DEF LEPPARD Singer Thanks Fans For Getting Him Through First Show Following Father's Passing

July 28, 2011

DEF LEPPARD vocalist Joe Elliott has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"By now most of you will know that my father passed away after a long illness, on July 7th, aged 81. This is why some of our shows have been rescheduled, and quite frankly, why I might have been 'off my game' recently, and for that I can only apologize.

"Going into the rehearsals and tour, even with a sick father's blessing, is a lot harder than I imagined it to be, and through all the jokes and smiles during interviews and indeed up on stage, there's an inherent sadness and worry you just can't shake... and as we like to say, you can't unscramble an egg, ... It IS hard to deal with, but you all know, we are the kings of getting on with it, so we shall prevail.... which brings me back to the title of this piece.

"Last night was the first show back after the enforced break, the first show I've ever done without a father, and can I say to the good people of Cincinnati, Ohio, THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT THAT LITTLE BIT EASIER TO DEAL WITH BY BEEING 'SO' GOOD!!!

"I'll admit, I ran out of gas last night. By 'Photograph' I had nothing left to give... It WAS emotional, yes, but it was over 100 degrees on stage, too, which didn't help either, but you guys carried me over the last part of the show on a wave of goodwill that I will never forget!

"I had to get the first show, wherever it might have been, out of the way, to help me move on as it were, and after experiencing a reception like we did last night, I wouldn't have wanted it anywhere else!!!

"I hope the rest of the shows are as good, and I'm sure they will be, but for now, last night emotionally at least has helped me through the hardest few weeks of my life, and I thank you all for that.

"Also, I thank everyone who has sent condolence messages to my mum and me, mainly through the Planet Rock account. Way too many to reply to, so please take this as a great big THANK YOU!! My old man would be well proud!!! as he was when I photographed him sat on Rick's [Allen] kit at the Don Valley Stadium gig back in 1993. The photograph below is something I thought I'd like to share with you all.

"Once again, thank you all so very much for your support over these last few very difficult weeks ..."

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