Page 35 - Classic Rock - The Complete Story of Def Leppard 2019
P. 35
JOE ELLIOT
WE’RE A GREAT
BAND. WE’VE GOT
GREAT SONGS.
WE DO A GREAT
SHOW. IT’S ALL
VERY SIMPLE
STUFF.
And after it was done, Jesus Christ, what Joe Elliott: the what the fuck are you doing? The reason disappointed. It’s a crazy notion to think
a weight off our shoulders. The next sky’s the limit. we go to see live bands is to hear stuff we that we wouldn’t play songs like Animal
song we recorded was Let’s Get Rocked. We know. If Paul McCartney played twelve in England, our first ever hit at home.
said, ‘Let’s do something stupid.’ I had new songs at Giants Stadium, the fucking ‘Oh, let’s not bother playing it.’ Really?
people say to me, ‘That song sucks – the crowd would leave. They want to hear That’s why all of those people bought
lyrics are awful.’ And honestly, I didn’t Yesterday and Band On the Run. It’s the their tickets.
write all of those lyrics. It was a bit of me, same with the Stones. Yeah, play two or
a bit of Phil, a bit of Mutt. That famous three songs off your new record, but You’ve always had a lot of women in
line – “I s’pose a rock’s out of the question” – we’re here for Brown Sugar and Satisfaction your audience.
I absolutely did not write that. But that and Jumpin’ Jack Flash. And it’s the same That’s one thing that I’m very, very happy
was a very important song for us. After with us. We do Photograph and Rocket and about. We’ve never gone on stage in front
White Lightning, we had to get back to Animal and Sugar and Rock Of Ages of what I’d call those hairy European
having fun. And if you weren’t there, you because that’s what our audience wants crowds that Purple used to get, or
won’t understand and you never will – so to hear. Maiden. If it’s a choice between bearded,
fuck off! denim-clad, patch-wearing oiks or
Does this go back to what you said strippers, I’ll take the strippers any day.
What is it that keeps bringing people earlier, about knowing what it is that Seeing so many women in our audience,
back to this band? you’re good at? I love it. It makes you walk a little taller,
We’re a great band. We’ve got great Exactly. I remember one time, years ago, and yeah, I might wiggle my hips more,
songs. We do a great show. It’s all very when me and Sav were hanging out with but why not? I wanted to be Mick Jagger
simple stuff. It’s funny – I’ve had so many Mike Scott from The Waterboys. He was – I didn’t want to be Ian Gillan. We love
people say to me over the years: ‘You tour and he refused to play The Whole Of playing live. It’s why we’re in a band.
guys just play your hits.’ Well, duh! The Moon. I thought, what the fuck is When I was twelve or thirteen year old
wrong with you? It’s the only song by kid and I watched Slade on Top Of The
It’s a simple logic: give the people want your band that anybody knows! It’s like Pops, I didn’t say, ‘I can’t wait to go in the
they want. The Troggs not playing Wild Thing. Or if studio!’ I wanted to get up on stage and
If I’d seen Pink Floyd and they didn’t play you went to see Argent and they didn’t shake my arse and wear silly clothes in
Shine On You Crazy Diamond I’d think, play Hold Your Head Up – you’d leave very front of a bunch of screaming chicks.
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