Legendary British rock band Def Leppard are starting 2026 with a lot of energy and excitement. Just before kicking off their Las Vegas residency, the band released a brand-new song titled “Rejoice.” The track shows that Def Leppard are still passionate about making powerful rock music, even after more than four decades in the industry.
“Rejoice” is a hard-rock song that feels uplifting and strong. From the very first guitar riff by Phil Collen, the song grabs your attention. It has a big sound, a steady rhythm, and a chorus that feels made for singing along in a packed arena. Many fans feel that the song has a heavier and more energetic feel compared to some of the band’s recent releases.
Singer Joe Elliott shared that the idea for the song came from wanting to tell a story about someone who has hit rock bottom but refuses to stay there. The lyrics are about rising up, finding strength, and pushing forward even when things feel hopeless. This message makes the song easy to connect with, especially for listeners who have faced hard times in their own lives.
Phil Collen explained that he already had a guitar riff and musical idea ready when Joe came to him with the lyric concept. He created a drum loop with a tribal feel, and everything quickly started to fall into place. Joe sang over the music almost immediately, and the band knew they had something special. The song slowly evolved into what Collen describes as a “powerful chant” with real emotional impact.
The release of “Rejoice” comes right before Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace – The Las Vegas Residency, which begins on February 3, 2026. The residency will see the band perform multiple shows at Caesars Palace, giving fans a chance to experience Def Leppard in an intimate but high-energy setting. The band has confirmed that “Rejoice” will be added to the setlist, alongside classic hits like “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Photograph,” and “Rock of Ages.”
After their time in Las Vegas, Def Leppard will head back to the UK for a six-date tour in June and July 2026, with special guests Extreme. Joe Elliott and the band have said they are especially excited to return home and perform for UK fans once again.
Def Leppard UK Tour Dates 2026 (with Extreme):
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June 26 – Belfast, Belsonic, Ormeau Park
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June 28 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
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June 30 – Sheffield, Utilita Arena
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July 2 – London, The O2
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July 4 – Birmingham, bp pulse LIVE
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July 6 – Manchester, Co-op Live
With a new song, a major Las Vegas residency, and a big UK tour on the way, Def Leppard are proving that they are still a powerful force in rock music. “Rejoice” is not just a new release — it’s a reminder of the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their classic sound. For fans old and new, 2026 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Def Leppard. 🤘