As most of you are probably aware of by now, sadly Joe Elliott’s father, Joe Elliott Sr., passed away last week.
Here is a touching tribute to him by Malvin Mortimer (Def Leppard’s tour manager) on Leppard’s website. You can read the entire letter here: A tribute to Joe Elliott Sr. – by Malvin Mortimer (friend & tour manager)
“At the age of 18 Joe had an opportunity to join a band. The band met regularly in Joe’s bedroom in the family home in Sheffield, UK- with the full support of his parents.
That band came to be known as Def Leppard.
In 1978 Joe asked his dad for some help to finance the recording and release of the first few songs written by the young and up and coming musicians. Joe senior put up 150 UK pounds. (at that time, about $500.) They recorded at Fairview studios in Hull, East Yorkshire, it cost 148.50 and with the loose change they shared fish and chips on the way home. (Joe’s mother Cindy played guitar and taught Joe his first few chords, Joe Sr. actually recorded, on a primitive cassette device, Joe’s first ever song. Joe was eight years old. The song was entitled “Goin’ Forever”).
Joe Senior will be missed by Cindy, Joe and all of us that knew him.”
Here is a photo of Joe’s Dad & Mum with the band backstage at New Jersey’s Meadowlands (1988)
Sorry tohear about the death of your dad its hard to lose aloved ilost a brother 17 years ago so I feel your pain.please accept my deepest sympathys andapologies.I’ve been a fan since the 80s saw you in concert in 98 or99and stillrock to this day
That sucks Joe. Im sure youve had alot of great memories with him and thats what you should focus on. No doubt he was proud of you. Children are the one true way to acheive immortality, Your Father lives on in you. Take care. Bill Turner. Ann Arbor, Michigan. USA
rip.keep rockin def leppard.i hope to see this band in louisville,ky.
BREAKING NEWS.jani lane of warrant found dead in his hotel room in L.A.r.i.p. my friend
AW! so sorry to hear about your dad!
Keep on rockin’ Joe E!