Joe Elliott | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
In this episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast, Def Leppard's Joe Elliott joins hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade to take listeners behind the scenes of the legendary British rock band's enduring career spanning over four decades. Elliott recounts Def Leppard's musical evolution, from their early influences like glam and progressive rock to their role in inspiring subsequent hard rock acts.
The conversation touches on the collaborative songwriting process, both in the band's early days and more recently during the pandemic. Elliott also reflects on overcoming challenges like the grunge era, lineup changes, and personal hardships. He discusses the keys to Def Leppard's longevity – their ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their core sound and connecting with fans across generations.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 31, 2024 episode of the Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
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1-Page Summary
Def Leppard's Musical History and Evolution
Their Influence on Other Bands
Def Leppard's career parallels British rock's evolution from glam to punk to grunge, per Joe Elliott. Elliott says the band was inspired by 70s glam icons like T. Rex, Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen, as well as contrasting influences like American Creedence Clearwater Revival and sophisticated British progressive rock.
Carvey notes Def Leppard's foundational role linking different rock eras and genres - their fluency in various styles helped inspire subsequent hard rock and heavy metal acts. Their 80s hits continue to resonate across generations.
The Changing Music Industry
Elliott discusses navigating shifts from physical sales to digital/streaming. Remarkably, Def Leppard still sells out stadiums worldwide, attesting to their enduring popularity and relevance.
The Creative Process
Collaborative Songwriting
Elliott says songwriting evolved from the band collaborating together, building off guitarists' riffs, to members bringing fully-formed songs, especially during the pandemic. Carvey observes the band's humility in crediting each other's contributions.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite turbulence like grunge's rise in the 90s, Elliott says Def Leppard persisted without breaking up, believing in their identity. Their 2018 stadium tour with Journey shows their dedication to live performance. Elliott says respect for fans means playing beloved classics. The band maintained unity through lineup consistency and health issues.
Joe Elliott's Journey
From Aspiring Musician to Iconic Frontman
Elliott's working-class roots and musical family shaped his path from young guitarist to Def Leppard's charismatic lead singer. His voice and presence defined their iconic sound through lineup changes and personal loss.
Enduring Legacy and Connection to Fans
Elliott reflects on Def Leppard's ability to remain relevant by engaging their core audience while reinventing themselves, citing 1999's "Euphoria" as a return to their classic sound. He conveys gratitude for their extraordinary success connecting with fans across generations.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Def Leppard played a crucial role in connecting various rock eras and genres by blending influences from different musical styles and time periods. Their ability to fuse elements from glam, punk, and heavy metal music contributed to shaping the sound of subsequent hard rock and heavy metal acts. This cross-pollination of styles helped bridge gaps between different generations of rock music fans. Def Leppard's music and approach to songwriting served as a bridge between the evolving landscape of rock music, showcasing a versatility that resonated with audiences across different eras.
- In the context of songwriting, Def Leppard's humility in crediting each other's contributions means that the band members acknowledge and appreciate the creative input and ideas brought forth by every member involved in the songwriting process. This practice highlights a collaborative and respectful approach within the band, where individual contributions are valued and recognized in the creation of their music. It signifies a shared recognition of the collective effort put into crafting songs, emphasizing a sense of unity and teamwork among the band members. This acknowledgment of each other's roles in songwriting reflects a harmonious dynamic within the group, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for creative expression.
- Joe Elliott's voice and stage presence are key elements that have consistently characterized Def Leppard's music, even as the band underwent changes in its lineup over the years. Despite facing personal challenges and lineup adjustments, Elliott's vocal style and performance charisma have remained central to the band's signature sound and live performances. His ability to adapt and lead the band through various transitions has been instrumental in maintaining Def Leppard's identity and musical legacy.
Counterarguments
- While Def Leppard's career may reflect the evolution of British rock, it could be argued that they were more followers of trends rather than leaders, adapting to changes rather than pioneering them.
- The influence of 70s glam icons on Def Leppard is clear, but some might argue that their music lacked the innovation and cultural impact of those earlier acts.
- The claim that Def Leppard influenced subsequent hard rock and heavy metal acts might be overstated, as many bands from the 80s and 90s cite a broader range of influences beyond Def Leppard.
- Their 80s hits resonate with many, but some critics might suggest that their appeal is largely nostalgic and does not necessarily translate to contemporary musical relevance.
- Def Leppard's ability to sell out stadiums could be attributed to a loyal fan base from their peak years rather than a growing or diverse audience.
- The evolution of Def Leppard's songwriting process might be seen as a natural progression rather than a unique or notable development.
- The band's unity and persistence through challenges are commendable, but some might argue that other bands have faced similar or greater adversities while also maintaining their integrity and identity.
- The 2018 stadium tour with Journey might be seen by some as a safe, commercial move rather than a dedication to innovative live performance.
- Joe Elliott's journey is inspiring, but it is a common narrative in rock music, with many frontmen coming from similar backgrounds.
- The claim that Def Leppard has reinvented themselves could be contested by those who feel that their later work does not significantly deviate from their established style.
- The return to their classic sound with "Euphoria" might be criticized as a lack of artistic growth or an attempt to capitalize on past successes.
- The band's connection with fans across generations is notable, but some might argue that their core audience remains predominantly those who were fans during their peak years.
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Def Leppard's Musical History and Evolution
Exploring the rich tapestry of Def Leppard's legacy, Dana Carvey and Joe Elliott engage in a discussion that spans their massive influence and their adept evolution through the dynamic world of rock music.
Def Leppard's influence on and connection to other iconic rock bands
The course of Def Leppard's career reflects the broader narrative of British rock's metamorphosis across several decades.
Def Leppard's musical journey parallels the evolution of British rock from glam to punk to grunge
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott reminisces about the band's journey through various eras of British rock, unpacking the evolution from the Beatles through the '70s, all the way to Ziggy Stardust and other influences. Elliott brings up key figures like T. Rex, David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen, recalling how these glam heavyweights imprinted on him and his bandmates. Elliott also nods to "Top of the Pops," a seminal TV show that showcased a diversity of acts, including Slade and Sweet.
Elliott further reflects on the impact of American bands such as Creedence Clearwater Revival and contrasts them with stalwarts of the British scene like The Who, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath. He delineates between the sophisticated progressive rock aired on "The Old Grey Whistle Test" and the exuberant glam on "Top of the Pops."
The band's sound and success helped inspire and pave the way for subsequent hard rock and heavy metal acts
Carvey underscores Def Leppard's role as a foundational link between contrasting eras and genres of British rock—demonstrating Elliott's and the band's musical fluency built upon varied inspirations. As an iconic group, they not only traversed glam, punk, and grunge realms but also influenced the surge of hard rock and heavy metal bands that emerged in their wake. Their 1980s hits continue to resonate, transcending generational divides and affirming their instrumental role in shaping rock's trajectory.
Def Leppard's role in the changing music industry
Def Leppard's legacy not only resides in their music but also in their navigation through the industry ...
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Def Leppard's Musical History and Evolution
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Def Leppard was influenced by various eras of British rock, it could be argued that their sound was not as revolutionary as some of their predecessors and that they were more evolutionary in their approach, refining rather than reinventing the rock genre.
- The claim that Def Leppard paved the way for subsequent hard rock and heavy metal acts might be overstated, as there were numerous other influential bands at the time contributing to the genre's development.
- The influence of Def Leppard on the surge of hard rock and heavy metal bands is difficult to quantify, and while they were certainly popular, the extent of their direct influence on other bands could be debated.
- The assertion that Def Leppard's hits from the 1980s continue to resonate across generations might not fully account for the diverse and changing tastes within newer generations that may not connect as strongly with their music.
- Def Leppard's navigation of the shift from physical album sales to digital distribution and streaming is not unique to them, as many bands from their era have h ...
Actionables
- Explore the roots of your favorite music by creating a playlist that traces its influences back through the decades. Start with a band you love and add tracks from the artists that inspired them, going back as far as you can. This will give you a deeper appreciation for the music's evolution and might introduce you to some classic tunes you've never heard before.
- Embrace change in your career by studying how industries have evolved over time, much like how Def Leppard adapted to digital distribution. Research your field's history, identify the major shifts that have occurred, and consider how you can adapt your skills or business model to stay ahead of the curve.
- Build a diverse and loyal network by taking inspiration from Def Leppard's ability ...
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The Creative Process of Songwriting and Performing
The creative dynamics of Def Leppard have evolved as the band has faced both personal and professional challenges, yet their collaborative spirit and dedication to live performance have sustained their enduring success.
Collaborative approach to songwriting within the band
Dana Carvey observes that the members of Def Leppard consistently credit one another for contributions to their music. Joe Elliott discusses how the band's songwriting process has evolved from sitting together in a room, serving the song rather than individual egos, to members now feeling confident to present complete compositions. In the early days, ideas were often born from a guitarist riffing, around which melodies, bridges, and choruses were built, as exemplified by collective contributions to the song "Hysteria."
Over time, with increased comfort and confidence, the members started bringing more fully-formed ideas to the table. This shift was highlighted during the pandemic when the band could not meet, and members wrote individually, presenting finished songs.
Challenges and rewards of maintaining a successful musical career
Joe Elliott candidly speaks about Def Leppard's journey of holding onto success, especially during the challenging rise of grunge in the early '90s. The band persevered like a plane going through turbulence, without breaking up and always believing in their identity, continuously convincing the world of who they were. Their ability to draw large audiences, evident in the sold-out stadium shows on their 2018 tour with Journey, speaks to the thrill of live performance and their commitment to their craft.
Elliott expresses the importance of respect for the fanbase by continuing to perform well-loved classics, though the band may have grown weary of them. Their continued touring, except for ...
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The Creative Process of Songwriting and Performing
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can foster collaboration in group projects by openly acknowledging each member's contributions, similar to how band members credit each other, which can lead to a more cohesive and motivated team.
- When working on a group project, make it a habit to verbally recognize the specific contributions of each team member during meetings or in written summaries. This not only boosts morale but also encourages a culture of appreciation and teamwork. For example, if someone comes up with an innovative solution to a problem, highlight their creative thinking in front of the group.
- You can maintain your personal identity in the face of changing trends by sticking to your core values and interests, much like a band stays true to its musical style despite shifting genres.
- Write down a list of your core values and interests that define you. When faced with a trend or pressure to conform, refer to this list to remind yourself of what truly matters to you. For instance, if minimalism becomes a trend but you find value in your diverse book collection, keep your books and proudly display them as a reflection of your identity.
- You can adapt to life's changes and mai ...
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Joe Elliott's Personal Experiences and Memories
Joe Elliott, the charismatic lead singer of Def Leppard, shares a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, painting a vivid picture of his journey with the band and the lasting impact they've made on rock music.
Joe Elliott's journey as the lead singer of Def Leppard
Transition from a young musician to an iconic frontman
Joe Elliott's transformation from an aspiring musician to the frontman of a multi-platinum rock band was shaped by his working-class upbringing and early musical influences. David Spade even referred to Elliott as "so pretty, he's so working class," which Elliott humorously deflects, indicating his down-to-earth nature. Elliott's mother played a key role in sparking his early interest in music as he watched her learn songs by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez from a catalog. Joe, motivated to learn guitar himself, was content to support his voice with rhythm guitar rather than pursue lead guitar excellence. His voice deepened after puberty, and although his engagement with music was occasionally inconsistent, it remained a steadfast anchor in his life.
Integral to Def Leppard's sound and image
Elliott's charismatic stage presence and distinctive vocal style have been definitive elements of Def Leppard's sound. Famous for his voice, he reflects on the band's evolution, including the departure of early members and the difficult loss of Steve Clark, which led the band to adapt and grow. Elliott's memories of meeting Steve Perry in 1983 and being thrilled to interact with artists they admired reveal the surreal turn his life had taken.
Def Leppard's enduring legacy and impact
Staying relevant throughout changing times
Def Leppard's ability to reinvent themselves while remaining true to their roots has allowed them to keep their solid fan base and attract new listeners. Elliott discusses the crucial decision to engage their core audience continuously through touring and entertainment, balancing the performance of new music with their well-known hits. He reflects on the band's re-emergence with the 1999 album "Euphoria," marking their reu ...
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Joe Elliott's Personal Experiences and Memories
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- David Spade is a well-known actor and comedian, not directly associated with music. His comment about Joe Elliott being "so pretty, he's so working class" was a humorous observation made in the context of Elliott's background and appearance. Steve Perry is the former lead singer of the band Journey, known for his distinctive voice. His meeting with Joe Elliott in 1983 was a significant moment for Elliott, as it involved interacting with a respected artist in the music industry.
- "UNKNOWN"
- Joe Elliott mentioned the band's reunion with producer Mutt Lange in 1999. Mutt Lange is a renowned music producer known for his work with Def Leppard on their succe ...
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