Def Leppard have released a new stand-alone single, “Just Like 73,” featuring Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello.
The song arrives a month before Def Leppard embark on their North American stadium tour with Journey (get tickets here). The outing is set to kick off on June 6th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
A straight-ahead rocker, “Just Like 73” features many of Def Lep’s sonic trademarks such as a clap-along beat, instrumental drop outs during the verses, and a surging chorus chant: “Hey-oh, rock with me/ Just like ’73.” Morello takes over the solo section with his stylistic playing and dramatic whammy bar action, melding seamlessly with the legendary UK band.
“I had a blast rocking a solo on ‘Just Like 73,’” stated Morello in a press release. “I played ‘Rock of Ages’ in my college cover band almost 40 years ago and here Def Leppard are still killing it in stadiums with a brand new tune that’s one of their best.”
Added Def Lep’s Phil Collen on the theme of the song: “When I saw David Bowie on TV between 1972 and 1973, everything I thought I knew about music went from black and white to vivid technicolor. Our song ‘Just Like 73’ represents that awakening.”
The single will be available on 7″ vinyl starting August 2nd, with Def Leppard’s online store selling a special color variant and other retailers stocking the standard black vinyl edition. An animated video for the song is set to drop on June 20th.
Below you can stream Def Leppard’s new song “Just Like 73” featuring Tom Morello.
“Just Like 73” Artwork: