Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, two legendary members of the British rock band Def Leppard, are brimming with pride as they lend their talents to CAN’T GET ENOUGH — the first-ever official Bad Company tribute album. For both musicians, participating in this project is more than just a professional honor; it’s a deeply personal celebration of the music that inspired them and shaped the rock landscape for generations. With Bad Company finally being recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and celebrating a career that spans over five decades, CAN’T GET ENOUGH arrives as both a long-overdue tribute and a powerful statement about their enduring influence.
Joe Elliott has often spoken about his admiration for classic British rock, and Bad Company has always held a special place in his heart. Known for his commanding vocals and role as Def Leppard’s frontman, Elliott sees Bad Company not just as a musical influence but as a blueprint for what a great rock band can be. Their raw sound, soulful delivery, and no-frills approach to songwriting resonated deeply with Elliott from a young age. For him, singing on a tribute to a band he considers “rock royalty” is both a full-circle moment and a sincere gesture of respect.
Phil Collen, Def Leppard’s virtuoso guitarist, echoes that sentiment. A lifelong fan of Paul Rodgers’ iconic voice and Mick Ralphs’ signature guitar work, Collen attributes much of his early guitar inspiration to Bad Company’s blend of bluesy riffs and rock swagger. For Collen, Bad Company wasn’t just a band — they were mentors in absentia, teaching through every riff and melody. By contributing his unmistakable guitar tone to CAN’T GET ENOUGH, Collen channels decades of admiration into a heartfelt performance that bridges generations of rock music.
Their participation in this tribute album also serves as a celebration of British rock’s enduring legacy. Bad Company, formed in 1973 by members of Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson, became one of the first bands signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label. Their debut album was a juggernaut, with songs like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Bad Company,” and “Ready for Love” cementing their place in rock history. Yet, despite their commercial success and critical acclaim, a formal recognition by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame had eluded them — until now. With their induction finally secured, the timing of this tribute couldn’t be more perfect.
Elliott and Collen, who both understand what it means to fight for relevance in an ever-changing music industry, recognize the importance of giving credit where it’s due. They see CAN’T GET ENOUGH not just as a tribute to past greatness, but as a way of passing the torch. By celebrating Bad Company’s legacy, they’re reminding younger audiences of where modern rock found its roots. It’s not just nostalgia — it’s preservation.
Beyond their individual performances, their involvement also speaks to the camaraderie and respect that exists between rock’s most influential artists. In an age where collaboration often feels manufactured, CAN’T GET ENOUGH stands as a rare and genuine expression of admiration. It’s artists playing the songs they love, for the band that taught them how to love rock and roll.
For Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, being part of this album is a labor of love. It’s a way to say thank you to the band that helped define a generation of sound. It’s also a chance to remind the world that, in rock music, influence is eternal — and that Bad Company, finally recognized for their impact, will never be forgotten.
