Def Leppard announces residency at The Joint

Def Leppard die-hards, prepare to get hysterical.

Literally.

The venerable British rockers have announced a nine-show stay at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Dubbed "Viva Hysteria!," the residency runs from March 22 through April 10 and will feature the band performing their smash 1987 album "Hysteria," which sold more than
20 million copies worldwide, in its entirety with a selection of other hits.

"It can't get old," Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen told the Review-Journal in June before the band's stop at the Red Rock Amphitheater, commenting on the band's longevity. "Some musicians say, 'Oh, I'm really tired of this.' Then change it. To me, I get thrilled by it."

Def Leppard's upcoming stint at the Hard Rock follows recent 12-show residencies by fellow rockers Motley Crue in February and Guns N' Roses, who are ensconced in The Joint through Nov. 24.

Like those shows, Def Leppard's residency will feature a new production designed for the venue.

And while the band will be playing plenty of jukebox staples that fans know by heart, Collen insists that the group is doing more than mining their multi-platinum past.

"You do have to keep writing and creating to be fresh," he said. "If you're just a nostalgia act, I don't think that would work."

Tickets for the shows start at $49.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at The Joint box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.