End of an Era: An Open Letter From Joe Elliott to Rick Savage, Fans And The Entire Def Leppard Community
In a heartfelt and deeply personal open letter released today, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott addressed not only his longtime bandmate Rick “Sav” Savage, but also the millions of loyal fans and the broader Def Leppard community. The message, brimming with nostalgia, gratitude, and optimism, marks the beginning of what Elliott is calling a “new era” for the iconic British rock band.
For over four decades, Def Leppard has stood as one of the most enduring acts in rock history, a band forged through triumphs, tragedies, reinventions, and countless nights under the bright lights of arenas around the world. From the thunderous roar of Pyromania and Hysteria to the modern-day resurgence fueled by global tours and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors, their legacy has always been as much about family as it has been about music. And now, with Elliott’s latest letter, fans are being invited into the heart of that family once again.
Joe Elliott’s Letter
“Dear Sav, dear fans, dear Def Leppard family,
“When we first plugged in our guitars in Sheffield all those years ago, we had no idea what this journey would become. We were just kids with dreams bigger than the pubs we played in. We wanted to sound like the bands we loved, but along the way we became something that was uniquely ours — Def Leppard. And here we are, over 45 years later, still standing, still singing, still fighting for the music and the connection it brings us all.”
Elliott’s words are directed first and foremost to his closest ally in the band, bassist Rick Savage.
“Sav, you’ve been my brother through everything — through tragedy, through triumph, through those nights when we weren’t sure we could go on. I don’t need to remind you of the heartbreak we endured losing Steve [Clark], or the way we stood beside Rick Allen as he reinvented the drums after his accident. We carried each other then, just like we do now. Your bass lines have been the heartbeat of this band, but more than that, your friendship has been its soul.”
Turning to the fans, Elliott emphasized their role in Def Leppard’s survival and continued success.
“To our fans — you have been our constant. You sang with us in stadiums, in arenas, in small halls, and even when the critics wrote us off, you never did. You carried us higher than we ever imagined possible. When the world changed, when music changed, you still showed up with your arms raised, ready to shout back the words that we wrote in a bedroom decades ago. That bond has never been broken — and it never will.”
Acknowledging the Past, Embracing the Future
Elliott’s letter also took time to reflect on the band’s long history, acknowledging the pain and resilience that defined Def Leppard’s story. He recalled the devastating car accident that cost drummer Rick Allen his left arm in 1984, the tragic passing of guitarist Steve Clark in 1991, and the constant reinventions that allowed the band to thrive across changing eras of rock.
“We’ve lived through moments that might have ended other bands,” Elliott wrote. “But every time, we refused to stop. We adapted, we learned, we played harder, and we came back stronger. That’s the story of Def Leppard. That’s the story we share with you — because this has never just been about us. It’s been about all of us, together.”
Yet while grounded in the past, Elliott’s words carried a tone of renewed purpose.
“This isn’t a goodbye. This is a new beginning. Music doesn’t age — it evolves. And neither do we. We may not be the kids in leather jackets anymore, but the fire we feel on stage, the rush when we hear you sing every word, is still as powerful as it was in ’83. Maybe even more so now, because we know how rare and precious it all is.”
A Message of Brotherhood and Gratitude
The open letter underscored not just the bond between Elliott and Savage, but the bond among all five current members: Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell, Rick Allen, Elliott, and Savage himself.
“We’re brothers — not just because we play music together, but because we’ve survived life together. We’ve been through marriages, divorces, births, deaths, illnesses, and comebacks. And through it all, the band has been our anchor. Sav, you’ve been that anchor for me personally. And to the fans — you’ve been the anchor for all of us.”
In closing, Elliott left his audience with a promise:
“The next chapter of Def Leppard is already being written. Whether it’s new songs, new tours, or new ways to connect with you, we’re not done. Not by a long shot. You’ve given us the greatest gift anyone could ask for: the chance to live our dream and share it with you. For that, we’ll never stop saying thank you. Here’s to the next era — together.”
“With love and eternal gratitude,
Joe Elliott”
Reaction From Fans and the Music World
The letter quickly spread across social media, where fans flooded Def Leppard’s official accounts with messages of appreciation and excitement. Many shared personal stories of how the band’s music carried them through difficult times, while others expressed gratitude for the honesty and sincerity of Elliott’s words.
Music journalists and fellow artists also weighed in, calling the letter a powerful reminder of what has made Def Leppard so enduring: not just their ability to craft massive anthems, but their ability to connect with people on a deeply human level.
A New Era Begins
Def Leppard’s story has always been one of resilience and reinvention. Joe Elliott’s open letter doesn’t mark an end — rather, it signals the dawn of a new phase for a band that refuses to fade quietly into the background.
For fans, the message is clear: the journey isn’t over. The band that once defined an era of rock continues to push forward, carrying its legacy while embracing the future. And at the heart of it all — brotherhood, music, and the unbreakable bond between Def Leppard and the community that has stood with them for nearly half a century.
As Elliott himself wrote: “Here’s to the next era — together.”
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