Rock legends Def Leppard have announced a major UK arena tour set for summer 2026. Formed in Sheffield in 1977, Def Leppard are famous worldwide gaining fans from all walks of life. In this exciting announcement, they have announced a new tour playing packed out arenas all over Europe. They announced the new tour on Instagram, displayed below:
Def Leppard initially reached stardom in the UK with their debut album ‘On Through The Night‘, though by the late 80’s they reached worldwide fame, with singles such as ‘Photograph’ and ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ becoming glam-rock classics. ‘Hysteria‘, released in 1987, sold over 25 million copies worldwide and became a defining moment for the band. Since then, they have been a household name, with people still wearing the band’s merchandise 40 years later.
Def Leppard’s journey has not been without challenges. Most notably, drummer Rick Allen’s comeback after losing his left arm in a car accident remains one of rock music’s most inspiring stories. Using a custom electronic drum kit, Allen’s innovative approach helped the band continue their rise and maintain their signature sound.
Frontman Joe Elliott shared his excitement about playing to their home crowd with a brand-new show featuring both classic hits and surprises, while guitarist Phil Collen expressed joy about touring again with long time friends Extreme.
Def Leppard have also suggested the release of a new album sometime at the end of this year or early next year. In an interview on ‘The Eddie Trunk Podcast’, Vivian Campbell, one of the band’s guitarists, he said about the release of an album this year “Could be. We’ve got around 17 to 18 songs in development—and a few more coming. We’ll finish it when it’s right. I think of Hysteria—”Pour Some Sugar On Me” was the last song written for that album, but became the hit. We’re giving it the same patience now.” The release of this album may coincide with their summer tour dates so it is a great chance to hear some new Def Leppard releases. Listen to the podcast episode below:
Def Leppard will begin the UK leg of their European Tour in Belfast on June 26. They will then visit Glasgow (June 28) and their hometown of Sheffield (June 30). The band will top off their tour in Birmingham (July 4) before the final date in Manchester on July 6. They will be supported by the US band Extreme, most well-known from their 1990 single ‘More Than Words’. Extreme are hair-metal legends and will be an attraction in their own right.
Tickets for the tour go on general sale on September 4, though members of the band’s fan club can buy tickets tomorrow, September 2. Tickets are available here. Def Leppard are also headlining Radio 2 in the Park festival on September 7 if you want to see them earlier.
