DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott has officially confirmed to USA Today that the band is currently working on a brand-new studio album — the follow-up to their 2022 release “Diamond Star Halos.” The upcoming project is tentatively slated for release in 2026.

The legendary British rockers — comprising Joe Elliott, drummer Rick Allen, bassist Rick Savage, and guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell — are once again embracing long-distance collaboration. Much like their previous album, this one is being recorded across three different countries.

Back in 2022, Diamond Star Halos was pieced together remotely with Elliott based in Ireland, Savage in England, and the rest of the band — Collen, Campbell, and Allen — working from the United States. That same album also featured guest appearances by Alison Krauss and renowned David Bowie pianist Mike Garson.

Reflecting on this unique creative process, Elliott shared:

“We’re blessed that technology has allowed us to do this. We get together metaphorically rather than physically and do Zoom meetings all the time. This way five people can work on the same song at the same time and it adds excitement to the flavors of what you’re doing. Laptops have become Abbey Road.”

The mention of Abbey Road refers, of course, to the world-famous London recording studio made iconic by The Beatles and countless other music legends — and Elliott’s statement speaks volumes about how technology is reshaping the recording landscape for even the most traditional rock acts.

In a previous interview with Planet Rock, Elliott explained that the band’s remote method of working on Diamond Star Halos stemmed from the global pandemic, which made in-person sessions impossible. What started as a necessity has now evolved into a comfortable and efficient way for DEF LEPPARD to stay creative, regardless of geography.

As anticipation builds for their 2026 album, fans can expect more musical innovation, classic energy, and a band continuing to redefine how rock music gets made in the modern age.