Def Leppard Rocks the Sphere: Vegas Residency 2026 Revealed
Def Leppard has announced a high-profile Las Vegas residency at the Sphere, scheduling a string of performances from February through April 2026 that promise to deliver all their biggest hits in a state-of-the-art setting. Jordan Collins here. I guess I can simplify this for you, even though it’s hardly groundbreaking news. Let’s break down what you absolutely need to know about the band’s upcoming Sin City takeover.
First off, where and when this is happening: the English rock icons will headline the Sphere at The Venetian Resort, kicking off on February 14 and wrapping up April 18, 2026. Rolling Stone first highlighted the residency announcement after the band’s management released an official press statement on May 10, 2024. Billboard later confirmed that there will be 12 shows in total, each featuring a mix of early favorites like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and deeper album cuts for die-hard fans.
Ticketing details are vital, obviously. Presale access begins June 1 via the band’s official fan club, with general public sales launching June 8 at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Prices range from $75 for standard seating up to $350 for VIP packages that include meet-and-greets and exclusive merchandise. You probably should already know that Vegas residencies can sell out in minutes, so mark your calendar and set an alarm.
Why does this matter? Def Leppard hasn’t done a formal Las Vegas residency since 2018, when they played a handful of shows at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This new series at the Sphere leverages cutting-edge visuals, 360-degree audio and custom video content created in collaboration with Sphere Studios. According to industry insiders speaking with The New York Post, this could become one of the most lucrative residencies of the year.
They’re not doing this for kicks. Lead singer Joe Elliott told NME that the band wanted to “create an immersive rock experience that goes beyond your average concert.” Guitarist Phil Collen added that the cavernous Sphere environment allows for creative staging that old arenas simply can’t accommodate. Fans have responded enthusiastically on social media, with hashtags like #LeppardSphere2026 already trending on X.
Of course, Sin City has a long history of rock residencies from the likes of U2, Lady Gaga and The Weeknd. Def Leppard’s entry in early 2026 places them alongside those heavy hitters, and industry analysts at Pollstar suggest the residency could exceed $20 million in gross ticket sales. If you care about numbers, that figure puts them in the top five highest-grossing residencies in recent memory.
On the practical side, think about travel and lodging. February to April is prime Las Vegas season for conventions and entertainment. Room rates at The Venetian are already spiking around show dates, so booking early is practically mandatory if you want to combine a concert with a weekend getaway. Remember, you asked for comprehensive guidance, so consider this your public service announcement.
So there you have it: dates, venue, ticket windows and why this residency is a big deal for both the band and Las Vegas. Consider yourself forewarned and in the know. There, that wasn’t hard now, was it?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Rolling Stone, Billboard, NME
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
