When Def Leppard takes the stage at the Iowa State Fair next month, they will be introduced and welcomed by none other than Donald Trump.
Def Leppard is touring with classic rock acts Styx and Tesla, who will also be on the bill at the State Fair Grandstand on the fairgrounds in Des Moines on August 15. Def Leppard has had a rough way to go recently. Guitarist Vivian Campbell has fought cancer off and on over the past few years. It was feared that he would not be able to tour with Def Leppard this summer, but his doctor has cleared him to go.
As for Donald Trump, Def Leppard will not be his first brush with rock and roll. On his Celebrity Apprentice program, Trump rubbed elbows with the likes of Gene Simmons, Bret Michaels, famous band manager Sharon Osbourne, Meat Loaf, and Dee Snider.
There is no clue yet as to how the guys in Def Leppard might respond to Trump’s introduction. If the fans that show up that night don’t boo him off the stage, it may be best to smile and nod and get on with the rock.
"Trump to introduce Def Leppard at Iowa State Fair." Also on the bill, Styx and Tesla.
A clever play for the youth vote.
— ConservativeLA (@ConservativeLA) July 18, 2015
Not all rock stars are enamored of Trump. The Donald ran afoul of Neil Young when he announced his candidacy. The music piped in to the event included Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Young, a politically active artist, too offense and called the campaign out on it.
“Donald Trump was not authorized to use ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ in his presidential candidacy announcement,” Neil Young agent Elliot Roberts said. “Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for president of the United States of America.”
Trump’s campaign insisted they had paid the appropriate rights’ organizations to license the song, but were informed that an artist still has recourse to stop their music from being used to represent someone they disagree with.
Hubby just told me @realDonaldTrump just confirmed his vote bc he is announcing @DefLeppard & @STYXtheBand at #iowastatefair #isheserious?
— Scottie Nell Hughes (@scottienhughes) July 18, 2015
“We won’t be using it again,” Trump’s campaign manager announced. “There are plenty of other songs to choose from, despite the fact that Mr. Trump is a big fan and likes Neil very much. We will respect his wish and not use it because it’s the right thing to do.”
No word on whether Donald Trump likes Def Leppard, or even knows who they are. One thing is for sure:
If he calls them “Death Leopard” on that stage, he can kiss his campaign good-bye.
Hi welcome to a tech interview please spell "def leppard"
— mark mcbride (@mccv) July 17, 2015