique to the table. We’ve always aspired to have that diversity while still sounding unmistakably like DEF LEPPARD," he declared.

On the subject of guitar legends, Collen didn’t hold back his admiration for QUEEN’s Brian May, stating, "I idolize him. He’s underrated, a true team player with incredible tone. What sets QUEEN apart is their collective consciousness; they worked as one unit. It’s an ethos we share in DEF LEPPARD. When Vivian [Campbell] and I jam, it’s a beautiful interplay, a joyful experience that locks us in harmoniously, both in the studio and on stage."

DEF LEPPARD is no stranger to the limelight, having wrapped their Las Vegas residency on February 28, 2026, following earlier sold-out runs in 2013 and 2019. The band has kept their momentum, releasing a cover of Ben E. King’s timeless classic "Stand By Me" in January 2025, with all proceeds benefiting FireAid to support those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

As the world anticipates their next album, DEF LEPPARD continues to make waves with projects like their single "Just Like 73," featuring a blistering solo from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello, which dropped in June 2024. With a recent history that includes the orchestral reimagining of their hits on the "Drastic Symphonies" album, and their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in March 2019, DEF LEPPARD proves time and again that their legacy is as enduring as it is evolving.