Def Leppard Enlists Tom Morello for New Made-for-Stadiums Rocker ‘Just Like 73’
Ahead of Def Leppard’s summer tour, the band has linked up with Tom Morello for the new one-off single “Just Like 73.”
According to the group, the made-for-stadiums rocker harkens back to the early Seventies, capturing the music and the technological breakthroughs of the era.
More from Rolling Stone
Def Leppard's Stripped Back 'Photograph' Rough Mix Sounds Almost New Wave
Tom Morello, Amanda Palmer, More Call on FCC to Restore Net Neutrality and 'Protect Art'
Sheryl Crow Questions Artificial Intelligence on Anthemic Single 'Evolution'
“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,” Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen said in a statement. “Our song ‘Just Like 73’ represents that awakening.”
Joe Elliott added of the single, “It encapsulates a time that burned deep into our DNA. We wanted to celebrate that very important and glorious time.”
Morello — who also announced his own new solo album, Soldier in the Army of Love Wednesday — appears mid-song to deliver one of his trademark, mind-blowing guitar solos. “I had a blast rocking a solo on ‘Just Like 73,’” Morello added in a statement. “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.”
An animated music video for “Just Like 73” — featuring both the band and Morello — will arrive June 20. The track is also available to preorder as a limited edition 7″ single out August 2.
Def Leppard’s massive stadium tour with co-headliner Journey kicks off July 6 in St. Louis and runs through September 8 in Denver. Heart, Steve Miller Band, and Cheap Trick will serve as special guests at select shows along the way.
Best of Rolling Stone