Def Leppard to release 13th studio album in early 2027
They have '16 to 17 songs in the bag'
Def Leppard’s 13th studio album is tentatively set for release in early 2027, according to frontman Joe Elliott.
Back in January, Def Leppard released their hard-rocking, anthemic new track ‘Rejoice’ to celebrate the start of their Las Vegas residency.
In a new interview with France 24, Joe Elliott said Def Leppard have 16 or 17 songs in the bag for their first record since 2022’s ‘Diamond Star Halos’.
Discussing the recording process Def Leppard have adopted since lockdown, Joe said: "I've got a studio at home, and everybody has always gracefully come to my house to record. We'd do a month at a time, and then everybody goes home. But they couldn't travel (during Covid). So, we ended up recording remotely, and we found it to be exhilarating.
“Everybody got to be at home with their families yet still make a record. And we trusted each other that we were writing songs. And so everybody just played on everybody else's bits, and it's easy to do. We don't all record in one room when we are in the same studio - we do it, the drums and the bass and the guitars and the vocals; it's all layered.”
Joe continued: “So we've been recording while we were in Vegas (for the band’s residency). On days off, we had the drums set up in the basement of the theatre, and Rick (Allen) played loads of drums on his days off, and they'd do guitars in their hotel rooms, stuff like that. And I sing when I get home.
“So we've got about 17 or 18 songs written. So, we've actually almost got two albums recorded. So, we're still deciding which songs are gonna go on album one, if you like. And then we're looking at an early '27 release."
Def Leppard embark on a six-date UK tour in June and July 2026 with very special guests Extreme.
Phil Collen said when the tour was announced: “It’s a dream to be coming back to the UK in June and July next year. And to be coming back with our good friends, Extreme, is a bonus. It’s going to be an incredible night for all the fans!”
Head to Planet Rock Tickets to snap up the final tickets.
Prior to the tour, a new Def Leppard ‘Greatest Hits’ album will be released on Friday 12th June on vinyl formats only.
Def Leppard's UK tour dates with Extreme:
JUNE 2026
Belfast Belsonic, Ormeau Park – Fri 26th
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Sun 28th
Sheffield Utilita Arena – Tue 30th
JULY 2026
London The O2 – Thu 2nd
Birmingham bp pulse LIVE – Sat 4th
Manchester Co-op Live – Mon 6th