Indian rock fans are gearing up for a historic moment in March 2026, as Def Leppard, one of the world’s most iconic rock bands, is set to perform in India for the very first time. After nearly five decades of anticipation and a previously cancelled tour, the British legends will headline a three-city tour that promises to be a landmark event for the country’s music scene. Produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the tour forms part of the prestigious Bandland on Tour concert series, which has already brought major international acts to Indian audiences in recent years.
The excitement is palpable. Def Leppard—comprised of vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarist Phil Collen, bassist Rick Savage, guitarist Vivian Campbell, and drummer Rick Allen—will kick off their India run on March 25, 2026, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Grounds) in Shillong. The band will then head to Mumbai for a show at Jio World Garden on March 27, before concluding the tour at NICE Grounds in Bengaluru on March 29. According to BookMyShow Live, the Shillong concert is being supported by Meghalaya Tourism, with The Circus acting as event partner, further highlighting the collaborative effort to bring this monumental event to fruition.
The band took to Instagram to confirm the news, stating, “This one’s been a long time comin’ – Very excited to announce three new shows in India this Spring.” Frontman Joe Elliott expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We’re excited to announce our India tour dates in 2026. Playing for our fans in India is thrilling for us. We can’t wait to see you soon.” Guitarist Phil Collen added, “We are delighted to finally make it to India next year. It’s going to be an incredible night for all the fans!” The announcement has electrified the Indian music community, particularly as a planned two-city run in 2008 was abruptly cancelled, reportedly due to security concerns. For fans who have waited nearly two decades for Def Leppard’s arrival, the confirmation of these dates is nothing short of a dream come true.
Def Leppard’s legacy is undeniable. With more than 110 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards in the United States, the band has carved out a reputation as one of the greatest forces in rock music. Their albums Hysteria (14x Platinum) and Pyromania (11x Platinum) are regarded as genre-defining classics, featuring anthems such as “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “Rock of Ages,” “Love Bites,” “Animal,” and “Photograph.” The band’s energetic live performances and signature spectacle have led them to be hailed as the “world’s greatest live rock band.”
Their influence extends well beyond album sales and awards. As Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Def Leppard has shaped the soundtrack of millions of lives across the globe. Their staying power is evident in their continued relevance and ability to attract new generations of fans. As Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer - Live Events at BookMyShow, put it, “This tour marks a significant moment for rock culture in India. Def Leppard have shaped the soundtrack of millions of lives around the world, and bringing their first full-scale headliner tour to India is a shared celebration of music history, fan devotion and the power of live experiences. India is entering a new chapter in live entertainment, one where legendary global acts are returning to our stages, and rock music is finding a renewed, passionate audience. Our role at BookMyShow Live is to help shape that landscape, to make it possible for artists of this stature to meet the listeners who have carried their music for so long.”
The timing of the tour is especially significant, coming as India’s appetite for international concerts reaches new heights. Early 2026 will also see big-ticket acts like Linkin Park, John Mayer, The Lumineers, Dream Theater, and Yungblud performing across the country, signaling a new era for live music in India. Def Leppard’s arrival is poised to add to this “power-packed lineup,” as described by CNBC-TV18, and further cement India’s status as a must-visit destination for global touring artists.
Def Leppard’s recent work continues to showcase their creative vitality. In May 2022, the band released their twelfth studio album, Diamond Star Halos, which debuted at #1 on Apple, Amazon Music, and Billboard’s Hard Rock charts, and landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The album also achieved a Top 5 debut in the UK. Following that, their thirteenth studio album, Drastic Symphonies—a collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra—charted at #4 in the UK, marking their highest UK chart entry in over three decades, and spent an impressive 15 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Current Classical chart.
The band’s relentless touring schedule is further testament to their enduring popularity. By the end of 2025, Def Leppard will have sold over 4.5 million tickets globally since their sold-out stadium run with Mötley Crüe in 2022. Their current summer tour includes a mix of headline shows and major festival appearances, and they are slated to return to Las Vegas for their third residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in 2026.
Most recently, Def Leppard teamed up with guitar legend Tom Morello for the single “Just Like 73,” which soared to #1 on the Mediabase Classic Rock chart. Morello himself is set to make his India debut later in December 2025, adding yet another layer of excitement for fans of classic and contemporary rock alike. Looking ahead, Def Leppard is already working on their next album, scheduled for release in 2026, proving that even after nearly 50 years, the band is far from slowing down.
Tickets for Def Leppard’s India tour will go on sale at 12 PM IST on December 13, 2025, exclusively via BookMyShow. With the band’s reputation for explosive live shows and a devoted fanbase eager to witness history, tickets are expected to sell out quickly. For Indian rock enthusiasts, March 2026 represents not just a long-awaited concert, but a cultural milestone that underscores the country’s growing prominence on the global music map.
As the countdown begins, anticipation is at an all-time high. Def Leppard’s arrival is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of decades of music, memories, and the unifying power of rock ‘n’ roll.
