Break-up talk started last October, after Leppard cancelled 23 dates on their North American tour due to “unforeseen personal matters.” Joe Elliott put that speculation to rest recently, reporting that he was needed at home while his wife was pregnant with their soon-to-be-born child; the two became proud parents to a son earlier this year.
In addition to being a new dad, Elliott has also been busy with his side project, Down’N Outz; the band was formed specifically to open a series of reunion shows for Mott The Hoople last year at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. Down’N Outz is Elliott and members of The Quireboys, and they play only Mott-related tunes – songs by Mott, Ian Hunter and British Lions.
Down’N Outz debut, “My Regeneration,” is out this July, but fans of Classic Rock magazine can get a 10-track advance sampler free with the June issue.
Here’s Joe talking about the new project, as well as some of Leppard’s plans this year:
High Voltage - Joe Elliott Interview on muzu.tv
Def Leppard - Rock On videoDef Leppard – Rock On (2006)
In other Def action, it’s just been announced that guitarist Vivan Campbell will be joining the 2011 lineup of Thin Lizzy.
Thin Lizzy 2011 is led by alumni Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton (all of whom played in THIN LIZZY with Phil Lynott), DEF LEPPARD's Vivian Campbell (guitar), bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Ted Nugent) and THE ALMIGHTY's Ricky Warwick on vocals and guitar.
Lizzy have announced a UK Tour in January, kicking off with a special show in Dublin on January 4, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s passing; details on guest stars and additional performers are to be announced.
Thin Lizzy - Chinatown - Killer On the Loose Thin Lizzy – Killer On The Loose (1980)
