Music

Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott Reveals What It’s Like Touring with AC/DC

Imagine you’re a teenager attending an AC/DC concert, moshing to the music of your rock heroes. Fast-forward a few months, and you find yourself sharing a stage with those very legends. That was precisely the journey for UK rock band Def Leppard in the late 1970s. In this article, we delve deep into an exclusive interview with Def Leppard’s frontman, Joe Elliott, where he candidly talks about what it was like to tour with the iconic Bon Scott-led AC/DC during their Highway to Hell tour.

The Dream Gig of a Lifetime

Def Leppard had the honor of opening for AC/DC during their monumental 1979 Highway to Hell tour. Notably, the tour crossed various British theatres, giving Def Leppard their first significant exposure. Interestingly, the band members were so young at the time that drummer Rick Allen celebrated his 16th birthday during one of the London tour dates.

From Fans to Touring Partners: A Surreal Transition

Elliott recounts the awe-inspiring experience in an episode of the Behind the Hits podcast. He mentioned how they were completely starstruck watching AC/DC perform, especially since they had been audience members just a few months prior.

“I saw AC/DC about three or four times with Bon. And then to actually go out on tour with him. It was, it was a little surreal because we were fans and then all of a sudden we’re touring partners. It was bizarre,”
Joe Elliott

Bon Scott, the inimitable frontman of AC/DC, didn’t hesitate to make Def Leppard feel at home. According to Elliott, Scott even shouted the band drinks as they watched AC/DC perform classics like “Live Wire” from the side stage.

“It was great fun to be out with them because we used to get the stands down the side stage and literally watch them open up with like ‘Live Wire,’ you know, for three solid weeks it was just brilliant,”
Joe Elliott

^{AUGUST 01, 1979: CAMDEN, ENGLAND. AC/DC’s Bon Scott sitting on Angus Young’s shoulders (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)}

Overcoming Tragedies to Become Rock Legends

Def Leppard, like AC/DC, have faced their share of ups and downs. However, the band has persevered, remaining one of the world’s biggest rock acts. In the Behind the Hits podcast, they also discuss the tragedies they’ve had to overcome to reach their current status.

Rocking Australia with Mötley Crüe: ‘The World Tour’

Australia, brace yourselves for an unparalleled musical extravaganza as Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe join forces for ‘The World Tour.’ This epic collaboration promises an electrifying night packed with iconic hits from both legendary bands. Whether it’s Def Leppard’s anthems like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” or Mötley Crüe’s rebellious classics like “Girls, Girls, Girls,” fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. With a reputation for high-energy performances and theatrical stage setups, these two iconic rock bands will leave you spellbound. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Concertgoers can also look forward to special effects, pyrotechnics, and a visually immersive stage that elevates the rock concert into a full-blown spectacle. This is more than just a night of music; it’s an event that celebrates the enduring spirit of rock. Secure your tickets now and be a part of rock history. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness ‘The World Tour’ and rock Australia like never before

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