Def Leppard Features Tom Morello In New Song

Def Leppard has released a new track titled “Just Like 73,” featuring Tom Morello. This stadium-ready song aims to revive the spirit of the early ’70s.

Guitarist Phil Collen shared his inspiration for the song, stating:

“When I saw David Bowie on TV between 1972 and 1973, everything I thought I knew about music went from black and white to vivid technicolor. Our song ‘Just Like 73’ represents that awakening.”

Joe Elliott echoed Collen’s sentiments, adding:

“It encapsulates a time that burned deep into our DNA. We wanted to celebrate that very important and glorious time.”

Tom Morello, who has been a long-time fan of Def Leppard, expressed his excitement about collaborating with the band.

“I had a blast rocking a solo on ‘Just Like 73.’ I played ‘Rock of Ages’ in my college cover band almost 40 years ago, and here Def Leppard are still killing it in stadiums with a brand new tune that’s one of their best.”

“Just Like 73” marks Def Leppard’s first original release since their 2022 album Diamond Star Halos. Vivian Campbell discussed the band’s meticulous approach to songwriting.

“Def Leppard is much more crafted when we write and record records. We frequently start with a click track because the craft of songwriting is very, very important to Def Leppard. We’re literally trying to reinvent the wheel and up the bar.”

Campbell elaborated on their creative process, noting:

“Every day we go into the studio, we could be working on a song for two weeks, and someone might come in with a totally different idea, leading us to scrap weeks of work and start anew. It’s worth doing if it elevates the song, which invariably does for us. But with Last in Line, we’re not trying to write hit songs; we’re just trying to capture a feel.”

An animated music video for “Just Like 73” is set for release on June 20. The track will also be available for preorder as a limited edition 7’ single starting August 2. Def Leppard’s stadium tour with co-headliner Journey begins on July 6 in St. Louis and concludes on September 8 in Denver, featuring special guests like Heart, Steve Miller Band, and Cheap Trick at select shows.