Overview
Rock legends Def Leppard are gearing up to deliver their 13th studio album, slated for release in 2026. In a recent USA Today interview, frontman Joe Elliott revealed that the band already has “plenty of stuff” in the works, and are now zeroing in on final decisions like track selection, album title, and song sequencing.
Preparing the 13th Album
This upcoming release marks Def Leppard’s first full-length studio album since their glam-rock tribute, Diamond Star Halos (2022).
Their recording process continues to evolve: much of the new album is being crafted remotely. Elliott shared that the band still relies heavily on Zoom sessions and other digital tools, quipping that “laptops have become Abbey Road,” as the members collaborate virtually from different locations—just as they did on their previous album.
What’s on the Table?
According to Elliott, the band is in the phase of narrowing down from their abundant ideas and demos to determine:
- Which songs will make the final cut
- What the album title will be
- The optimal order of tracks
This creative stage signals that the album is well underway, now shifting from conception to consolidation.
Recent Musical Activity
- “Just Like ’73” (2024): A standalone single featuring guitarist Tom Morello.
- “Stand by Me” (2025): A heartfelt charity cover of the Ben E. King classic, released to benefit wildfire relief via FireAid—and featured in the Netflix film Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger.
- Collaborative efforts: Elliott and Phil Collen teamed up with Bad Company legends Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke to record “Seagull”, featured on the upcoming tribute album Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, due October 24.
Touring & Residency Highlights
The band’s 2025 tour schedule extends into late summer, concluding with a concert in Virginia Beach on August 31.
Looking ahead, Def Leppard is set to launch a Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum, Caesars Palace from February 3 to 28, 2026—their first return to Sin City since 2019.
They’ll also appear at the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany, headlining from July 29 to August 1, 2026.
