Def Leppard will kick off its 2011 world tour most auspiciously by headlining the U.K.’s venerable Download festival on Friday, June 10, at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England. The band was just named as the festival’s third headliner (see video below), along with previously announced acts System of a Down and Linkin Park.
The mighty Sheffield rockers remain one of the world’s biggest and most successful live acts. The band last played the U.K. in 2009—headlining the Download festival that year after a hugely successful sold-out U.K. arena tour in 2008. The 2011 Download festival takes place June 10-12.
In other Def Lep news, the group will release new album Mirrorball this summer. The album features mostly live tracks, along with three brand-new studio songs and a bonus DVD of live performances and intimate backstage footage shot on the road. Also set for release this summer is coffee table book Def Leppard: The Definitive Visual History, with photos by noted rock photographer Ross Halfin. Further, Joe Elliott-fronted side project Down ’N Outz will support Paul Rodgers during an April U.K. tour, and Def Leppard will join Heart and Kansas on a two-month U.S. summer tour.