[ Def Leppard UK - Past News 13: Dec 2004-Jan 2005 ]
[Jan 31st] - Joe/Viv in Santa Monica
Joe and Vivian were in Santa Monica on Sat 29th attending the The Icons of Rock Photo Exhibition. Also in attendance were photographer Robert Knight who took the pic of Lep with Brian May in 2000 at the Rock Walk induction (held by Joe above).They mingled with the likes of Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) and John5 (Marilyn Manson).
[Jan 22nd] - Joe asked to play Tsunami Gig
Joe is one of many artists that have been (or will be) approached to take part in 2 huge Irish benefit shows for the Tsunami relief effort. The Irish Sunday Mirror reported 3 weeks ago that RTE are talking to the BBC about a simultaneous broadcast of shows in Dublin & Belfast. (similar to the Beautiful Night shows last May).
U2 have been approached to headline with other top Irish acts asked to play such as: The Corrs, Westlife, Brian Kennedy, Girls Aloud and Enya. More details are set to be published about the events. The article listed Joe Elliott among the acts, presumably as he lives in Dublin he would be asked to perform there. As does Joe's friend Ronnie Wood who was also mentioned.
U2 have just finalised their tour plans and a big Tsunami show is happening today in Cardiff but the Irish ones remain possible although no more details have emerged.
[ More Info ] :: Article Link-Cranberries Fansite
[Jan 20th] - Rare Pyro Era Pic Online
Photographer Jim Shea has posted a very rare unseen photo of the band on his website. The pic looks to be from the USA in 1983 during the Pyromania tour.
[ Full Picture ] :: HERE
[Jan 17th] - Joe at Kid Rock Party
Joe was one of the guests at Kid Rock's surprise birthday party at CHI's in West Hollywood on 16th January. His birthday was on the 17th. Joe is pictured with Kid Rock and Justin Timberlake who owns the Sunset Boulevard establishment.
(Thanks to defleprocks)
[ More Info ] :: HERE
[Jan 6th] - Lep in Running For Honour
An update on the 'Sheffield Legends' nominations has been published. Leppard are said to have recieved many votes alongside other famous Yorkshire Celebrities from all over the world.
[Quotes] :: "Those with particularly high support were Bean and music stars Def Leppard, ABC and Human League."
"Nominations have been sent to the Lord Mayor from across Europe as well as the United States, Canada, Australia and even Russia,"
"Those honoured will be invited for an "unveiling" ceremony outside the Town Hall next spring."
So hopefully that will push Lep into the 10 names to be honoured first in the Spring. Many thanks to anyone who voted via this site.
[ More Info ] :: Article Link
Background
[Jan 6th] - June Summer Tour/Man-Raze
Joe, Viv & Phil played on Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) radio show in California on Jan 5th. The band did a 3 song acoustic set that featured Steve playing along with them as well as small snippet's of Dio & Mott the Hoople songs.
During the hilarious 2 hour show the guys revealed more about various projects they have going on:
Phil said the US Summer tour will likely start in June.
Joe mentioned the US will get the 'Best Of' "soonish".
Joe commented "..when we have our Covers album out." Indicating an actual release.
During the show Phil's side-band Man-Raze had their first radio airplay with a track called 'Skin Crawl'. Track 1 of a 9 track demo CD they have of work-in-progress music which they hope to finish & release. When asked about live shows Phil said he would be up for that.
The song lasted 4mins and is very much like Slang-Era Leppard. More info about the band at the bottom of the page and in Phil's Interview section.
[ More Info ] :: 4 Page Transcript
[Dec 21st] - Best Of/UK Chart Success
The 'Best Of' has now fallen out of the UK Top 75 after spending 7 weeks in the chart (4 in the Top 40). The album has sold over 120,000 copies in the UK.
This confirms it's status as the band's most successful UK release since 'Slang' in 1996. That was the last album to go Gold (100,000+ copies sold). Also the last Lep UK album release to get any certified award. Both Euphoria & X failed to reach Silver status (60,000 copies sold). No singles have achieved Silver status either (200,000 copies sold). 'When Love & Hate Collide' being the only Lep UK single to get a certification in 1995 for Silver status after reaching #2 in the Top 40.
Showing in the UK, at least, 'Slang' was more successful than it's 2 follow up releases with WL&HC, the band biggest UK single selling more copies than these 2 albums combined. It's also worth noting that the 'Best Of' was the first album since 'Vault' to have a UK TV AD campaign, which went on for at least 4 weeks. Proving that increased promotion can and does help sales.
[ More Info ] :: Best Of Charts Certified Awards
[Dec 13th] - DMA Website Awards
Whilst looking at a U2 fansite I noticed a link to the People's Choice Awards Top 500 Websites list, part of the Digital Music Awards (DMA's) which holds a vote for the top sites each year in various categories.
I did have a link briefly on the main page where you could vote for this site. Never thought anymore about it but it seems people actually did vote. My site finished at #305. So thanks to anyone who voted for it and for visiting. Almost beat Christina dot Aguilera!... The list includes both Official and Fan music sites. Won by Westlife.com, who strangely also finished 488th.
[ More Info ] :: DMA Top 500 Websites 2004
[Dec 9th] - Phil's Online Chat
Phil took part in an online chat tonight with the Official German site (6:30-7:30). I had the pleasure of getting to ask a few questions myself and have compiled the best of the chat in a transcript. Phil revealed a few interesting things:
Phil, Sav, Viv will all sing 1 song on the Covers album alongside Joe.
The Band will start a summer tour in the USA in 2005 (US only at present).
A US Best Of will be released, probably at the same time as the tour. (possible new single but not confirmed).
The Covers may get a release after the tour in late 2005.
Phil working on Man-Raze music right now (no planned release).
New Studio album in 2006.
For the full transcript (edited down to Phil's questions/answers) see below:
[ More Info ] :: Phil Transcript