Classic rock legends Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard are teaming up for a massive stadium tour across North America in 2023. The tour featuring two of the most iconic bands in rock history is aptly called “The World Tour” and will visit over 30 cities across the United States and Canada. Fans are excited to see these two powerhouse bands perform their numerous hit songs live. However, before Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard take the stage each night, the crowds will be warmed up by not one but two fantastic opening acts.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Kicking off the night’s festivities will be the one and only Joan Jett and her backing band, the Blackhearts. Joan Jett is a pioneer in the world of rock and roll, becoming an influential guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer after founding the trailblazing all-female band The Runaways in 1975. Since then, Joan has gone on to have an acclaimed solo career, releasing iconic anthems like “I Love Rock ‘N Roll,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “Bad Reputation.” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are the perfect choice to open for Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard, as Joan helped pave the way for female-fronted hard rock bands. Concert attendees can expect to hear Joan and the Blackhearts tear through hits off albums like 1981’s I Love Rock ‘n Roll and 1988’s Up Your Alley. The energy and attitude that Joan Jett brings to the stage is unmatched and will get the crowd pumped up for an evening of killer rock tunes.
Classless Act
In addition to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, a rising new rock band called Classless Act will also be opening the show each night. Hailing from Los Angeles, Classless Act is poised to become the next big thing in hard rock. Currently signed to Better Noise Music, the label founded by Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx, Classless Act is ready to prove themselves to stadium crowds across North America. The band only formed in 2019 but has already begun to garner attention for their sleazy rock sound reminiscent of the Sunset Strip glam metal scene. Classless Act’s debut single “Classless Act” showcases the group’s talent for writing catchy, gritty rock songs with big hooks. While Classless Act may be early in their career, their supporting slot on “The World Tour” is sure to win them legions of new fans. The energy and showmanship that Classless Act exhibits during their set will demonstrate exactly why veterans like Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard have taken them under their wings.
What to Expect From Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard
Of course, the main events of the night that crowds are eagerly anticipating are the headlining sets by co-headliners Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard. Both bands are truly legends of rock, boasting decades of hit songs, record sales in the millions, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known for their outrageous stage shows and hedonistic exploits, Mötley Crüe rose to fame in the 1980s Sunset Strip scene with their unique blend of heavy metal and pop hooks. Songs like “Shout at the Devil,” “Girls, Girls,Girls,” and “Dr. Feelgood” turned Mötley Crüe into global superstars. Def Leppard also exploded onto the rock scene in the ’80s, bringing together melodic vocals and production with metal riffs and musicianship. Def Leppard is best-known for radio staples such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Photograph” as well as their iconic album Hysteria. On this tour, fans can count on hearing career-spanning setlists packed with favorites from Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard’s extensive catalogs. Given the over-the-top live shows these two bands are known for, spectacular pyrotechnics, staging, and production value are also to be expected.
The Stage Setup
Stadium tours require enormous stages, and “The World Tour” will be no exception. The stage is rumored to be in the shape of a crucifix, reminiscent of Mötley Crüe’s wild sets from decades past. Massive video walls and pyrotechnics will enhance the visual spectacle while state-of-the-art lighting rigs illuminate the performers. The staging allows plenty of room for the musicians to run around while also providing vantage points and elevators to highlight band members at key moments. Multiple walkway extensions jutting out into the crowd will make the production even more immersive. VIP packages allow fans to purchase special seating right next to the walkways for a true front-row experience. Between the huge stage, vivid visuals, and booming sound system, “The World Tour” is sure to be an assault on the senses in the most exciting way possible.
Costumes and Attire
Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard always put great thought into their attire, on and off stage. For this tour, fans can expect the performers to appear in clothing that reflects each band’s flashy, rebellious attitude. Skin-tight leather, animal prints, sequins, and accessories like bandanas, chains, and spikes will make up the rock and roll wardrobe. Hair will be teased, makeup will be dramatic, and tattoos will be on full display. Of course, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen is likely to appear shirtless as he is known to do. While their exact costumes are being kept secret until showtime, the clothing and styling for “The World Tour” will deliver just the right mix of nostalgia and modern flair.
The Setlists
Pulling together career-spanning setlists for a tour of this magnitude is no easy task. Both Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard have ample mega-hits to choose from as well as die-hard fans who expect to hear certain songs performed live. The sets will likely be around 18 to 24 songs each to properly represent the many eras and styles these groups have explored over 40+ years. Every hit single from albums like Mötley Crüe’s Girls, Girls, Girls and Def Leppard’s Hysteria is sure make an appearance. Deeper cuts and rare live performances will also help keeping the setlists feeling fresh for hardcore fans attending multiple shows. Songs may also change from night to night, allowing the bands to pull from their extensive catalogs. The possibilities are endless, but some safe bets for the setlists include Mötley Crüe playing “Wild Side,” “Shout at the Devil,” “Kickstart My Heart,” and many more while Def Leppard will probably rock out to “Rock of Ages,” “Love Bites,” “Armageddon It,” and numerous others.
Why This Tour is Causing a Frenzy
It’s no surprise that when two massively popular rock bands team up for a joint tour, fans go wild. However, “The World Tour” featuring Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard seems to be whipping concertgoers into an absolute frenzy for numerous reasons. First and foremost, Mötley Crüe is returning to the stage after signing a formal “cessation of touring agreement” in 2014 which supposedly barred them from ever touring again. The band’s reunion already feels special given the extraordinary circumstances. Fans are also thrilled that the two co-headlining acts perfectly complement each other, covering the spectrum of killer 80’s hard rock. The fact that Joan Jett and Classless Act are supporting makes this a truly well-rounded lineup. Not to mention that stadium shows allow the bands to create next-level production value that just isn’t possible in smaller venues. Given how scarce stadium rock tours are these days, “The World Tour” feels like a unique experience that has to be witnessed live. Of course, the FOMO (fear of missing out) factor also comes into play too; no rock fan wants to miss epic performances by living legends in Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard.
Where to Get Tickets
With over 1.6 million tickets already sold, anyone still hoping to score seats to “The World Tour” will need to act fast. There are still tickets available through the bands’ websites as well as major ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster. Authorized resale marketplaces like Stubhub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek also have tickets to select dates and cities. Prices vary dramatically based on the location within each stadium, ranging from around $50 for upper level seats to over $1,000 for prime spots right next to the stage. Die-hard fans may want to splurge on VIP packages that include amenities like premium parking, exclusive merchandise, and meet & greets. Traveling to see multiple shows could be an epic way for hardcore fans to make lifelong memories. Regardless of which stops on the extensive North American tour fans are able to attend, this is a special opportunity to see two sensational rock acts share a stage.
Setlist Predictions
It’s always fun to hypothesize what songs Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard might end up playing on massive tours like this. While the official setlists remain closely guarded secrets, here are some predictions of what those 18 to 24 song sets could look like when “The World Tour” hits a stadium near you:
Possible Mötley Crüe Setlist
Kickstart My Heart | Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) |
Wild Side | Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.) |
Shout at the Devil | Looks That Kill |
Live Wire | Too Young to Fall in Love |
Home Sweet Home | Girls, Girls, Girls |
Smokin’ in the Boys Room | Louder Than Hell |
Dr. Feelgood | Without You |
Saints of Los Angeles | Primal Scream |
Possible Def Leppard Setlist
Love Bites | Armageddon It |
Animal | Two Steps Behind |
Foolin’ | Bringin’ On the Heartbreak |
Photograph | Rock of Ages |
Pour Some Sugar on Me | Let’s Get Rocked |
Rocket | When Love & Hate Collide |
Hysteria | Let It Go |
Of course, the actual setlists may vary from these predictions. However, these potential songs give a realistic picture of the wide range of hits, fan favorites, and live staples Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard might break out at different tour stops. It will be incredible to hear which tracks the two legendary bands ultimately decide to perform on their epic “The World Tour” across North America in 2023.
Conclusion
The upcoming stadium tour featuring co-headliners Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard is set to be one of the most monumental live music events of 2023. Supporting acts Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Classless Act will get the crowds hyped up for unforgettable headlining performances from these two celebrated rock bands. Their sets are sure to cover career-spanning greatest hits that fans can sing along with all night long, as well as impressive stage production befitting rock icons of this caliber. Tickets are selling fast as “The World Tour” is already poised to be the hottest rock showcase of the year. Whether cheering on veteran acts like Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard or discovering new favorites like Classless Act, this tour offers something for all hard rock devotees. The buzz and anticipation for these dates demonstrate that rock music remains alive and well thanks to artists like these keeping the genre’s rebellious, high-energy spirit thriving into the future.