Def Leppard 'Rocks All Ages' In Mountain View
MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS) - British rock legends Def Leppard may not have been abducted by aliens like their fellow '80s tour-mate, Sammy Hagar of Van Halen, but they have stayed down-to-earth and are still the same, fun-loving Brits who love to rock at any age. And they will soon be rocking out on a stage near you.
CBS LOCAL EVENTS: Def Leppard With Heart
Known for hits like, "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Rock of Ages," "Foolin'" and "Hysteria," Def Leppard is getting amped up for their U.S. tour that will kick off on June 15 in West Palm Beach, Florida and making a stop at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on Friday, September 9th. In addition to their 45-plus date tour, they will release a live album called "Mirrorball," which includes three new studio songs.
Def Leppard will share the spotlight on tour with iconic female rockers, Heart, known for hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda," and "Alone."
"They've got a massive catalog of hits, like we've had, so that's going to be great, that makes it an event; it makes it special," Def Leppard's lead vocalist and guitarist Joe Elliot tells CBSNews.com.
According to Def Leppard's guitarist and vocalist, Phil Collen, the band is thrilled to get back on the road after taking 18 months off. But to put on a good show, the lads say it requires getting in shape as well.
"There's a lot of perspiration as well as inspiration with Def Leppard," Collen adds.
Life has gotten a little bit sweeter for Def Leppard, who has put their signature on America's songbook of fun, anthemic rock tunes. The band has remained current by branching off into new genres with the support of country stars, Taylor Swift and Alison Krauss, who are big fans of Def Leppard. They even performed with Swift during the CMAs back in 2009.
"Working with Taylor was very gratifying...You realize how much you do crossover - even on the country side of things...," Elliot says. "That has always been our goal to appeal to all age groups."
While Elliot resides in Dublin and Collen in California, the two talented Brits say they are thrilled to witness the excitement surrounding the royal wedding across the globe.
So, would Def Leppard like to "pour some sugar" on the royal reception?
While they haven't been asked to play at Kate Middleton and Prince William's royal wedding reception, they know what songs would make the set list..."It would definitely have to be 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' and 'Love Bites,'" Elliott and Collen both agree.
But for now, that's just wishful thinking, and the band has to accept that the only sugar the Queen will tolerate will be in her tea!
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