Def Leppard Enlists Tom Morello for New Made-for-Stadiums Rocker ‘Just Like 73’

Ahead of Def Leppard’s summer tour, the band has linked up with Tom Morello for the new one-off single “Just Like 73.”

According to the group, the made-for-stadiums rocker harkens back to the early Seventies, capturing the music and the technological breakthroughs of the era.

“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,” Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen said in a statement. “Our song ‘Just Like 73’ represents that awakening.”

Joe Elliott added of the single, “It encapsulates a time that burned deep into our DNA. We wanted to celebrate that very important and glorious time.”

Morello — who also announced his own new solo album, Soldier in the Army of Love Wednesday — appears mid-song to deliver one of his trademark, mind-blowing guitar solos. “I had a blast rocking a solo on ‘Just Like 73,’” Morello added in a statement. “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.”

An animated music video for “Just Like 73” — featuring both the band and Morello — will arrive June 20. The track is also available to preorder as a limited edition 7″ single out August 2.

Def Leppard’s massive stadium tour with co-headliner Journey kicks off July 6 in St. Louis and runs through September 8 in Denver. Heart, Steve Miller Band, and Cheap Trick will serve as special guests at select shows along the way.

From Rolling Stone US.