Def Leppard

Euphoria: The New Album

As new information on the new Def Leppard album, Euphoria, is released, it will appear on this page.
Euphoria was released June 8 in the US and June 21 in Europe.

Tentative information means that it is not confirmed, which means that no real touring schedule exists as of this moment, which means that if you ask I'll tell you the exact same thing. A number of shows have been confirmed, however, for the late summer of 1999.

Song Titles

Other song titles that have been floated around

These titles will probably become B-Sides.

July 6, 1999

Now that Euphoria has been released for over 1 month, this page will no longer be updated. It was originally meant to be a place where information about Euphoria could be listed before it's release. With that done, new information regarding Def Leppard (interviews, online chats, scheduling, etc) will be listed in the new Breaking News section of the Def Leppard Archive.

June 21, 1999

Euphoria drops from #11 on the US Billboards Charts to #35 after it's first week. Some people claim this is a sign of the band's slow decay. Other's point out that it took Hysteria 49 weeks to reach #1.

June 14, 1999

Euphoria entered the US Billboard music charts at #11, selling over 98,000 copies, and just missing #10 (held by Smash Mouth's Astro Lounge) by 706 copies.

June 10, 1999

Def Leppard Direct has opened. This store is now the official source of Def Leppard merchandise.

June 4, 1999

www.defleppard.com and www.deflep.com are both now running. Both these sites have band info and goodies, and are broadcasting Radio Free Euphoria, an all day preview of Euphoria interspersed with band interviews and other songs.

May 26, 1999

The concert in Kansas City Has been cancelled. The San Antonio concert will take place June 9, 1999 at the WalMart located at 1515 North FM 1604 East.

May 25, 1999

Def Leppard, will preview Euphoria over the internet using a RealAudio broadcast beginning June 4, 1999. The principal broadcast site is Radio Free Euphoria with information there on what software (the RealNetworks G2 player) is needed and further information. The Broadcast will play in 4 hour loops that will include the album in its entirety as well as interviews, and other clips from previous hits.

Radio Free Euphoria is no longer broadcasting

Also, Def Leppard had previously announced that they will do two promotional concerts at WalMarts in Kansas City and San Antonio. These were to be outside concerts on June 8 and June 9, respectively, to go along with the US wide release of Euphoria. Unconfirmed reports said that the Kansas City date had been cancelled, but it is not known if this is true or merely that the location had been changed.

News on the release of Promises:

It will be released as a 2 title CD and as a 4 title-CD as far as the 'international' release is concerned. The B-side for the 2title-CD will be Worlds Collide and the two other tracks (for the 4 title CD will be Under my Wheels (which was totally remixed, according to Metal Hammer UK), and All Burn 'Snippets', which will consist of excerpts of (Back in your face, Goodbye and All Night if I remember well).

THERE WILL BE A EUROPEAN LIMITED EDITON FOR EUPHORIA : it consists of a 3D sleeve, like Kiss' Psycho Circus.

May 24, 1999

There has been a lot of information thrown around the past couple days regarding the release of Euphoria. Stuff from when the first video comes out, to two promotional concerts at WalMart, to changes in the release date of the first single Promises to the release of the album itself.

DEF LEPPARD shot footage for the video for first Euphoria single "Promises" with director WAYNE ISHAM, who lensed previous clips for the band including "Have You Ever," "Two Steps Behind," and "Pour Some Sugar on Me." The band's soundstage performances mix with sequences shot at the Observatory in L.A.'s Griffith Park. Will it get airplay? PHIL COLLEN isn't sure about MTV, but thinks that VH1, for which the band will shoot a Storytellers episode that will air in the fall, will run it. The band is currently rehearsing for a summer state fair tour, which begins July 16, and putting together a set list is a daunting task. "We'll shuffle them around a bit, especially songs we've done to death," says Collen. Of the new Euphoria material, "Promises" and "Demolition Man" will be in the set. "The rest, we have to see what becomes popular. We'd like to play the whole lot."

SINGLE REVIEWS 5/24/99 Billboard DEF LEPPARD

''Promises'' (3:59)*lt; Mercury >

After taking a crack at "credible" modern rock on the underrated album Slang, Def Lep wisely returns to the pop/metal sound that's sold millions of records worldwide. Promises previews the album Euphoria with an anthemic, fists-in-the-air energy that's highly reminiscent of the band's early-'80s classic Photograph. Although some might argue that there's no room for a tune like this, the bottom line is that this jam has the kind of instant, sing-along chorus, swaggering lead vocals, and finger-flying guitar solos that kids will go wild over.

May 9, 1999

Following are descriptions of the songs on Euphoria from someone who has heard the entire album.

Demolition Man: REALLY REALLY cool one - very fast (High'n'Dry tempo). It starts out with the same guitar sound as on Work It Out. It is a really catchy chorus and this is one of my favorites. Could be a single!

Promises: You already know!

Back In Your Face: Also a rocker. The Pour Some Sugar On Me "Hey!" is back in business. Not the best track on the album - a bit like Make Love Like Man I Guess.

Goodbye: A Rick Savage ballad which is possibly going to be a single. It starts out a bit like the Demo version of When Love & Hate Collide - It has a very strong chorus which is a combination of Love Bites / WLAHC / Two Steps. This is a hit! "You Won't ever Have To Say Goodbye..." is sung the same way as When Love And Hate Collide - No instruments. Joe's voice is really cool on this one. And it also has the guitars from the intro of Miss You In A Heartbeat in the background.

All Night: This is track where you can hear Joe moan!!! It has the same kind of lyrics like on Make Love Like A Man and it's musically close too. It starts out with the same guitars as on Women. Not the best track.

Paper Sun: Very cool choruses and a mid-tempo one. Joe sings a bit like on Work it Out. It is probably a bit like Gods Of War. "Living On A Paper Sun, Waiting for the time to turn". Also the longest track: 5.27

It's Only Love: A ballad - Starts out with a "Nanananana..." part. Also a possible single. Has a bit acoustic guitars on it. "You go straight to my head when I Lie in my bed... It's Only Love and while I'm hurting from it it's only love if you are hurting too"

21st Century Girl: VERY cool guitar riff and very cool guitar intro - a bit experimental. Maybe close to Pour Some Sugar On Me - Joe is almost rapping again. The riff is a bit Sugar like. Could be a single.

To Be Alive: Vivian wrote this - One of the best tracks on the album. A beautiful ballad!! It starts out a bit like Where Does Love Go When It Dies. The same drums and guitars. Could very much be a single. Also some acustic on this one. it really grows on you there more times you listen to it. Vivian IS a great songwriter!

Disintegrate: the shortest one - 2.51 - a experimental intro too but very cool! Has a riff that reminds me a bit of Switch 625. It is also pure instrumental and it is going to be a cool live tune. Phil wrote it.

Guilty: Almost Hysteria back to back. The intro is almost the same. A mid-tempo one. Joes voice is also very cool on this one! "If you need love then I'm Guilty..." Could also be a single. It has a very beatiful guitar solo on it.

Day After Day: Has the same vibe as Deliver Me and Pearl Of Euphoria all together. Not a single but also a track that grows on you. Joe's voice sounds very much the same as on Deliver Me.

Kings Of Oblivion: Very funky drums. A bit like the drums on Switch 625. A real rocker.

May 3, 1999

The following three excerpts were received from a DJ in Georgia who has heard the pre-release version of Euphoria.

Hello to all the die-hards out there. Just letting you know that I've heard a snippet(by phone) of the first single from Euphoria. Sounds big-wall of sound vocals, lots of guitar. In other words, DEF LEPPARD are back!!! I also happen to program a rock station, so rest assured the new single and album will find a home here. Something fans will want to check into-Mercury is releasing a radio only double cd set. One disc consists of popular album tracks: Women, Too Late, Rock Brigade, Mirror Mirror, Tear It Down & more. I think there are 16 tracks. The other disc is Vault.

Suzanne! Guess what I'm listening to? A little record called Euphoria!!! I got a copy of the rough mixes (I'm VERY persistant) and it is great! The first single, Promises, is the real deal. Mid-tempo, big harmonies, true Def Leppard! The album showcases their influences (Queen,Slade, Sweet) more than ever before. It's a very up album, filled with huge power ballads and rockers. It is not a retread-they're still evolving, so it's still fresh. The album should be out on June 21st, at least that is what I'm hearing now. More to come...

Well, here's more on Euphoria. Apparently Mercury Records is planning a considerable marketing campaign to promote the new album. Anyone who's helped in the effort should pat yourself on the back! I have not stopped listening to Euphoria since I got my "bootleg" copy. Reports of it sounding like Pyromania are mostly false. It really is a mixture of Hysteria, Slang, Retro-active, Adrenalize, with a wee bit of Pyromania thrown in. It is a pop album, but Leppard has always written pop songs with rock arrangements. DL sounds like they're exactly where they need to be. Standouts are, Promises, 21st Century Shalalala Girl, Demolition Man and Back In Your Face are fun. As is the Prince influenced All Night. Of course, there are the ballads. The two best are Guilty, and Goodbye (the latter is a Viv song, who, in case anyone is wondering, fits in just fine) which are sure to make the Top 40 request lines explode. Thank you and good night. vance

April 21, 1999

Kerrang's latest issue has a quick blurb about the new album indicating that Demolition Man will be the opening track, and will feature Damon Hill as a guest guitarist. Damon Hill is better known as a successful F1 race driver.

April 6, 1999

From Metal Edge:

If a sneak preview of rough mixes from the forthcoming DEF LEPPARD album Euphoria is any indication, fans of the band's traditional style will be thrilled--the sound is big, guitar-heavy, and full of those trademark harmonies. Only one track, All Night, has any trace of the techno edge from Slang; the others are pure Hysteria. The album's due June 8, and the band will tour state fairs beginning July 16 in Cadott, Wisconsin. More info next week following an interview with PHIL COLLEN and VIVIAN CAMPBELL.

March 30, 1999

May 24 has been pegged for the release of the first single, Promises, while the album will be released on June 7 (June 8 in Europe).

March 18, 1999

Malvin Mortimer, Def Leppard's tour manager, has confirmed that the album name will be Euphoria. This supersedes the November 1998 information listed below. The release date is still set for June or July 1999. Also, Mutt Lange was said to be involved in some part of the album.

March 4, 1999

Today was the last day of recording. The album now needs to be mixed and has been tentatively set to be released in June or July 1999.

February 1999

The sleeve design will be made by Satori Designs, who also did the sleeves for Pyromania, Hysteria and Adrenalize.

More song titles have been mentioned: Paper Sun and Promises. Guilty and To Be Alive have been completed and will appear in the album.

November 1998

Siddish Sriganesh had a recent meeting with the band, and was told that the next album (the follow up to Slang) will be titled DEF LEPPARD.

October 1998

just wanted to post a special update to you all...phil called last night (most of you know i keep in touch with him from doing a newsletter years ago) and although not much news he did say there are 7 or 8 songs done and they are shooting for 11. it's a bit like "Pryomania meets Hysteria" and the songs will likely change a bit. they are on holiday right now and will go back into the studio next monday and be there till christmas when they hope to have it done and are looking at a april/may release. they have a few titles in mind but do want suggestions he said.

everyone is well. when asked how savage was since his surgery at first he exclaimed, "sav! what surgery?!" then "oh, yeah..his appendix".

-Deb

June 1998

Metal Edge and Malvin Mortimer have both confirmed that Bob Rock will not produce the new album. That duty has been given to Pete Woodruffe, who also produced Slang and helped mix Adrenalize.

May 7, 1998

Malvin was kind enough to forward to Joe some questions from an intrepid online reporter... the quick rundown is:

Kerrang!
Week of April 27, 1998

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has been working with a new side project called 'Clock' that will release a CD soon.....snip, blah, snip.

For a copy of the CD write to:

c/o BlackStar Entertainment
256 Vernon Avenue, Suite #3
Long Beach, CA 90806
USA

The CD is US$10 + US$3 S+H made payable to Jammin' Planet.

Ok, so this has nothing to do with the new album, but I thought it interesting and this is as good a place as any to put it.

Meanwhile, the band themselves are about to start recording their new album with producer Bob Rock, at a secret location in Dublin. Bob Rock has previously produced albums for Bon Jovi, Metallica, and Mötley Crüe.

MTV News
April 14, 1998 14:00 EDT

Def Leppard Working On New Album

Def Leppard are demoing songs on and off in Dublin and hope to have a new album out by the end of the year according to drummer Rick Allen. Allen told "Metal Edge" editor Gerri Miller that the band hopes to be in the studio, again most likely in Dublin, recording for real next month. He added that the initial idea was to get Bob Rock to produce but that they were "open to suggestions." Def Leppard's last album was the self-produced Slang in 1996.

Meanwhile, the AOL & Hard Rock Hot Spot's Andrew McNeice reports that guitarist Vivian Campbell is in Los Angeles working on a side project called Clock with former Foreigner drummer Mark Schulman. The line up, says McNeice, also includes P.J. Smith (No Sweat) on keyboards, and Sascha Krivstov on bass.

MTV Source

Kerrang!
Week of April 22, 1998

Def Leppard aim to start recording their new album within the next couple of months, and hope to have the as yet untitled record in the shops before the end of the year. The veteran Britrockers are currently writing and demoing material at a studio in Dublin, and have apparently lined up celebrated producer Bob Rock to work with them on the new album. So far, the band have released no details of what fans can expect from the LP, but if all goes to plan, then Leppard will have the recording finished by the end of the Summer.

However...This is from the chat Joe and Phil were on April 21, 1998:

DefLepJP1: Us too...not until the album comes out next year [talking about touring]. We'll have info then.

So it seems that even though they might have material done by this summer, the release will not be until 1999.

Gerri Miller (Metal Edge) Report
April 3, 1998

Spoke to Rick Allen tonight and got a Def Leppard update. He was in Dublin for another writing/demoing session a few weeks ago and will go back in 2-3 weeks. (Phil Collen already went back.) They have 11-12 songs and want to get 15 and choose from those. They're doing album-quality demos and hope to be able to keep as much of this as they can--"the more quality work we get in now the better it will be when someone else gets involved." The initial idea was to get Bob Rock to produce but "we're open to suggestions."

If they're in the studio in May (in Dublin, probably) they hope to get an album out by the end of the year. As for live, they've been asked to do some shows but whether they will or not depends on the recording and how they decide to prioritize. There will be a Def Leppard hour long documentary on VH1 Legends sometime after mid-May--it's a behind the scenes bio, with lots of interviews including footage shot in Dublin and with the guys' families.

Rick's daughter Lauren, who'll turn one May 20, is in it--he says she's talking and about to start walking. VH1 filmed a lot of extra footage that they're giving to the band but they don't know what they will do with it yet.

Editor's Note: Please don't ask me about release dates and touring schedule. All information that I have is listed above. When I get anything regarding the new album, it gets put here as fast as possible.

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