Def Leppard’s setlist traced the full arc of their celebrated career, seamlessly weaving together iconic anthems, hitting it off with ‘Rejoice’
Def Leppard performed in Mumbai on March 27. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement
Legendary British band Def Leppard staged their much-awaited debut performance in Mumbai for the first time in 49 years, ever since the band was formed in 1981.
The show unfolded as an electrifying evening that brought together legacy, nostalgia, and high-octane musicianship, creating an experience that lingered in the air, where each riff carried a soaring intensity, each beat settled deep, and the crowd found itself drawn into a shared, almost unspoken rhythm.
The evening began with Indian rock pioneers Indus Creed, who set the tone with a commanding opening set. Known for their dynamic stage presence and powerful fusion of rock and Indian influences, the Indian rock band delivered fan favourites like ‘Top of the Rock’, ‘Fireflies’ and ‘Pretty Child’, celebrating India’s own rock legacy while building anticipation for what was to follow. The energy across the venue intensified, setting the stage for a historic night.
As the sun set, the anticipation was palpable. As Def Leppard stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere transformed instantly. With explosive energy and a commanding presence, the band ignited the crowd from the very first note. What followed was a performance that reflected the spirit of their globally celebrated live shows - precise, powerful and deeply immersive.
Def Leppard’s setlist traced the full arc of their celebrated career, seamlessly weaving together iconic anthems, hitting it off with ‘Rejoice’, building momentum with ‘Let’s Get Rocked’, riding the riffs with ‘Heartbreak’, ‘Photograph’, ‘Rock of Ages’, ‘Animal’, ‘Foolin’’ and ending the night on a high with ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’, as fans relived the music that has defined decades of rock history.
Feeding off of the crowd’s energy, Joe Elliot, the lead singer of the band, spoke about their excitement to perform in India and chuckled that it only took them 49 years to get here. Joe also took to the stage solo, performing “Two Steps Behind’ in a moment that had the entire crowd singing along. He shared that while fans often request a solo performance, this was the first time he had honoured that request, making the evening all the more memorable for fans in Mumbai.
Reflecting on the band’s journey, Joe added, “If someone had told us back then that we’d one day perform for a crowd in India, I would have laughed. When you’re 16 or 17 and starting a band, you never imagine it going this far.”
Produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the show fans of all ages, including rockers and Millennials who have listened to them over the years on their cassettes, CDs, and even vinyls, saw their dream come true.
Naman Pugalia, who is the chief business officer of Live Events, BookMyShow, said, “Def Leppard represents a defining era of rock that has shaped how generations of fans in India have discovered and connected with the genre. Seeing that legacy come alive on stage, with fans singing every word, is a powerful reminder of the depth and longevity of rock culture in the country. This tour reflects a larger shift in the live entertainment landscape, where iconic global acts are meeting deeply engaged Indian audiences at scale.”
As the performance came to a close, Joe praised the energy of the Mumbai crowd, saying, “You have been wonderful, and we really had a great time tonight.” Thanking fans for their unwavering support, he also expressed the band’s love for their audiences in the city.
The concert is one of many that have taken over India in the last year ever since Coldplay performed here and hasn't stopped ever since, as more Indians are gravitating towards live concerts. After Def Leppard, Mumbaikars will also see the Scorpions visit and perform in the city in April.
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