Take What You Want

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Take What You Want" by Def Leppard, a high-energy track from their 2022 album Diamond Star Halos, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, the album's opener, was written by Joe Elliott and Rick Savage, with Savage laying down most of the music. Guitarist Phil Collen noted its "great energy" and "proper rock" vibe, making it a fitting mission statement for the band’s return. In a 2023 interview with Classic Rock, Elliott shared that performing it live during "The Stadium Tour" was electric, saying, “Doing the opening number, your adrenaline is off the charts. It’s magic.” The track’s raw, glam-rock edge draws from influences like the New York Dolls, as Collen mentioned in an Apple Music interview, giving it a gritty yet melodic punch.

Recorded during the pandemic, "Take What You Want" came together as part of Diamond Star Halos, with band members spread across three countries—Elliott in Ireland, Savage in England, and Collen, Vivian Campbell, and Rick Allen in the U.S. This remote process allowed Def Leppard to craft the song without a tight schedule, pouring their energy into its driving guitars and sing-along chorus. A lyric video for the song dropped on April 29, 2022, as announced on Def Leppard’s X account, where they invited fans to share favorite lyrics. The band’s official YouTube channel premiered the video, with the band joining the chat to connect with fans. Vivian Campbell praised its live impact in a 2022 X post during a listening party, calling it a “proper rock song” that set the tone for the album.

Def Leppard formed in Sheffield, England, in 1976, rising as part of the new wave of British heavy metal. Originally called Atomic Mass, the band included Rick Savage (bass), Joe Elliott (vocals), and Pete Willis (guitar). Drummer Rick Allen joined soon after, followed by guitarist Steve Clark. Their early sound, raw and metal-driven, caught attention with their 1980 debut On Through the Night, which hit the UK Top 15. Working with producer Mutt Lange on 1981’s High ‘n’ Dry, they honed a melodic hard rock style, with “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” becoming an early MTV staple. Phil Collen replaced Willisവ, and Vivian Campbell joined in 1992, solidifying the lineup that’s remained since: Elliott, Savage, Allen, Collen, and Campbell. Their 1983 album Pyromania and 1987’s Hysteria, both certified Diamond in the U.S., made them global stars, blending metal’s power with pop’s catchy hooks.

The Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Def Leppard through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where the band shares tour updates, music releases, and behind-the-scenes moments. Fans can also dive into the Def Leppard UK fan site for detailed tour and album news or join the Def Leppard Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share their love for tracks like "Take What You Want."