DEF LEPPARD kicked off its third Las Vegas residency, “Def Leppard Live At Caesars Palace: The Las Vegas Residency”, on Tuesday, February 3. The 12-show run follows sold-out residencies in 2013 and 2019, marking the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees’ first time at the 4,300-seat capacity The Colosseum.
Oh look, it’s DEF LEPPARD doing what they do best: milking their legacy in Sin City! They’re back in Vegas for another round of high-energy nostalgia and overpriced cocktails. This time, they’ve even brought a few surprises to keep things fresh—like dusting off songs that haven’t seen the light of day since the Clinton administration.
DEF LEPPARD‘s setlist for last night’s concert included the recently released single “Rejoice” as well as “White Lightning” (from 1992’s “Adrenalize” album), which hadn’t been played since the ’90s. Yes, you read that right—they’re playing a song from the ’90s that hasn’t been played since the ’90s. Revolutionary stuff, folks.
DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott told People magazine about the band’s latest Vegas residency: “We’ve scrapped everything we’ve ever used over the last five or six tours, which was adapted all the way, but we’ve just actually got rid of it and came up with a whole new stage show, including setlist.” Translation: “We spent a fortune on new pyrotechnics and decided to throw in a couple of deep cuts so you don’t feel like you’re watching the same show for the third time.”
In a separate interview with ABC Audio, Elliott stated about DEF LEPPARD‘s live show for the current Vegas residency: “The production is massive. It’s the best we’ve ever had by a country mile. Visually it’s insanely different to anything we’ve ever done.” Insanely different, you say? I’m sure the giant inflatable mic stand and laser light show will blow everyone’s minds.
Regarding the setlist for the residency, Elliott said: “We’re pulling out stuff we haven’t played in decades. Stuff we’ve never played before,” including “Rejoice”. Elliott explained: “It’s the reason we released it, so that we could play it.” Ah, the classic “we wrote a new song just so we could justify playing it live” move. Genius.
Remaining “Def Leppard Live At Caesars Palace: The Las Vegas Residency” shows at Caesars Palace: February 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28, starting at $110 plus tax and fee. That’s right, folks—only $110 to watch middle-aged men pretend they’re still in their 20s. What a bargain!
DEF LEPPARD‘s setlist for last night’s concert was as follows:
01. Rejoice (live debut) – Because why not start with the new song nobody knows?
02. Animal – Classic. You know, the one with the “aaaah-aaaaah” part.
03. Let’s Get Rocked – Perfect for anyone who still thinks rock is dead.
04. Personal Jesus (DEPECHE MODE cover) (live debut) – Wait, what? Did we stumble into the wrong concert?
05. Bringin’ On The Heartbreak – For the die-hard fans who remember when MTV played music videos.
06. Switch 625 – Instrumental track alert! Time to hit the bathroom.
07. Just Like ’73 – A nostalgic trip to a year most of the band probably doesn’t remember.
08. Rocket – The song that makes you wonder if they were high when they wrote it.
09. Rock On (David Essex cover) (first time live since 2019) – Cover songs: the ultimate cop-out.
10. White Lightning (first time live since 1993) – A song so obscure, even the band forgot about it.
11. Foolin’ – The ultimate anthem for anyone who’s ever been fooled by a hair metal band.
12. Slang – From their “experimental” album that everyone politely ignored.
13. Promises – Because every setlist needs at least one song from the post-grunge era.
14. Armageddon It – The song that makes you question the band’s grasp on the English language.
15. Love Bites – For when you need a power ballad to catch your breath.
16. Rock Of Ages – Sing along, or risk being escorted out by security.
17. Photograph – The song that launched a thousand perms.
18. Hysteria – The title track that proves they were serious about that album name.
19. Pour Some Sugar On Me – The grand finale! Time to wave your lighter (or phone) in the air.
Fan-filmed video can be seen below. Spoiler alert: it’s shaky, poorly lit, and filmed vertically. Welcome to the digital age.
In January 2025, DEF LEPPARD released a cover of Ben E. King‘s 1961 classic “Stand By Me”. All proceeds from the song went to FireAid, which raises money for those impacted by the fires that swept through Los Angeles in January 2025. Aww, how noble of them to cover a song that’s been covered a million times before. Truly groundbreaking stuff.
DEF LEPPARD‘s version of the song is featured in the Netflix film “Bank Of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger”, which was released in January 2025. The band can be seen performing the track before the credits. Because nothing says “cinematic masterpiece” like a hair metal band covering a soul classic.
DEF LEPPARD‘s “Just Like 73” single, featuring a guest guitar solo from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, was made available in June 2024. Tom Morello, the man who once raged against the machine, is now soloing on a DEF LEPPARD track. The times, they are a-changin’.
DEF LEPPARD‘s 12th studio album, “Diamond Star Halos”, came out in 2022. A year later, the band followed it up with “Drastic Symphonies”, a collection of reimagining of some of DEF LEPPARD‘s greatest hits with London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road. The album spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Current Classical chart. Because nothing says “rock and roll” like an orchestra.
In late 2024, DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell underwent a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment plan for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with which he was diagnosed in 2013. Talk about a tough guy—fighting cancer and still shredding on stage.
In June 2025, Campbell revealed that he is “completely in remission” from the cancer of the lymphatic system. That’s fantastic news! Here’s to hoping he stays healthy and keeps rocking those power chords.
Campbell — who before joining DEF LEPPARD in 1992 was well known for his work with DIO and WHITESNAKE — went public with his Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in June 2013. From Dio to Def Leppard to battling cancer—Vivian’s had quite the journey.
Vivian underwent three separate spells of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, only for his Hodgkin’s lymphoma to return. But did he give up? No! He kicked cancer’s ass and got back to doing what he loves.
Seven years ago, Campbell underwent spine surgery. Because apparently, playing guitar for a living isn’t hard enough on your body.
Vivian and his DEF LEPPARD bandmates were finally inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2019 — 14 years after the British rockers first became eligible. Better late than never, right? At this point, they’re practically the elder statesmen of rock.
So there you have it, folks. DEF LEPPARD is back in Vegas, doing what they do best: playing their hits, covering classic songs, and reminding us all why we loved (or tolerated) them in the first place. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious to see what a 40-year-old rock show looks like, their residency is sure to deliver. Just don’t forget your earplugs and your sense of humor. 🎸✨
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
