Def Leppard has kicked off 2026 with a powerful new single titled “Rejoice”, marking their first original material since the 2024 collaboration “Just Like ’73” featuring Tom Morello. Released today, January 22, 2026, via UMe (and Mercury Records in some territories), the track is a standalone single that’s already lighting up streaming platforms, complete with an official lyric video.
The song premiered earlier today on BBC Radio 2 with Vernon Kay, building anticipation after teaser posts from the band on social media. Fans were treated to cryptic Instagram clips showing “Rejoice” posters and the tagline “You’re All Invited,” captioned “GET ON BOARD,” with snippets hinting at the track’s energy.
“Rejoice” is described as a dynamic, anthemic hard rock number with a heavier edge. It blends tribal drum loops, driving riffs, and a chant-like chorus that delivers extra momentum. Comparisons have been drawn to elements of the band’s mid-90s Slang era mixed with the uplifting vibe of classics like “Rocket.”
Frontman Joe Elliott shared insight into the song’s creation: “This song’s been an amazing journey from concept to conclusion. I said to Phil [Collen] one day, ‘I’ve got this idea for a lyric where the narrator is at absolute rock bottom and wants to rise up to a higher level. Do you have a musical piece that might match with that?’ And he said, ‘As it happens, yes I do.’ It’s kind of magical.”
Guitarist Phil Collen added details on the musical foundation: “I created this drum loop based with a tribal sound,” and noted he had “this riff, this idea for a song a while ago actually.” Additional rhythmic elements were developed by longtime producer Ronan McHugh, helping evolve the track into its final powerful form.
The timing is no coincidence—”Rejoice” arrives just ahead of Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace The Las Vegas Residency, set to launch February 3, 2026, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The run continues through February 28, promising electrifying new shows where fans can hear the single performed live alongside timeless hits from the band’s catalog. These follow their successful residencies in 2013 and 2019.
Later in the year, the band heads to the UK and Europe for a tour in June and July 2026, featuring special guests Extreme on most dates, including a headline show at The O2 in London and their first Paris performance in nearly 30 years.
This release aligns with comments from Joe Elliott in late 2025, where he confirmed the band is working on their thirteenth studio album. Plans involve drip-feeding singles—like “Rejoice” for the Vegas run and potentially another for the summer tour—before a full album arrives late 2026 or early 2027.
“Rejoice” is available now on all major streaming services. Check out the official lyric video and crank it up—it’s a bold, uplifting statement from one of rock’s most enduring icons, proving Def Leppard still has plenty of fire left.
