Song
Just Like 73
Artist
Def Leppard feat. Tom Morello
Def Leppard backstory
The Lepps have been doing their rock and roll thing since 1977 and this summer heralds another huge stadium trek across the US alongside Heart, Cheap Trick and The Steve Miller Band.
Forged in Sheffield and influenced by the burgeoning NWOBHM scene, the ambitious five-piece spotted a gap in the market in the mid 80s.
And on the back of Mutt Lange-helmed masterpieces Pyromania and Hysteria, Def Leppard became one of the biggest pop rock exports on the planet.
Surviving grunge, laughing in the face of nu metal and capable of constantly reinventing themselves — without ever entirely ditching those working class roots — Joe Elliott and co. have carved out an incredible career.
With more than 110 million albums sold worldwide, theirs is a legacy that almost defies logic but the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees never look back.
The previous year Def Leppard sold more than one million tickets across the US and topped that figure again in 2022 and 2023 alongside Mötley Crüe.
2022’s Diamond Star Halos debuted at number one on the Apple and Amazon music charts and became Leppard’s eighth Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart top 10 record.
In their own words
“It encapsulates a time that burned deep into our DNA. We wanted to celebrate that very important and glorious time.” (Joe Elliott)
“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.” (Phil Collen)
“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.” (Tom Morello)
The verdict on Just Like 73
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott’s always been in thrall to the 70s glam rock scene that sparked his passion for guitar music.
And it feels like Just Like 73 has been bubbling under the surface for the bulk of his career. It probably has.
A typically infectious Rick Allen beat, the gang-style vocals, nods to T Rex and Mott The Hoople and an oh-so-clever chorus are classic Leppard trademarks.
But who’d have tipped Tom Morello to pop up and add a scorching solo to the mix?
In a move reminiscent to the band’s 2008 leftfield Tim McGraw collab, drafting in a hired hand has done this single release no harm at all.
And Rage Against The Machine’s riff lord doesn’t hold back as he gives Just Like 73 an almighty kick up the arse.
Def Leppard really don’t need to release new music as the band’s 50th anniversary creeps ever closer.
But they always have done.
And that’s just one of the reasons why these national treasures will always remain relevant.
Just Like 73? This is just like Leppard.
What’s next for Def Leppard
Physical versions of Just Like 73 are released in August with a variety of seven inch and 12 inch drops up for pre-order.
Def Leppard kick off their annual US stadium tour on July 6 with Cheap Trick joining the band at the Busch Stadium in St Louis.
The 23-date tour wraps in Denver on September 8 at the Coors Field.
