16 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Release The YEAH! Covers Album In The UK

Sunday, 22nd May 2022

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Def Leppard released their first covers album YEAH! on this day in 2006 in the UK and worldwide.

The album had been a long time dream for Joe who also came up with the cover art concept. Over 20 songs were recorded for the album with 14 making the main album version.

It did not receive great support from the UK label and only charted at Number 52 after its release on 22nd May 2006. The lowest chart position there for a Def Leppard album.

It was released one day later on 23rd May in North America where it debuted at Number 16 on the Billboard Top 200 chart selling 42,000 copies in week one.

The inner sleeve booklet features reproductions of the original artists' album photographs by Mick Rock who had also taken the originals. Sav portrayed Freddie Mercury, Viv (Marc Bolan), Phil (Iggy Pop), Joe (David Bowie) and Rick (Lou Reed).

Once again the album was co-produced by the band with Ronan McHugh. A number of guests appeared including for the first time relatives of the band members.

Vivian's brother John played saxophone with Anita Collen and Kristine Elliott contributing backing vocals. Other guests included Emm Gryner, Stevie-Vann Lange and Justin Hawkins of The Darkness.

The origins of the album date back to mid 2003 when the band were touring for the X/Ten album in the USA/Canada.

Sav had mentioned plans to start work on a new studio album in January 2004. During August 2003 the band played two cover versions at live shows. Badfinger's 'No Matter What' and Thin Lizzy's 'Don't Believe A Word', which would end up on the album.

Both Rick Allen and Vivian Campbell heavily hinted at a covers album in radio/TV interviews during the US and European tours. Vivian suggesting they would record two new albums at the same time.

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