Joe Elliott an Inspiration to follow a Dream

I am sure Joe Elliott has been told many times that he was an inspiration to someone because of his vocal talents, the songs that he helped write and that they inspire them to get them through rough periods in their life.

I am no exception, Def Leppard has inspired me a lot at times when I thought I couldn't get through a day after being stressed and worried about different things but listening to them helped me through it.

However Joe Elliott is an inspiration to me in a different way this time. He's inspired me to follow my dream and although he doesn't know this, I plan to let him know because now I am going to follow my passion and that is journalism. I want to be able to interview the best bands in the world, Especially Def Leppard.

I recently got to ask him a question on Rockline and at the moment, I was very nervous in talking to him, even though we've met several times but I was nervous because he's my favorite Lep. I've met a lot of bands in the past 20 years I've been seeing concerts and Joe Elliott by far is the most favorite of all lead singers and talking to him on rockline and of course meeting him has inspired me and given me the courage to follow this dream.

If one day I become successful and have interviewed him, along with the rest of the Leps and other bands, I want to thank him personally because I realized at that moment, what I truly wanted, what would make me happy.

The first time I met Joe during the X tour, he was very sweet and although I couldn't say much because I was so nervous, I knew there would be no one else that could inspire me to write and write about the one band I truly love and the front man for them.

With any luck, I can at least interview Joe and of course I would want to interview the rest of them but in my dream to pursue Journalism, Joe will be my inspiration. Thanks Joe.

Cheesy or not Milwaukee Journal Says

The Milwaukee Journal says that Def Leppard remains sharp decades later. Def Leppard rocked out to a nearly sold out crowd at the Marcus Amphitheater Friday night. Def Leppard brings back the memories of ripped jeans and the famous Joe Elliott Mullet hairdo as they sung the songs of the Classic Def Leppard.

With a little twist in the set list with Mirror Mirror from High and Dry and the new runway, the Def Leppard downstage thrust tour is off to a rocking good start. With 2 dates under their belt from the new tour, there are only 50 more to go. For more from the Milwaukee Journal, click link below.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=626631

Fan Interviews Part 5 Kim

Kim’s Interview

RC: Hi Kim, welcome to the Rock Chronicles. I will be asking you a series of questions about Def Leppard but first tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do, what are your interests and where do you come from?

Kim: Well I was born and raised in San Diego California in the summer of love 1967 a misplaced hippie as my friends and family say. A true child of the 80's for sure. Hmm been an actress all my life studied in Los Angeles and New York City. as of the past four years I'm attempting to get through college in order to become a high school drama teacher. I've been a vegan all my life in fact the last time I ate any animal products I was 9/10 years old. I'm also a work out nut too. I'm also an artist, acting, writing, sketch, paint, sculpt and photography.

RC: Okay Kim, I want to ask you about Def Leppard. They are by far my favorite band in the world and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the tour and hopefully talking to them.

My first question for you is, is Def Leppard your favorite band in the world and who is your favorite member and why or why not?

Kim: Yep I'm forever a die hard Def girl! Feel head over heels for Phil the second I first saw the video to Photograph. Why is Phil my fav lepp you ask? I love the guitar think I was one in a past life LOL...well he's gorgeous, the biggest flirt and show off with the best ass in rock and roll! I admire his life style which is similar to mine in fact. His unbelievable talent!

RC: The Leps are having a runway this tour, kind of like what Aerosmith has; do you think that is a good idea? The reason I ask is fan club members are afraid of it affecting the seating, meaning they might not get as good of seats if its interrupted by the runway. Do you think this will make the show better or worse?

Kim: Hey every Def gig I've seen Rocks but the thrust stage probably will take away from good seating. I personally would love them to bring In The Round back been so long seeing that.

RC: Since the new tour is underway, do you think this tour will be as exciting as the last one or more so?

Kim: Def's always exciting!

RC: Let’s talk for a minute about Phil Collen. He was in Girl before and did a side project with Joe in the Cybernauts and has even sung lead on a Leppard song before, if he were to want to do a solo album, do you think he’d make a good lead singer for his own band? If not why?

Kim: YES he is a great front man for his band Man Raze!

RC: Have you ever heard or seen Girl live or on CD? If you have, what did you think of Phil in the band?

Kim: Have all the Girl cd's great band Phil's guitar work was brilliant.

RC: If Phil were to ever leave the band, would you stop liking Def Leppard as a whole? Or would you like them but not as much as you did with Phil in it?

Kim: Good Question...First He'd never leave DL but no I'll die a DL girl!

RC: Phil has over 50 guitars I think he says and he has a name for each one of them. Do you think it’s silly for him to name them or do you think it’s cute?

Kim: its 150 guitars btw LOL naw he has a silly sense of humor it shows he's human ya know.

RC: In all seriousness, let’s now talk about the new album they are coming out with, Sparkle Lounge. Joe is being very cautious about it, considering what happened with Yeah and of course people downloading the new stuff before it can come out. They aren’t revealing anything which maybe tells me that this is going to be an awesome album and I am looking forward to it. What are your predictions for this album? Do you think it will be a success or a flop?

Kim: I hope as always it'll blow everyone away ie..Hysteria/Pyro but the guys say it is influenced a lot by Yeah so that says to me it'll be Rock and ballad free...I hope it does well hey I love Slang and look what happened I think to us REAL fans we'll adore it!!!

RC: When you hear the name of the new album, what comes to mind? Do you think it sounds like a Def Leppard album?

Kim: Why not people tend to expect an 'ia' after every DL alum title...I love the title.

RC: Def Leppard has never been about a look when it came to their music. The only thing that really stood out with them when it comes to performing on stage or even playing their favorite sport soccer is their Union Jack Flag. If Def Leppard came out as a glamour band like Poison and wore the make up and the clothes, do you think that would have made them a bigger success because they are conforming to the role of the bands that were popular like Poison and Kiss? Or would it have put a quick end to a short career?

Kim: nope I think the fact they DON'T conform makes them successful. Staying true to who they are.

RC: Phil wore make up in his Girl days, do you think he decided to leave the band because he didn’t want to be in a glamour band or do you think he left because of creative differences or they didn’t get along anymore?

Kim: Creative and the fact Girl was going knowhere and falling apart.

RC: What do you think of Mutt Lange’s involvement in the new album? Why after all these years, do you think the boys are involving him in the new album?

Do you think it’s because they think the album will be more successful with him. Think it would be without him even not knowing what’s on it?

Kim: I think it's timing They haven't worked together in a lot of years the time is right.

RC: When Steve was alive and Phil and him were known as the terror twins, do you think perhaps because they were so close, that Steve often confided in Phil, thing’s he’d never tell Joe or any of the other guys? I just mean that they were really close, like brothers and Phil took his death pretty hard. Do you think Phil was the brother Steve never had?

Kim: Yes I'm sure Steve confided trusted Phil with things no one else will ever know.

RC: Steve had a pretty hard life growing up with parents that never really supported him and I’ve heard Steve endured many years of physical abuse and of course verbal abuse. Do you think that contributed to his death? I mean, do you think that if he’d had a family that loved and supported him, he’d be alive today?

Kim: Who knows? We all have our pasts. I believe Steve was mentally ill Schizophrenia he heard voices had radical mood swings the sighs were there. God Bless him.

RC: I think Steve thought of Def Leppard as his family and he was very distraught over the band wanting him to get some help for his alcoholism and drugs, do you think perhaps Steve was afraid of facing his demons?

Perhaps afraid if he did, he’d have to remember what it was like growing up in his house with his parents?

Kim: Again who can speculate? Most gifted artists like Steve burn out I like to think their talent is just too much for them.

RC: Let’s change gears and talk about my favorite guy Joe Elliott. Do you think he was the perfect choice for lead singer of Def Leppard? Do you think that anyone else could ever be front man for them? If so why do you think that?

Kim: Joe is Joe got to love him! Destiny played a part in Joe becoming Lead singer. Missing his bus running into Pete Willis the rest is history.

RC: Joe seemed to take control of the band, once he stepped in as lead singer. I mean, they share the credit when it comes to writing and stuff but do you think Joe is responsible for keeping the band on its toes and keeping it together as far as chemistry goes?

Kim: Another good question hmm don't know Joe but he does seem to be a driving force but I think the entire band gets credit for keeping the band on track their friends they like each other.

RC: Do you like the fact that Def Leppard now shares the bill with big acts like Styx and Foreigner or would you rather smaller bands opened for them so we could get a full set from our boys since they used to play two hours?

Kim: Of Course seeing them with Journey, Bryan Adams was great I would like to see Tesla hit the road with them again too.

RC: What’s the longest distance you’ve ever traveled to see them and how far would you be willing to go to see them live as in distance?

Kim: I'm lucky with that I live in California so the farthest is an hour north where Phil lives. They like San Diego saw them at Jack Murphy Stadium for Pyro 60,000 people so cool it was.

RC: Now, switching gears again, what do you think of Viv Campbell? He’s always labeled the new guy. Do you think he’s earned his place in Def Leppard? Do you think he should be no longer considered the new guy? If not, why?

Kim: I love Viv I hate when he's compared to Steve or called the 'New Guy' he's an amazing player.

RC: Viv seems to think that being in a lot of bands doesn’t speak well of a musician as if moving around a lot is saying he can’t make up his mind or doesn’t know what he wants to do. To me, an experienced musician is a better musician because if you have experience in other bands, you’re more likely to be able to conform to the band you decide you want to be inn and can pick up on their style and their type of music, what do you think?

Kim: Yes true I think he was looking for a home and he found it in Def

RC: When Rick entered the band, he was very young and very gifted and even though he wasn’t experienced it didn’t take long for him to become a great drummer for Def Leppard. Do you think if they’d turned him down and told him to come back when he was older because right now he was just a kid, it would have made a difference in how he would have performed, had they given him a chance then if they hadn’t?

Kim: It would have hindered Def Leppard and who they've become for sure Talent has no age limit.

RC: The one person I have not covered really in any of my interviews and is certainly not last is Rick Savage. He co founded Atomic Mass with Pete Willis and Tony Kenning. I don’t think Def Leppard would have been born, had it not been for that band.

I don’t know if they made any albums but when Joe stepped in and they became Def Leppard, do you think that Sav gets enough credit for co founding Atomic Mass and if they’d stayed Atomic Mass with Joe as lead singer, would the band be Sav’s or Joe’s? For that matter, is Def Leppard Joe’s or Sav’s band?

Kim: the band belongs to the band. A co-operative as Joe says.

RC: Sav almost made a career of soccer but decided he wanted to be a musician more. Had he chosen soccer, still having the passion to play music, do you think he would have been happy with that?

Kim: only Sav can answer that.

RC: Just a couple of more questions and then we’ll be done Kim. What will you remember most about Def Leppard years from now that was a very special moment in your life?

Kim: first gig I saw them play!

RC: Along those same lines, how has Def Leppard been an influence in your life and would you want that influence passed onto your kids?

Kim: Oh geez so much. The music speaks, touches, helps get me through stuff.

RC: Thank you Kim for participating in this interview and I hope to hear from you again when the tour is done to tell me your experiences.

Kim: Thanks Sugar! Kim

RC: This has been a Rock Chronicles interview part 5, stay tuned for more.

Fan Interviews Part 4 Heidi

RC: Hello Heidi, welcome to the Rock Chronicles. I will be asking you a series of questions, mostly related to Def Leppard but first I would like you to tell me a little about yourself, where do you come from, what are your interests and what do you do?

Heidi: I come from Tucson AZ and I was born with the name of Maria. Heidi is just a name my friends came up with for me and I went with it.

My interests include going to concerts, writing, listening to music, watching DVDs. Sometimes go shopping but I am not high maintenance. I like traveling and I like some anime parties (I am getting very tired of Anime admittedly though). I am just your average Def Leppard fan but the difference is I have a deadly life threatening illness called Acute deep vein thrombosis which causes blood clots in my body. Usually, they're only in your legs but I have them all over and they have caused me to have a seizure disorder too.

RC: Okay, now on to the questions. The new tour is officially underway and they are playing their first gig in Cincinnati Ohio. They’ve been touring every year now for awhile and in the past, they often went as long as three years in between tours. How do you feel about them touring every year and basically having the same tour because they haven’t had an original album since X?

Heidi: I love Def Leppard very much and love their live shows but I have to admit, I was a bit shocked and disappointed after hearing we were going to hear the same show over again and here's why...

I was shocked because I thought they would be more concerned about getting their album done and I was disappointed because I was hoping for new stuff, I was glad to hear they would play older stuff though.

RC: I love them, don’t get me wrong but they’ve gone a long time in between albums. I love seeing them every time but I think they need to push more of the songs off a new album like on the Yeah tour; they need to promote that more.

The new album they are finishing once the tour is over sounds like it will be in true Def Leppard form and with them not singing anything off it on this tour, do you think that is because Joe is worried that it will be on you tube before it can come out, that will prevent a leak anyway, considering what happened with the Yeah album?

Heidi: Well anything’s possible, it could possibly still get leaked but I think the chances are much smaller this time, not impossible though.

RC: They’ve named the tour Down stage thrust tour, do you think the album will eventually be changed to something with thrust in it or do you think they’ll keep the name Sparkle Lounge?

Heidi: As of right now, I think they'll keep the Sparkle Lounge title. In the future, I may believe otherwise but as of now, I think their current title will be kept.

RC: Def Leppard is known for being a unique band and coming out with the unique music that makes them Def Leppard, do you think they should change their style to be able to compete with today’s changing music or would that ruin their careers?

Heidi: I think if they changed their music just to complete with today's music or to sell more records, I think that would anger and disappoint a lot of fans and some would consider that selling out. Def Leppard has always been a band who made the kind of music they wanted to make whether that type of music was considered 'hot' at the time or not. I think it's best if they kept it that way.

RC: When the Yeah album was leaked, music critic Andrew Mc Niece gave it a poor review and actually said it would be the end of their careers in not so many words, do you think Yeah was a mistake or was that album just prematurely judged and did you like it, if not why?

Heidi: There's always going to be those people who don't like something and a lot of times it's the people who are picky or hard to please. Not always but a lot of times and I doubt Def Leppard cares what some guy has to say. You can't make everyone happy, there's always going to be someone who doesn’t like something you do and I think the Def Leppard boys know that

As for of my opinion on it, it was a bit different from what I was expecting, I must admit. I'll also admit, it kind of reminded me of the 70s but I actually liked a lot of the songs on the album. I even have a couple favorites off it

RC: Back when they first became popular, the meet and greet was a very popular thing and they were known for having those passes with hidden meanings.

Would you like to see the meet and greets come back like how they were then when the entire band would be there but of course then, if you got that pass with a hidden meaning, they were expecting something if you came backstage. What did you think of that?

Heidi: You know, here's my opinion on the meet and greets and the canceling of meet and greets, they are getting older and as much as they love their fans, they probably don't want to meet people all the time. It's understandable and the fans need to understand that without getting all defensive, a true fan would understand that. Plus with possible stalkers out there these days, I understand why they do not have m&gs. Now as far as bringing them back, if that's what they want to do, then sure, go for it.

As far as them expecting something, I would never just put out like some groupie whore but I have to admit it would be tempting to do something with them, considering they are all gorgeous but in the end, I probably wouldn't because they are all married. I have always said I'd never do anything with someone married and intend to keep my word on that.

RC: If Def Leppard brought that back and made changes where say instead, you got a pass if they did a drawing or something for the first say 50 people, do you think that would work and would it be fair to everyone?

Heidi: See, the only reason I think they should not do that is because some people who don't win would WHINE AND WHINE about how unfair it is and how Def Leppard ripped off their fans. I don't see that happening though. As for my opinion on that, I have to admit I'd see why they do that if they did but I'm not too keen on the idea.

RC: I’ve asked this of everyone and I’ll ask you. Who is your favorite Def Leppard member?

Heidi: OMG! If you asked me when I first got interested in Def Leppard, I would have said Steve and as I got into them more, I would have said Steve and Sav. As time progressed, I would have said Joe and after seeing them last year and being exposed to Viv's projects, I'd have said him. Now I love them all but if I had to choose 1, it's be Phil, I loved the terror twins

RC: Joe said in an interview that he once expressed interest in playing the drums in a band. Do you think if Joe were the drummer for Def Leppard instead of Rick, that they’d be Def Leppard at all or would they be an entirely different band?

Heidi: Everything would have been completely different, they may have still became famous but I think it would be a different band.

RC: Rick Allen is one of the most recognized drummers in the music industry and by far the most courageous man I’ve ever met and he’s very down to earth and sweet. After Rick came back when he recovered from his accident and performed onstage for the first time since, he was greeted with the most heartfelt applause and Joe Elliott was quoted as saying he was a better drummer now than before the accident. Do you think if Rick hadn’t been in that accident that he’d be as good of a drummer as he is now?

Heidi: I happen to think the accident helped Rick snap back into reality because even Rick has said himself, before the accident, he let it all get to his head and the accident changed that. I do think that because of the accident, it has made him a stronger drummer and perhaps in some views, a better one. It's hard to say if he'd been as good if the accident didn't happen but I think he'd still be a pretty good drummer.

RC: Joe seems adamant that he’d never do a solo album and you’d have to hold a gun to his head or didn’t see a reason to be in the band anymore but lots of artists like even Viv Campbell go off and do their solo thing. Do you think Joe is saying that if you do a solo album that it means you aren’t really into being in the band as much anymore and you feel the need to see if the grass is greener on the other side? I got the impression when I had asked him my question that he thought by doing a solo album, it meant that he thought if you did one, you’re questioning your part in the band do you think that’s what he meant?

Heidi: I think it depends on who the band is, in Def Leppard's case, no, I don't think it means that at all, I think when Joe said that, he was talking about himself. He wasn't saying in general if someone does a solo album, it means they aren't into the band, I think he was just talking about himself.

RC: For some reason, I’ve always gotten this weird vibe when I hear about a band doing a greatest hits album because when a band comes out with one, sometimes not long after, the band either breaks up or it means they are no longer selling the amount of albums they used to. Def Leppard did one and some say it was their best album to date, do you think that if a band does a greatest hits album it means they can no longer produce the music they used to or be able to compete with their own best selling album?

Heidi: I think when a band has been around so long, they feel it's time to release an album with their biggest hits. Does that mean the band can't sell well anymore? No. Of course it doesn't, does that mean they will for sure sell more? Again no. Of course not, it just depends; it's different with each band

RC: If something were to happen and Joe one day said “I quit” and they started looking for a new lead singer. Do you think that anyone else could ever fill his shoes?

Heidi: Def Leppard is currently Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell. Nobody else could fill either of their shoes.

RC: Def Leppard is a band that doesn’t change members like some change socks as I’ve seen some bands do, due to creative differences or lack of chemistry. They are like a family and they’ve seen each other through the most impossible situations. Do you think their closeness with each other has helped in still being a successful band after thirty years along with talent of course?

Heidi: Definitely, they are a very close band and that is good for a band like them. It's not always good to be close or different in some bands cases but for them, it works. They each are different in their own ways as well as close to each other and that works for them.

RC: Do you think it’s fair to say that Def Leppard has always been a band that has never forgotten what it took to make them a success?

Joe grew up in Sheffield, a town known for its hardships and he didn’t have much money. He worked in a factory, a job he didn’t care for much because deep down, he wanted to be a musician more than life and he was always very good to his Mum and Dad and they supported him in his dreams.

Do you think that Joe if he’d grown up differently, had money growing up and never knew what it was like to be poor, he’d be an entirely different person and maybe not appreciate his roots as much?

Heidi: Yes. The problem with these rich stars is they never knew what it was like to have no money so they take things for granted and think they can do what they want with no responsibility for their actions and I think if Joe grew up rich, he'd be no exception.

RC: Along those same lines, do you think how all of them grew up, affected their music and what kind of style they have?

The way I’m thinking is that a lot of bands write songs based on actual experiences and although Def Leppard doesn’t really do that, do you think the kind of band they are had anything to do with how they grew up?

Heidi: Yes, maybe so, in most cases, the way band members in most bands grow up usually has something to do with their music and style whether their songs would be based on actual experiences or not.

RC: When I think about certain bands its kind of funny because for instance, Def Leppard is a British band and most of them grew up in the UK and they have the biggest fan base in the US but in the US, some American bands are bigger in say in Japan. Do you think that if Def Leppard had been an American band, they’d be bigger in the UK than they are now?

Heidi: Yes, they probably would

RC: Let’s go back in time and change history a little bit. The year is 1959 and little Joe Elliott was born in Sheffield England and as the years passed, Joe grew up but had a different dream than the one he made come true and that was a dream to become say a writer, a writer of poetry. Atomic Mass goes world wide and becomes a very famous band with Sav and the rest of them and Def Leppard was never born. Knowing what it is like having Def Leppard around and picturing a life without Def Leppard, which do you think is better? Would history be the same without them?

Heidi: In a way, I think history would be different without them. They set influenced a lot of bands and made it possible for a lot of bands to do what they do today.

RC: Let’s talk about the current tour. There are a lot of surprises in store for us this summer Joe said and they are going to sing a song never performed before and maybe the stage would be different. Do you expect this tour to be different from others over the past say 5 years?

Heidi: I think it may be slightly different if they plan to play songs they haven't played before.

RC: After 30 years of music, a lot of bands have come and gone, some retire and other’s break up, do you expect Def Leppard will still be around and touring in another ten years?

Heidi: It depends how they feel in 10 years lol, if they wanted to, they'd be here in 10 years, I'd say.

RC: If Def Leppard had come out let’s say in the 90’s, instead of the 80’s, do you think they would have made it with the style they have now compared to the bands that were coming out in the 90’s?

Heidi: I think they style would have been completely different if they came out in the 90s. Technically they came out in the 70s.

RC: I have only a couple of more questions for you and then we can wrap things up. When you think of Def Leppard, do you think of them as a band of the past, present or future?

And if you can ask your favorite member one question what would it be?

Heidi: I would have to think about that question lol and as for what I think of the band, I think of them as a band of the past and present, I can't say the future yet.

RC: Thank you Heidi for participating in this interview with me. I hope you will come back another time and tell me all about the shows you’ve seen and what you thought of them. It’s been a pleasure talking to you.

Heidi: Thank you for interviewing me lol

RC: This has been a fan interview with Fans of Def Leppard from the Rock Chronicles, stay tuned for more coming up.

Fan Interviews Part 3 Rhapsody

RC: Hello Rhapsody, welcome to the Rock Chronicles. I will be asking you a few questions about you, as a fan of Def Leppard but first tell me a little about yourself. What do you do? What are your interests and where do you come from?”

Rhapsody: I work for Kimberly-Clark going into Wal-Mart and making sure their products are stocked & displays up. I also raise, train & show Miniature Horses. My main interests are horses & music and have been since I wasvery small. I was born in Florida but have lived in several states before ending up in Virginia 3 years ago.

RC: Okay, now I want to ask you some questions. The first time ever you saw Def Leppard whether it be live, on TV, magazines, etc, what did you think? Did you like them at that moment? If not why?

Rhapsody: I had already liked Def Leppard's music before I ever saw them for the first time. When I got the album "On Through the Night" and saw them, I thought they were a good looking bunch!

RC: Who is your favorite band member and why?

Rhapsody: Does Malvin count as a band member? Tho I'm not sure I can give you a real reason why other than he's funny, good looking, a good singer and I'm attracted to him! Band member that actually gets on stage & performs: Sav because he's the bass player and I love the bass.

RC: Let’s start with Def Leppard back in the early 80’s when they first struck it big and everyone you saw copied their hairstyles, dressed like them and had their music playing from every cassette player, turntable to eventually their CD players and now IPODS. How much do you think their music has changed over the years from when they first started to now?

Rhapsody: One of the reasons I still like Def Leppard is because their music hasn't made big changes like other bands I did like. Definitely has a more "pulled together" sound now from the first album but I think any of the, songs on "X" could have just as well been on "Hysteria".

RC: Do you think they’ve stuck to their roots and if so, do you think that’s hurt them at all when it comes to competing in the music industry for popularity and album sales?

Rhapsody: Yes, I think they have stuck to their roots. It probably has hurt them somewhat but musical tastes have a way of coming back around again.

RC: What to you is the best thing about Def Leppard?

Rhapsody: Their live show! I ALWAYS have a good time when I go see them.

RC: In relation to the previous question, what to you is the worst thing about Def Leppard? I don’t mean things like “I don’t like them because Joe likes to talk.” *Sssh, let’s not tell Joe that. Hehe I just mean what do you think they could do that would make them better whether it be make more albums, tour more cities, do more music videos, whatever.

Rhapsody: I would like to see them make more albums but that's always been a problem with them. LOL

RC: Joe has always said they are not heavy metal but for me, albums like Hysteria are too rockish to fit into POP music or easy listening so what category do you think they fall into?

Rhapsody: I am horrible when it comes to categories for music! I tend to lump them in general categories - Rock, Country, Classical, etc. Totally the wrong person to ask this question. But I would say they aren't heavy metal sounding to me (like Metallica).

RC: The new tour is coming up soon, are you planning to attend any shows?

Rhapsody: Hoping to make 3 this year again. Virginia Beach, Raleigh & Charlotte. I've done Bristow the past two tours but I think I'd rather to VA Beach this time.

RC: Once the tour is over, they plan to finish Sparkle Lounge and do a world tour, what do you think will happen with the new album? Do you think not knowing what’s on it yet, just the name of the album will affect its popularity?

Rhapsody: Def Leppard fans will buy it no matter what. I'm planning on buying it. I do think a lot of people are having a problem with the name. It really doesn't sound like a Def Leppard album name but they haven't gotten it recorded yet! I'm thinking "working title" will keep people talking about it and make them curious about what the songs sound like.

RC: What album do you think got the least recognition not counting X? Joe said Slang but do you agree with Joe or do you think another album could have gotten more recognition?

Rhapsody: I definitely agree with Slang. I never heard one song from it on the radio. Tho I do think Adrenalize could have gotten more attention too. At least they play "Promises" on tour, they don't play anything from Slang or X.

RC: I’ve been to several concerts myself and plan to go to more this tour and in light of that, let’s talk about the venues and their policies on cameras. In thinking back to the Irvine show in 2005, the security there was very rude and treated you like a criminal if you wanted to stay after the show and talk to the guys or take pictures at the show. The venues always state that it’s the band that says NO cameras when I know darn well that they don’t care as long as its not a recording device.

Do you think if the venue decides this, that they should change their policies as long as no one is getting hurt and do you think it’s the venue that decides this or the band other than Def Leppard?

Rhapsody: I don't see why anyone is getting hyper about people taking pictures at concerts. Esp. when you can take them with your cell phone now. All the venues I went to last year wouldn't let you stay inside once the concert was over but didn't care if you hung around outside. And Charlotte last year had an announcement saying cameras were okay as long as they weren't professional ones up until the time the gates opened. And then they said no cameras. People got them in anyway (I stuck mine in my pants, Tonya stuck hers in her bra) and nothing was said once you were inside. They wanted to blame it on the band then too. I heard it was Journey that didn't want cameras at that show but they'd been allowing them so it had to be the venue. I just don't see the point in banning cameras, never have.

RC: In the same area of venues, I want to talk to you a bit about the security at the venues. I’ve come across some very RUDE security people at the shows and other’s very nice and most don’t care if you stand by the buses as long as you don’t get in the way of cars going in and out and don’t try sneaking in but others are just plain rude and are nasty, mean and treat the fans badly.

Do you think they are just trying to protect the band and doing their job or do you think they are just doing some sort of power trip and letting their authority do the talking? And do you think the band would be shocked or disappointed in the way fans are sometimes treated by the security?

Rhapsody: I think the security guards that act rude & nasty are on a power trip and are doing it because they can. Most of them don't care if you hang out and try to meet the band but those are the ones that think they can get away with being mean because they are security. I don't think the band would be happy about it but there is nothing they can do really.

RC: Another question I asked another fan is what song do you love hearing live every time you see a show and what song do you never want to hear again at a show?

Don’t be shy about answering because the band themselves have said that they get tired of doing the same thing all the time but do it because they know the fans love the songs and they do it for them but even your most favorite song ever can get tiresome if you listen to it a lot.

Rhapsody: If I never heard "Pour Some Sugar on Me" live again, it wouldn't bother me one bit. I do like hearing them do "Promises" and "Rock On" is awesome live, esp. with that bass solo of Sav's.

RC: Def Leppard hasn’t really made any new Promotion videos since Long, Long Way to Go, do you think that music videos increase the bands popularity and promote them or do you think it’s a waste of time on the bands part?

Joe has said it is hard work and I don’t think they like doing them as much anymore but do you think they should do more?

Rhapsody: I don't even watch music videos anymore unless they are on the net. It's too much wading thru all the other stuff on the "music" channels to find the videos. So I don't care if they make anymore or not. They did do one for "Rock On" that was very cool.

RC: Since Def Leppard has been accused of abandoning the UK and knowing the UK doesn’t accept their music as well as the US does, do you think that they should tour there more often and try to increase their fan base there since that is where they are from or do you think they should stick to where they are most popular?

Rhapsody: At this point, I think they are just going to stick where they know they can make the money. I'm sure they'd love to have a broader fan base over there but I don't know if it will ever happen.

RC: Joe has said that Rick is a better drummer now than when he had two arms, what is your opinion, do you think he’s a better drummer now and if so, do you think its because of his determination to come back from a near end to his career or that he’s just evolved into a better musician?

Rhapsody: I think it's a combination of the two. Probably started out from his determination to come back and then he just evolved from there and got better. He can't throw in a lot of the "trashy" stuff that two handed drummers can and that makes for a cleaner sound.

RC: What did you think of Yeah? Do you think it was a wise move for them to do that cover album or do you think they should have left well enough alone?

Rhapsody: Yeah! was a great idea. Esp. since they didn't cover stuff that was really popular here. It was neat hearing their takes on songs I knew and ones I wasn't too familiar with.

RC: If you could think of one thing about Def Leppard that has inspired you whether it be a song because of its meaning or because of an experience you had with the band, what would it be? Has that changed your life in any way?

Rhapsody: I really can't think of an answer to this question.

RC: What has been your best experience and worst experience with Def Leppard?

Rhapsody: Meeting Rick Allen last tour. That was an awesome experience. And Malvin snubbing me was the worst. Both at the same show!

RC: Do you think the decline in the publicity of Def Leppard and selling out the venues will affect any future they have in touring and making albums?

Rhapsody: I thought they have actually been getting more publicity now than in the past few years. Certainly more tv appearances. I don't see them stopping touring soon. They may just cut down on the dates and do the cities where they sell the most tickets. The package tours they have been with the past couple of years seem to do really well in ticket sales.

RC: Def Leppard used to play two hour concerts and even done more than one encore in a night and now they do 90 minutes and one encore and off to the next city, would you like to see them go back to a two hour show and do more encores?

Rhapsody: If they could do shows without other major acts. But I don't think they'll go back to that since these tour packages they have been doing the past few summers have paid off so well. I would love for them to do 2 hours and then maybe they'd pull in some stuff that they don't usually do (I'd love to hear "Demolition Man" live!) but realistically I don't see them doing it.

RC: Out of all the things Def Leppard has done over their careers and I mean things like performing at shows like the Sheffield show Joe and Sav did for Sincerely Sheffield, what do you think is the coolest thing they’ve ever done for charity?

Rhapsody: I really haven't kept up with this but I thought Sav being involved in the duck race for Sheffield Children's Hospital was pretty cool. I know I bought some ducks thru the website after hearing about it!

RC: Joe has said that they can’t really do songs that are not that well known because the audience will look at them like WHAT? Do you think if they did more songs off the albums, it would increase its popularity and they’d be more likely to perform longer shows and perhaps change it up a bit every tour?

Rhapsody: Yeah, like people not knowing "Rock Brigade". And they say they are fans! I wish they would throw in stuff off the albums that not everyone knows and make them go back home & LISTEN to the albums to find out what else they are missing.

RC: In light of that, people have said to me why go to more than one show, isn’t it the same show every time? Do you think that the show is the same every time? Does it become redundant after awhile or does Def Leppard make it different with as little as changing the order of the songs they do from the night before?

Rhapsody: No, the songs may be the same but the shows aren't. They do different things at different venues. And sometimes they will throw in a song they didn't do at a previous show!

RC: The ticket prices for the shows vary from show to show, some high and some lower, do you think the ticket prices affect filling the venues like they used to?

Rhapsody: Ticket prices on top of high gas prices affect filling the venues. But fans of the bands will come anyway. I think that's why they are doing these package tours with other well know bands, more chance of filling the venues even with higher prices.

RC: One more question Rhapsody and then I will let you go. If you could ask Def Leppard one question, what would it be?

Rhapsody: If there was one event in the band's history you could go back and change, what would it be?

RC: I want to thank you for participating in this interview and I hope you will come back later and tell me your experiences about the shows you go see and perhaps let me see some pictures. Take care and thanks again.

Rhapsody: Sure, no problem! Thanks for asking me to do this!

Truck slams cars on I-275

Fans Heading to a Def Leppard concert in Cincinatti Ohio were struck by an oncoming truck, slamming into them at 65 miles and hour, 14 hurt, 2 critical and the driver of the truck was uninjured and the two critical were flown by helicopter to nearby hospitals and the others taken by ambulance. For further reading, check out this link.

Prayers and thoughts are with the families.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/NEWS01/70627035

Interviewing the Fans Part 1 Lainie's Interview

RC: Welcome to the Rock Chronicles Lainie. I’ll be asking you a series of questions concerning the band Def Leppard. I’ve decided to do a different approach to the band by interviewing the fans. Def Leppard have been around for thirty years now and are still considered the best rock n roll band around and to be together for thirty years is not only a great accomplishment but it proves that they can overcome a great deal of obstacles and still remain together and withstand the test of time.

Most bands you see nowadays are made up of other bands, a mix if you will of bands that once made it big and then drifted apart and decided to get together with others. Granted, Viv stepped in from Whitesnake and had been in DIO and other bands but they’ve got an original ingredient, the unique style that makes them Def Leppard, plus they’ve been through hell and back and are stronger than ever. I think if it were me, I’d have thrown up my hands and said “I give up, fate has dealt me a blow and I can’t deal with this.”

RC: Do you think with all they’ve been through, that if they hadn’t been through hell and back that they’d be still together or as close as they are now? After Rick losing his arm in 84, Steve passing away in 91 and everything, think they’d still be Def Leppard?

Lainie: Absolutely. The reason they are still together is the reason they would be if none of those things ever happened; they are like family, more than most other bands out there! They stick by each other!

RC: With the new tour coming up, they of course will perform their classics but if you could pick their set list what would it be and what song would you pick that you’ve never heard live to have them perform?

Lainie: I’ve always wanted to WATCH them play Stagefright. I love that song live, have only heard it on CD played live. Would love to SEE them play it live!

RC: What has been your favorite memory of Def Leppard? It can be anything, videos, songs, live performances.

Lainie: My favorite memory is meeting them for the first time during the ROA tour, November 2005! That was a thrill beyond anything!!!

RC: Have you ever met any of them in person?

Lainie: Yep, I’ve met Phil and Rick after a couple shows, then ALL of them after the one in Everett, Wa, 2005. AWESOME experience!!!

RC: Who is your favorite member of the band?

Lainie: Definitely Joe Elliott!!!

RC: Do you consider yourself a hardcore fan?

Before you answer that, consider that, that can be taken in a lot of ways because some people consider hard core owning every single thing they’ve ever done along with going to every show, having met them several times and even going out and getting tattooed with their names on their bodies and I’ve even heard of fans naming their children after their favorite band members.

I ran across a myspace profile that was by this woman and she had two children named Nikki and Gunner after Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and his oldest child Gunner Sixx.

I am always amazed at how dedicated a fan can be and some might consider certain things going too far too but I like to think of it as just loving a band so much that they want to find a way to remember them forever and as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, I’m all for it myself.

A hard core fan doesn’t have to be that extreme though; it can be just seeing them every time they come around to your area and buying their CD’s. I like to think of that as if they were a hot sauce, you can get them in mild to Extra Hot and the fans can pick which one will suit them.

Lainie: I do consider myself a hardcore fan. I do have a Myspace page that is ALMOST totally devoted to Def Leppard; I listen to their songs all the time; I even draw them…my favorite subjects. I would not consider myself a psychotic fan lol. There are limits! I consider myself a respectful fan, and respect their privacy!

RC: There has been a lot of talk about the band’s new album and the name they’ve come up with “Sparkle Lounge” If you could name the album yourself, what would you call it? Consider this, you don’t know what’s on it yet so if you think about the title that they have now, what would you call it?

Lainie: Hmmm…well I’m not sure. They were written on the road, but that doesn’t mean the album has to be called anything regarding that. I would pick something that sounds more rock! I love the names “High n Dry”, “Pyromania”, and “Hysteria”. Not saying another “ia” title though, lol…but something along those lines.

RC: When I think of Sparkle Lounge, to me it doesn’t sound very rockish, do you think it will surpass the X album and perhaps become more popular than Hysteria?

Lainie: I will love the album no matter what the name, however I am not a fan of the name. I do agree it does not sound very “rockish”, and in fact, sounds more like an album by Liberace, or Lawrence Welk. I can’t answer if it will surpass past extremely successful albums…at least not without hearing the new songs!

RC: Hysteria is so well known and one of their best selling albums so it will be hard to beat and considering the management dropped promotion on X and it practically vanished, anything new they come out with will be looked at under a microscope.

Def Leppard has decided to work with Mutt Lange again this time around so do you think that working with him will help make their album a success?

Lainie: I think it will help. Mutt Lang is very driven and has great ideas and knows this band, among others. He knows how to bring out the best in them, although they have grown quite a bit on their own. It will be interesting to see what they come up with, with his help!

RC: So little promotion is done for bands from the 80’s like Def Leppard these days and has been said by many that when they tour that they didn’t know they still toured.

If you could be their promotions manager, how would you help get the word out that Def Leppard is here and ready to rock your world with their new album and world tour? What would you do for them that would draw more fans into the venues?

Lainie: What they did for the Yeah album was great, all of the television and radio appearances and magazine articles. More of the same, definitely!

RC: When Def Leppard hit it big, you were lucky to get as close as nose bleed seats and thousands of fans filled the Don Valley stadium in Sheffield to hear them live. Nowadays, bands like Def Leppard and even Aerosmith no longer sell out the venues, not as much as they used to anyway, what do you think can be done to change that?

Lainie: More and wider exposure. Bring back the meet and greets with the whole band!

RC: Let’s go back to your favorite member of the band. If you could spend one day with him, what would you want to do? Would you show him around your city, sit down and chat with him about his career or maybe just get to know the real him?

Lainie: Just to actually sit and talk with him would be the most thrilling experience of my life…to sit and talk with ANY of them!!!

RC: With the new tour only a few days away, how often do you hope to catch them live?

Lainie: I’m going to at least two shows. If I’m able to go to more, I will.

RC: When you met them, how long did you have to wait for them before they finally came out and signed your things? It must take a lot of patience and time to meet your favorite band and you have to be willing to withstand certain whether conditions if you wait by the buses, which I know is a popular way to meet them.

Lainie: It was a couple hours at least, and unfortunately, cold as hell…froze my butt off…however, well worth the wait each time!!!

RC: They’ve recently launched a Def Leppard fan club for the fans where you pay what is it? Thirty five dollars a year to be in it and you get newsletters, presales on tickets and even VIP packages in four star and five star.

The five star is the most expensive I know and it says you aren’t guaranteed to meet the band.

Do you think that the five star packages should guarantee at least one or two members of the band come out and sign things and pose for pictures?

Lainie: I think that would definitely make it much more attractive, but the awesome seats are well worth the price to me as well, being that I’m so short lol.

RC: With Aerosmith it’s even more expensive but with one of their packages, you’re guaranteed to see at least one of them and it’s usually Steven Tyler but you have to pay at least a thousand dollars to meet the entire band.

I’ve been reading a lot of complaints about the fan club and some fans feel like the band owes it to them to come out when they pay the big bucks to get good seats and have hopes of meeting their favorite band.

If you could be in charge of the fan club, what would you change?

Lainie: First of all, I don’t feel ANY of them “OWE” their time, autographs, pictures, etc. If they DO favor us with that, that is a BONUS. Yes, I would love for the meet and greets to come back, but outside of shows, they don’t “owe” us anything. Right now, not sure what I would change. I probably would update the “extras” on the OS for the fan club members. More exclusive pics, videos, etc.

RC: Lainie, I just have one more question for you and then we will wrap this up. After thirty years of Def Leppard, do you see yourself still being a fan in another twenty-five years even if the band has long since retired and why?

Lainie: I would, definitely. I’m still a fan of other bands who’ve broken up, DL will be no different, except I would be MORE of a fan, since they ARE my favorite band!

RC: Thank you Lainie for taking the time to answer my questions. It’s been a pleasure interviewing you and be sure to come back after the tour is over and I’ll ask you a few questions on what you thought of the tour and your experiences. Who knows, maybe one day soon, you can read an interview by me with the band. Thanks for your time Lainie.

Lainie: You’re very welcome, and thank you!

Interviewing the Fans Part 2 Jades Interview

RC: Hi Jade, welcome to the Rock Chronicles, my blog interview with the fans of Def Leppard. I will ask you some questions about Def Leppard and yourself but first tell me a little about yourself. Where do you come from, What do you do and what are some of your interests?

Jade: Hi Ramona. I'm thirty years old from Englewood, New Jersey, although I've lived in North Carolina most of my life. For my vocation, I'm a researcher in the field of minority health. In my free time, I'm a photographer, a writer, and a digital artist.

RC: Thanks Jade, now I want to ask you some questions about Def Leppard. I began this blog and interviews because of my passion for Def Leppard and I’ve been a fan of theirs for nearly their entire career. As one fan to another, I thought it would be fun to interview the fans, since most of the time; it’s the band that gets interviewed. It’s my dream to interview them someday and get their prospective on the fans, performing and their thoughts on the changes that they’ve been through.

My first question for you Jade is how old were you when you first heard of Def Leppard?

Jade: I don't remember! LOL!! Probably 6 or 7.

RC: Were you a fan at that time or did that come later?

Jade: I was an instant fan.

RC: Do you remember what song it was that you first heard from Def Leppard and did that song make you a fan or was it because of something else?

Jade: I loved the song "Photograph," but I didn't really get into them until "Pour Some Sugar on Me."

RC: What is your most favorite memory of Def Leppard and why?

Jade: Being a little kid and going nuts over Joe Elliott's ripped jeans. I'm embarrassed to say I ripped my jeans, too. I guess it's just a nostalgic thing, is all.

RC: Have you ever met any of the members of the band and who is your favorite?

Jade: Nope. Never met them. Although I am a big fan of frontman Joe Elliott.

RC: If you could think of one thing to say to your favorite member of Def Leppard, what would it be?

Jade: I adore your music and appreciate you sharing your talent with the world.

RC: The boys are getting ready to go on tour and Joe says there are a few surprises in store for the fans including a song from High and Dry that they’ve never done before and of course they will sing all the favorites and I hope they will also sing Slang. Is there a particular song you love hearing every time you see them live and is there a song you never want to hear again from them?

Jade: I love hearing Rocket live, and I'd be happy if they trashed Goodbye.

RC: When the tour is finished, they will be heading into the studio to finish Songs From the Sparkle Lounge, what are your expectations from the album if any?

Jade: I expect that it will be the same Leppard quality we've become used to over the years, and I'm sure it will have a different, edgier sound than the previous work. I can't wait to hear it!

RC: Do you think it will do as well as Hysteria or better, if not, why?

Jade: I don't think anything will ever do as well as Hysteria. That album was just too big and appealed to too many different types of audiences to ever be repeated. Plus, I think many fans have moved on and don't really think of Def Leppard anymore-- the gall!

RC: I’ve been reading the forum and from listening to their recent interview on Rockline, fans seem a bit skeptical on the album title. Do you think an album title is important to the success of the album? Before you answer that, I ran across an article on Joe and it said “But with sales of over 65 million in the US, they still fill out the enormodomes and no one thinks that Joe is called Jeff Leppard.”

Def Leppard is well known for its name as well as their songs and music style and of course Joe Elliott being the front man for Def Leppard, so with that do you think that the title of their new album could make or break their album sales?

Jade: I wouldn't say it would make or break album sales, and I understand why they called it that. It isn't a typical album name, but then again, Def Leppard isn't a typical band.

RC: Joe said in the interview that the title isn’t set in stone and even told a fan that they can suggest titles and send it to Def Leppard.com and they’d be considered.

When Joe auditioned for Def Leppard, of course at the time he met Sav, the band he was auditioning for was called Atomic Mass and Joe had a dream to be in a band called Deaf Leopard, which later changed to Def Leppard, do you think that with the simple spell change, if they hadn’t changed it, they’d be as successful or if they’d stayed Atomic Mass?

Jade: I think it's their talent, and not their name per se, that made them successful.

RC: I had the chance to look at your artwork and I must say it’s absolutely beautiful, you’re very talented. If Def Leppard were to come up to you and tell you that they’ve seen your work and they want you to draw the artwork for their next album cover and said they would pay you handsomely for it, would you do it?

Jade: Thank you. And absolutely; it would be an honor!

RC: If they loved it so much that they wanted you to do it full time, every time they came out with an album, would you want to work for them as their artist?

Jade: No. I enjoy what I do too much to give it up completely.

RC: Do you think working for them would take away some of the glamour of loving them as Def Leppard and if so, why?

Jade: No. I don't see them as some glamorous group in the first place; I see them as human beings with feelings who don't particularly like to be objectified. So, I don't think working with them would burst that bubble, metaphorically speaking, because that bubble doesn't exist for me in the first place.

RC: I have always dreamt of working for them and even though I love them to pieces, I think it would change things a bit but I’d still do it because they are my passion and I think I could do a good job for them.

Let’s say you worked for them and traveled with them on the buses, from city to city and state to state, do you think you’d like traveling so much? Joe has said touring takes a lot out of you so its not for everyone. Do you think you’d get tired of it after awhile and want to just throw in the towel?

Jade: No. I'm pretty resilient.

RC: For most of their careers, Def Leppard had been with Q Prime, their managers and they’ve recently changed to Island, Def Jam Music Group, do you think under the new management, the management will promote them better and get them more recognition on their albums?

Jade: I sure hope so!

RC: When Def Leppard became popular, they sold out the venues within a matter of minutes and they were on the cover of every rock magazine, on television, touring the world including countries such as Japan and Russia and of course the United States and most of their fan base is in the US.

As big as they were then and as popular as they still are, they are considered by some a band of the 80’s, meaning a band of the past, do you think they have evolved enough to be able to compete with the bands of today or did the Grunge bands like Nirvana forever affect their popularity?

Jade: I don't think it was the grunge bands that did it per se. I think it's the fact that the sound that is popular keeps changing, and rather than changing themselves to be popular, Def Leppard has stayed true to their own roots, their own type of music. I think that's commendable.

RC: When they were on the cover of every Rock Magazine, it told the world that they were the band that everyone was listening to and had millions of screaming female fans that worshipped the ground they walked on and some still do but with the lack of as much publicity in magazines, do you think that affects them selling out the venues like they used to?

Jade: Yes, I do think so.

RC: Def Leppard was known for the parties under the stage during a concert and having probably literally hundreds of women that were mostly naked wanting to full fill their every fantasy, if you had, had the opportunity to be there under the stage, would you have done it?

Jade: Hell no. That's not my style.

RC: Back then female fans who slept with them were considered groupies and they had probably thousands over their careers and now are settled down, married, most with kids and even Joe is planning a family and they no longer party as much and don’t hopefully indulge in the groupie girls. Do you think the meaning of a groupie has changed from the 80’s to now?

Jade: I personally think that the groupie scene with Def Leppard has not changed, and has perhaps gotten worse. I see so many women obsessed with them that it's not funny anymore. So I see groupies as not necessarily people who are sleeping with the band, but rather who WANT to sleep with the band. Perhaps they follow the band around incessantly. Perhaps they do try to get with the members of the band. Who knows. But to me they're still groupies, and it's still disturbing.

RC: Considering the fans, groupies, lack of privacy, their lives always talked about on radio, in magazines, their popularity of course and living out of a suitcase 18 months at a time, would you ever want to trade places with them, even for a day? If so or not, why?

Jade: Maybe for a day, because I love attention. But I can't imagine living their lifestyle for much longer than that! It would be too draining, too demanding on the senses.

RC: Just a few more questions Jade and then we’ll call it a day. What about them made them your favorite if you couldn’t say their music?

Jade: What else is there?

RC: Do you consider yourself an objective fan? Meaning, if you were to say run into Joe in a coffee shop and you were sitting at the same table because the restaurant was so crowded there were no other tables and he asked you if he could share yours, would you gush over him, ask for an autograph and a picture or would you be able to just sit and shoot the breeze with him?

Jade: I would ask for an autograph, but I wouldn't gush at all. It's just not my style.

RC: Thank you Jade for participating in this interview with me, it has been a pleasure talking to you and now I have some insight as to what another fan thinks of the band and if they were to see this interview, perhaps they would gain some insight too and they’d probably appreciate their fans giving them a different opinion on their music.

Jade: Thanks Ramona!