Def Leppard’s Authorized Documentary ‘Long Live Def Leppard’ Set for Early 2027 Theaters

Bleecker Street’s event cinema division Crosswalk has secured North American distribution rights to “Long Live Def Leppard,” the first fully authorized feature-length documentary on the British rock band. The film is scheduled to open in theaters across North America in early 2027.

Jeff Feuerzeig, the filmmaker behind “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” and “Author: The JT LeRoy Story,” directed the project. Made with the band’s direct involvement, the documentary is billed as offering previously unseen footage along with an unusually intimate look inside the group’s inner circle.

• Director: Jeff Feuerzeig
• Distributor: Bleecker Street’s Crosswalk (North America)
• Release window: Early 2027, theatrical
• Featured interview subjects: Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell, Rick Allen and Rick Savage

What Will ‘Long Live Def Leppard’ Cover?

The documentary traces the band’s path from its origins among schoolmates in Sheffield, England to its standing as a global rock act with a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and worldwide album sales topping 110 million. It is expected to revisit two of the band’s most difficult chapters: drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a 1984 car accident and the 1991 death of guitarist Steve Clark, framing both as turning points that fed into the group’s long-running comeback.

The film will also touch on the band’s continued live drawing power, referencing a recently completed sold-out concert residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. New interviews spotlight the band’s present-day core members: Joe Elliott on vocals, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell on guitars, Rick Allen behind the drums, and Rick Savage on bass.

Jeff Feuerzeig’s Personal Connection to Def Leppard

Feuerzeig has said his history with the band stretches back to the summer of 1981, when he watched the then-unknown group open for Ozzy Osbourne on the “Blizzard of Ozz” tour at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He described that early encounter as the moment he became a lifelong fan of the band.

“It has been an honor to collaborate with the guys and bring their unique, heartwarming, and often humorous underdog story to the screen,” Feuerzeig said. “This is not your typical sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll tale. Long live Def Leppard, indeed!”

Bleecker Street CEO Kent Sanderson framed the acquisition as a natural fit for the big screen. “Def Leppard is a once in a lifetime rock band, whose story and live performances demand to be seen and heard on the big screen,” Sanderson said.

Who Produced the Def Leppard Documentary?

Feuerzeig produced the film together with Alice Rhodes and Sam Bridger, representing VICE Studios; Nicholas Ferrall and Jeanne Elfant Festa, representing White Horse Pictures; Danny Gabai, representing The Searchers Documentary Films; and Brian T. Nugent, representing Sobey Road Entertainment.

More Info

• Def Leppard Documentary Coming In Early 27 | SPIN
• Def Leppard Documentary ‘Long Live Def Leppard’ Coming to Theaters in 2027 From Bleecker Street’s Crosswalk | imdb.com
• Def Leppard Is Getting an Authorized Documentary Next Year | Rolling Stone
• Authorized DEF LEPPARD Documentary Long Live Def Leppard Coming To Theaters In Early 2027 | Blabbermouth
• Def Leppard Documentary Long Live Def Leppard Coming to Theaters in 2027 From Bleecker Street’s Crosswalk | Variety Music
• Def Leppard Documentary Coming In Early ’27 | yahoo.com
• Def Leppard documentary acquired by Bleecker Street’s Crosswalk | themusicuniverse.com