Tuesday, 21st January 2025
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DEF LEPPARD Guitar Tech JOHN ZOCCO On Playing LEON, MEXICO Show

Def Leppard 2025. Screenshots5

Def Leppard guitar tech John Zocco has commented on playing live with the band in Mexico over the weekend.

Def Leppard kicked off their 2025 in León, Mexico at Foro Mazda on 18th January.

A festival show played before almost 20,000 fans.

Unfortunately Vivian could not travel to be with the band for this one-off event.

John Zocco Mexico Show Comments

John has worked as Phil Collen's guitar tech for many years and has also worked with other bands including Dream Theater.

And according to his IG Bio is a - "Nashville-based guitarist, guitar tech, photographer, coffee snob, and mountain biker.".

He posts regular pre-show stage photos on Instagram at most of the venues Def Leppard have played over the last few tours.

John posted some photos from the León, Mexico performance last night and also commented on the experience.

Like the band themselves, he did not comment at the time on his first stand-in performance in October in Nashville, TN.

As with other corporate/one-off private shows the band don't usually comment on them, advertise them or posts photos.

This latest show included some slight adjustments from the main 2024 set including a full electric version of BOTH and 'Let's Get Rocked' and 'Let It Go' making a comeback.


Vivian Campbell Health

Joe Elliott commented on Vivian and this festival during his weekly Planet Rock Radio Show.

He says Vivian is "doing really well" and explained the background to playing this one-off show and why they got John to play in Vivian's place.

He also described John as "one of the boys" and "more than capable".


Visit the Tour News section. For more news on future tour plans.

Visit the Album News section for more news on new music (based on band member quotes).


Def Leppard 2025.

John Zocco Instagram Quotes - 20th January 2025

"Well THAT was a fun Saturday night."

"Deepest thanks to the guys for trusting me with covering for the legend Vivian Campbell - I’m honored and humbled that they gave me the opportunity."

"When I was a kid in upstate NY watching them on MTV, I never would have imagined that I’d be onstage with them."

"That being said, I can’t wait to see Vivian back out there soon."

"Big thanks to the fans in Leon, Mexico who were amazing and made me feel welcome."


The Joe Elliott Show 18th January 2025 Quotes

"So John Zocco is playing guitar."

"John Zocco happens to be Phil's guitar tech."

"He's one of the crowd, he's one of the crew, he's one of the boys."

"We didn't want to get some stranger in and John is a more than capable replacement."

"He's not Viv, but it'll work out okay for this one show."



Read the full Show Report again here now with the band's own photo gallery added and over 50 Fan Videos:


Def Leppard News
19th January 2025

DEF LEPPARD Play First Show Of 2025 In LEON, MEXICO (Show Report/Setlist)

Def Leppard played the first show of 2025 last night in Leon, Mexico with 19 songs performed.


Def Leppard 2024.

Def Leppard / Latest Release


Def Leppard / Latest Tour

Def Leppard Tour 2025


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