Interview: Def Leppard Speaks to The Hindi

Ahead of their upcoming Dubai show in August, Def Leppard are heading to India for their long-awaited tour across Shillong, Mumbai and Bengaluru in March. Frontman Joe Elliott spoke to The Hindu about the band's nearly five-decade journey. 

Speaking to The Hindu Elliott spoke about the forming of the band: “I was working in a factory in Sheffield. I missed my bus home and bumped into a kid… that was Pete Willis,” Joe says, the conception of the band came about incredibly casually. “He said, we’re looking for a singer, and I said, I’ll do it… and that was it,”

Reflecting on the breakthrough success of their 1987 album Hysteria, which sold over 25 million copies worldwide. The record’s creation was nearly derailed by setbacks, including drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a car accident. “The reason it took so long is because we wanted it to be right,” Elliott explained.

One of their biggest hits, “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” emerged late in the process. Producer Mutt Lange heard the idea during a break and told the band, “This is the best hook I’ve heard for years, trust me,” a moment that led to one of rock’s most iconic songs.

Def Leppard will headline shows on March 25 (Shillong), March 27 (Mumbai), and March 29 (Bengaluru), ahead of bringing their legendary live show at Coca-Cola Arena on August 2.