Due May 16, the project sees rock and classical royalty combine to deliver re-imagined versions of some of the UK group’s biggest songs, as captured during a series of March 2022 sessions at Abbey Road studios.
Def Leppard have deconstructed and rebuilt not only some of their most well-known tracks, but also some of their hidden gems as well, by intertwining the audio from the original tapes and performing them as new symphonic arrangements alongside The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Def Leppard has always enjoyed veering off the expected path - working with the likes of Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Alison Krauss, for example,” explains Joe Elliott. “So, when the offer to revisit some of our back catalogue with the Royal Philharmonic was presented to us, we all jumped at it. Although we’re far from the first band to ever do this, working directly with an orchestra at Abbey Road on some of our more orchestrated songs seemed too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
“Drastic Symphonies” will be available in multiple formats, including CD, 2LP black vinyl, limited 2LP coloured vinyl, limited 2LP picture disc, CD/Blu-Ray (Atmos) and digitally; the vinyl and Atmos versions will also feature an exclusive bonus track: “Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad.”
Def Leppard and Motley Crue will resume their 2023 world tour in Sheffield, UK on May 22.
You can pre-order the album and pick up the new version of “Animal” here.
Def Leppard
With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
“Drastic Symphonies”
Release date: May 16
01. Turn To Dust
02. Paper Sun
03. Animal
04. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Stripped Version)
05. Hysteria
06. Love Bites
07. Goodbye For Good This Time
08. Love
09. Gods Of War
10. Angels (Can't Help You Now)
11. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
12. Switch 625
13. Too Late For Love
14. When Love & Hate Collide
15. Kings Of The World
See also:
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen allegedly assaulted at Florida hotel
Def Leppard launch Behind The World Tour video series
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott explains Bogota health issue
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott briefly hospitalized in Bogota ahead of concert
Search Def Leppard at hennemusic
