DEF LEPPARD remain one of the world’s biggest and most successful live acts. The band last played the U.K. in 2009 — headlining Download festival that year after a hugely successful sold out U.K. arena tour in 2008.

Tune in to Planet Rock tomorrow (Wednesday, February 23) at 8:45 a.m. GMT to hear an exclusive interview with DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott on the breakfast show.

DEF LEPPARD is reportedly planning to embark on a two-month U.S. summer tour with HEART and KANSAS.

As previously reported, DEF LEPPARD and HEART are confirmed for the 18th annual Rock Fest, which is scheduled to take place July 14-17 in Cadott, Wisconsin.

DOWN ‘N OUTZ — a project fronted by DEF LEPPARD‘s Joe Elliott, backed by THE QUIREBOYS and playing rare tracks connected only by MOTT THE HOOPLE — will support Paul Rodgers (BAD COMPANY, FREE, QUEEN) on his U.K. tour in April.

Eddie Van Halen, Jerry Cantrell, Slash, Buddy Guy, Kirk Hammett and Zakk Wylde are among the musicians who are featured in “Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World”, a definitive documentary that tells the story of the #1-selling effects pedal of all time, from its invention in 1966 through its evolution into the present day. The effect was an essential ingredient in the creation of classics like JIMI HENDRIX‘s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”, METALLICA‘s “Enter Sandman” and GUNS N’ ROSES‘ “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. The film from Guard House Pictures looks at how engineer Brad Plunkett discovered and developed the legendary wah sound and how artists have used it to express themselves throughout its evolution. Guitar icons such as Buddy Guy, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, Slash, and Zakk Wylde talk about how the wah has become a part of their signature sounds, while rock journalists such as Rolling Stone‘s Ben Fong-Torres and Guitar Player‘s Art Thompson explore the pedal’s cultural significance.

Learn how a simple effect became one of the most important tools of expression for guitarists everywhere.

The first two (out of a total of four) parts of the movie can be viewed below.

Part 1:

ASK4 Entertainment‘s Alan Koenig promises “ShipRocked 2011 will be five days of wall-to-wall music, giving fans the rare opportunity to listen to and hang out with rock stars on a luxury cruise ship. With the confirmed artists onboard (and additional acts to be announced), there’s enough music for whatever your heart rate can withstand.” Main support comes from L.A.’s IN THIS MOMENT, led by the vocal pyrotechnics of Maria Brink. And the organizers are happy to have returning late-night favorites LYNAM, as well as the inescapable Texas thunder of BROKEN TEETH, led by the affable Jason McMaster, and new sensation RIVAL SONS and their brand of ’70s-style guitar groove.

The setting is the MSC Poesia (Italy) one of the cruise industry’s most acclaimed new super cruise ships. It all begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, visiting the premier Mexican ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel. Exuding her Italian roots, the Poesia features include the luxurious Aqua Spa, two pools, four Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art cardio gym, salon, sushi bar, wine tasting bar, the Teatro Carlo Felice, a beautiful, three-level, Las Vegas-style theater, and additional stages for ShipRocked bands and passengers to enjoy all night long!

Prices start at only $799 per person, based on double occupancy, and include exclusive access to all ShipRocked concerts and special events, deluxe stateroom, meals, ship activities, ship entertainment and much, much more! Space is limited so early booking is encouraged to guarantee your cabin. General on-sale begins on Monday, February 28, 2011.

Tickets for ShipRocked 2011 are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and are only available at GetShipRocked.com or by calling 1-888-438-9509.

Published by rbtaleman

Heavy metal (fiend/friend?) Writer, frustrat(or), frustrat(ee), decorated U.S. Navy veteran, Husband(twice), father(three times), grandfather(of seven), FM radio veteran, Concertgoer, music collector, muscle car aficianado. Grown up since five. Child since 45. View all posts by rbtaleman