Iconic rock band Def Leppard has taken to social media to celebrate the 76th birthday of their good friend, legendary Queen guitarist Brian May. The Sheffield rockers showcased their camaraderie and musical prowess by singing an acoustic rendition of Queen’s classic hit, “Tie Your Mother Down,” with heartfelt birthday wishes for the rock icon. As fans and fellow musicians joined in the celebration, the video serves as a testament to the strong bond shared between these rock legends.
Def Leppard’s Musical Tribute to Brian May
In a heartwarming display of friendship, Def Leppard honored Brian May on his special day by sharing an acoustic ditty inspired by Queen’s iconic track “Tie Your Mother Down.” The video captures Joe Elliott on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, accompanied by Phil Collen, Rick Savage, and Viv Campbell on harmonies. The jubilant performance exudes genuine affection and camaraderie between the bands as they express their well-wishes for the birthday celebrant. Def Leppard’s tribute showcases their musical talent and brings an added layer of excitement to Brian May’s milestone celebration.
Def Leppard wrote:
“Join us in wishing our good friend @DrBrianMay a very happy birthday today! Keep on rockin’!”
A Lifelong Friendship in the World of Rock
Brian May’s friendship with Def Leppard runs deep, solidified over years of shared experiences and mutual admiration for each other’s craft. Brian had the honor of inducting Def Leppard into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in March 2019. During his speech, he recounted a memorable incident from 1983 when he joined the band on stage to perform a mashup of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Travelin’ Band” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” However, the performance nearly took a dangerous turn when pyrotechnics threatened Brian’s safety.
Brian May explained:
“Cut to September ’83, I’m in Los Angeles, again we’re recording an album, which, this time, is The Works, I think, and I go out. This time, Def Leppard are playing the local arena, which is the legendary L.A. Forum. I go down there, very inconspicuous, I sit in the back, and when these boys hit the stage, I have to tell you — I have never seen anything like it. I’ve seen some great shows in the Forum, but I’ve never seen an audience react like that. They got to their feet, they never sat down and they screamed and shouted the whole way through the performance. Def Leppard killed that night.”
Brian May’s Tribute to Def Leppard
In return, Brian May showered accolades upon Def Leppard during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He praised the band’s extraordinary musicianship, highlighting their technical excellence and their ability to captivate audiences. Beyond being crowd-pleasers, Brian recognized Def Leppard’s status as a magnificent rock group, embodying the classic tradition of what a rock band truly represents. He went on to describe the band members as not only great musicians but also magnificent human beings, elevating them beyond just their musical talents.
Brian May further hailed them as “a magnificent rock group, in the classic tradition of what a rock group really is” and “a bunch of magnificent human beings.”
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