2 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Perform With BBC Concert Orchestra On Radio 2 PIANO ROOM

Sunday, 18th May 2025

Def Leppard 2023

Def Leppard performed Drastic Symphonies versions of PSSOM, Hysteria and a David Bowie cover for BBC Radio 2's Piano Room on this day in 2023.

The album 'Drastic Symphonies' was released on Friday 19th May 2023.

The album features 16 classic Def Leppard songs reworked and reimagined with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London.

The first single 'Animal' was released to digital and streaming services on the same day as the announcement followed by 'Hysteria' and 'When Love & Hate Collide'.

Drastic Symphonies Live Debuts

The Piano Room broadcast was aired during the Vernon Kay Show on BBC Radio 2 on 18th May 2023.

It featured three song performances and an interview with host Vernon Kay,

'Pour Some Sugar On Me' and 'Hysteria' from 'Drastic Symphonies' made their 'live debuts' in the new symphonic style along with a cover of a David Bowie classic.

Vernon Kay Interview

Between songs host Vernon Kay spoke to Joe and other band members about the performance and the album.

View the two news stories about this show from May 2023 and view the 'PSSOM' performance below.

18th May 2023

DEF LEPPARD Showcase Epic DRASTIC SYMPHONIES On BBC Piano Room (Transcript/Photos)

Def Leppard performed three songs for BBC Radio 2's Piano Room earlier today with more photos available and an interview transcript.

18th May 2023

DEF LEPPARD Perform PSSOM/HYSTERIA/Life On Mars For BBC PIANO ROOM (Audio/Video)

Def Leppard performed Drastic Symphonies versions of PSSOM and Hysteria plus a cover of Life On Mars for BBC Radio 2's Piano Room with audio/video now available.

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 2023.

Def Leppard - BBC Piano Room

Thursday, 18th May, 2023 London, England @ Maida Vale Studios

The performance was taped at the studios on Monday 15th May.

Def Leppard - Maida Vale Studios, London, England 15th May 2023 Setlist

01 - Hysteria (Drastic Symphonies/Electric Version/Extended End) - (Ft. Emm Gryner)
02 - Pour Some Sugar On Me (Drastic Symphonies Version) - (Ft. Emm Gryner)
03 - Life On Mars (By David Bowie) - (Ft. Emm Gryner)

BBC Piano Room May 2023 Photos

Screenshots by dltourhistory.

BBC Piano Room - 16th May 2023 Show Description

Radio 2 Piano Room - Def Leppard

"Rock Legends Def Leppard perform in the Radio 2 Piano Room. Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra they perform a beautiful stripped back piano version of their classic 'Pour Some Sugar On Me', 'Hysteria', as well as a cover of David Bowie's 'Life On Mars'."

"All tracks were recorded at the BBC's legendary Maida Vale Studios."

Def Leppard Quote

"We are so excited for our Radio 2 Piano Room performance from the legendary Maida Vale studios!"

"We’ll be playing a couple of our classic tracks reimagined with a very special Bowie cover thrown in."

"Performing these songs alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra is going to be spectacular!”."