Iconic British rockers Def Leppard have fired up excitement across the continent with the announcement of a major Summer 2026 UK and European tour, featuring special guest support from American rock band Extreme . This highly anticipated trek marks the band’s first headline arena series in the region since their sold-out 2023 co-headlining World Tour with Mötley Crüe .
Dates & Destinations: A Continental Clash of Classics and Surprises
The tour kicks off on June 13, 2026, at the breath-taking setting of Dalhalla in Rättvik, Sweden, billed as “An Evening With Def Leppard” . From there, the tour barrels across Europe with a mix of indoor arenas and outdoor shows:
- June 16 – Veikkaus Arena, Helsinki, Finland
- June 19 – Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
- June 23 – Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
- June 26 – Belsonic, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- June 28 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
- June 30 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield, England (their hometown)
The UK leg continues with:
- July 2 – The O2, London
- July 4 – bp pulse LIVE (formerly NEC), Birmingham
- July 6 – Co-op Live, Manchester
The tour also includes a standout festival appearance at Wacken Open Air on July 30 in Wacken, Germany, followed by a grand finale in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on August 2, labeled another “Evening With” show .
Extreme Takes the Stage
Alternative rock veterans Extreme will join Def Leppard as the special guest on most arena dates, with the exception of the Swedish opener, Wacken festival show, and the Dubai finale . In their announcement, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen called their return with “our good friends, Extreme” a bonus and promised “an incredible night for all the fans.” Frontman Joe Elliott added that the shows will bring “surprises as well as the classics” .
Ticketing: When and How to Secure Yours
Fans eager to secure their spot can join the Rock Brigade Concert Club for an early presale on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time . Tickets for general sale will be available starting Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. via official platforms like Ticketmaster and AXS . In the UK, ticket prices are expected to range between £64.95 and £130.20, with both standing and tiered seating options available .
Why This Tour Matters: A Blend of Nostalgia and New Energy
This headline tour marks Def Leppard’s bold return to UK-Europe stages since their 2023 run with Mötley Crüe, which sold over 2.1 million tickets worldwide and featured a landmark show at Wembley Stadium . With the promise of “surprises and classics,” the band looks set to blend the era-defining hits from albums like Pyromania and Hysteria with fresh setlist surprises—likely teasing new material, as suggested by recent statements hinting at an upcoming album .
The Wacken Open Air appearance also showcases an exciting crossover, blending Def Leppard’s arena rock pedigree with one of the world’s most renowned metal festivals .
Final Thoughts
Set to ignite stages across Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, the UK, and into the Middle East, Def Leppard’s Summer 2026 European tour is shaping up to be a monumental run. From hometown shows in Sheffield to festival headline slots, boosted by Extreme’s support and anchored by the band’s legendary sound, fans can expect both nostalgic highs and exciting new moments. Presale and general tickets drop in early September 2025—mark your calendars, and let the countdown to rock commence.
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