Rock band Def Leppard shocked fans across North America by suddenly cancelling the final 23 venue dates “due to unforeseen personal matters.” Their website message said that the band “agonized over this decision.”
The message went on to say, “We don’t take canceling shows lightly, but unfortunately life’s commitments need to be the priority.” Very mysterious indeed.
The band, whose genres include hard rock, heavy metal and Glam Metal, has been active since 1977. Current members include Rick Savage, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell. Steve Clark and Pete Willis are former members.
The group toured 41 U.S. cities over the summer with Cheap Trick as an opener and Poison in the second slot. They performed on the CMT Music Awards with Taylor Swift on June 16. On September 24 it was announced that they would extend their North American Tour with Cheap Trick and the newly added Man Raze.
The last leg of the tour would have started in Reno on October 22 and ended in Beaumont, Texas on November 28. Def Leppard earns $700,000 per performance and has one of the top 20 shows on tour according to Pollstar.
The reason for the abrupt cancellation will undoubtedly emerge and when it does we’ll be sure to update our readers.
Ticketmaster will initiate automatic refunds to their customers. Those who purchased them elsewhere will need to go back to point of purchase.
View Def Leppard performing with Taylor Swift below.