Def Leppard began their musical journey in 1977, forming the current lineup of Joe Elliott on vocals, Rick Savage on bass, Rick Allen on drums, Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell on guitars in 1992. Their success came after two full-length studio albums. They had a great deal of commercial success between the ’80s and ’90s. Their third album, titled ‘Pyromania,’ put them on the map with songs like ‘Photograph’ and ‘Rock of Ages.’ This album even reached #2 on the US Albums charts.
The follow-up album titled ‘Hysteria’ was even more successful. This album allowed them to reach an international fan base. It was number one in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Norway. It sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Def Leppard released their twelfth studio album ‘Diamond Star Halos’ this past May. It is their first studio album in seven years since their self-titled album, which was released in 2015. While Joe Elliott and the band focused on their music, he was also obsessed with two modern bands. Let’s see who they are.
Joe Elliott Was Obsessed With Greta Van Fleet And The Struts
Joe Elliott has been a part of Def Leppard as their lead singer since the band started in 1977. The vocalist has been praised throughout his career in the band, not only for his raspy sound but also for his singing voice, which has a very wide range. He is one of the two original members who are still part of the band. Although Joe Elliott and Def Leppard have been an influence and role model for many musicians, there are still bands that he loves to listen to. One of these bands is Greta Van Fleet.
Elliott stated that Great Van Fleet was one of the two bands he was obsessed with. He addressed the argument about how Greta Van Fleet seemed to be influenced by Led Zeppelin. However, unlike the common criticism about the similarities between the two bands, Joe appreciated Greta Van Fleet for making the music that Led Zeppelin won’t make again.
Here is what Elliott thinks about Greta Van Fleet:
“There’s only two that I’m aware of at the moment because I’m so busy doing my own thing. The only two bands I’m obsessed with right now are Greta Van Fleet and The Struts. Yeah, there’s a raging argument about Greta Van Fleet, and it’s going to go on for years; they don’t do themselves any favors when they say that they’re not influenced by Led Zeppelin. Wear it on your sleeve, baby! Greta Van Fleet, they’re just making the music that Led Zeppelin won’t make ever again.”
Another band Elliott mentioned was The Struts. He stated that they reminded him of a combination of Freddie Mercury and Slade. He noted that their frontman, Luke Spiller, had a very strong stage presence. According to him, if the frontman can put himself in front of all these people, that makes him a great superstar.
His thoughts about The Struts:
“The Struts, they’re like a compound of Freddie Mercury and Slade. It’s powerful. You’ve got a frontman that’s just so over the top; he’s a joy to listen to because he’s just such a frontman, and that’s what he’s supposed to be. He put himself on a pedestal. He’ll either knock you off or prop you up. He’s got balls to get up there; I think he’s a superstar. He really is.”
Although Joe Elliott has been in the music industry for many years, it’s very notable that as an artist, he has specific musicians and bands he loves for their sound and general vibe.
