Def Leppard Releases New Single ‘Just Like 73’ with Tom Morello
Def Leppard has released their new single, “Just Like 73“, featuring a guitar solo by Tom Morello. The track is available for streaming now and will be released on seven-inch vinyl on August 2, 2024. Fans can purchase a special color variant through the band’s direct-to-consumer store, while the black variant will be available at all major retailers. BBC Radio 2 premiered the track as a “Global Exclusive” earlier today.
“Just Like 73” marks the first collaboration between Def Leppard and Tom Morello, known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. The single features a classic Def Leppard beat, strong riffs, and a memorable chant: “Rock with me, just like 73!” The song includes a solo by Morello, showcasing his signature style.
Def Leppard‘s lead singer, Joe Elliott, explained the song’s inspiration: “It encapsulates a time that burned deep into our DNA. We wanted to celebrate that very important and glorious time.” Guitarist Phil Collen added, “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.”
Morello shared his excitement about the collaboration: “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 is still killing it in stadiums with a brand new tune that’s one of their best.”
An animated music video for “Just Like 73” will premiere on June 20 at 16:00 BST, featuring the band and Morello.
Leading up to the single’s release, Def Leppard teased “Just Like 73” on social media, sharing an image with phone numbers for U.S. and U.K. fans to call. Fans who called the numbers heard Elliott singing lyrics from the song, marking the band’s first new music since their 2022 album, “Diamond Star Halos.”
Def Leppard is also preparing for a 23-city tour with Journey, starting on July 6 in St. Louis, Missouri, and ending on September 8 in Denver, Colorado. The tour will visit major cities across North America, including Chicago, Nashville, Boston, Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Cheap Trick will open the first and last two shows, while the Steve Miller Band will join for most dates. Heart will appear on three select dates.
Elliott hinted at special plans for the tour: “Our set on the 2024 tour will celebrate specific parts of our history. We may even have a surprise or two up our sleeves.”
With the release of “Just Like 73,” featuring Tom Morello, and an extensive tour on the horizon, Def Leppard continues to show their lasting influence and ability to engage audiences. Fans can look forward to experiencing the band’s latest efforts both on record and live on stage.
