ThemusicofDef Leppardhas made a significant impact on the world of genres like heavy metal and rock sincethe group formed in Sheffield, England, in the ’70s.There are the twelve albums they’ve madethroughout their notable career, of course, as well as the select list of songs within their discographythat help define their legendary status.
Def Leppard has also been known for their collaborations over the years, like getting onstagewith pop singer Miley Cyrus to honor the life of a drummerwho tragically passed away too soon. A team-up most listeners may not remember, though, is when one of the band’s famous trackswas sung in a film by none other than Tom Cruise.
Despite what you might possibly think of theMission: ImpossibleandTop Gun: Maverickactor with a microphone in his hand, the group approved of the performance. Reportedly, by shouting a particular four-letter curse word at Cruisethat the actor soon realized was a good sign.
Def Leppard’s Expletive Was A Stamp Of Approval For Tom Cruise
Occurring During A Stage Performance Of One Of Their Most Known Songs
Across the span of Cruise’s lengthy creative career, he’s largely been known as a serious-minded actor and action star who has frequently had a knack for big box office returns from his work. In recent years, however, he’s occasionally reached outside the boxto embrace portraying unusual or unexpected characters(likeTropic Thunder’sLes Grossman, for instance).
One of the most unanticipated roles chosen by Cruisewas in 2012’s jukebox musical comedy film entitledRock of Ages. In it, the actor plays Stacee Jaxx, the over-the-hill lead singer of a fictional ’80s rock band, who looks like a mixture of Poison’s Brett Michaels and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott with traces of Guns ‘n’ Roses' Axl Rose.
Perhaps this partial resemblance to Elliott is why Cruise performs Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” during a scene in the movie. Cruise did his own vocals for the film, and during the scene had to sing the track in front of Def Leppard themselves,who came to watch from the audience.
As Cruise performed, Elliott jokingly yelled"F*** you!" at the actor, pointing at him but ultimately smiling. The smile caused Cruise to relax after initially being uneasy at the sight, realizinghe’d gotten the band’s stamp of approval. He later added that it was a cool moment for him that Def Leppard knew he was trying to honor their music (Far Out Magazine).
There’s Nothing A Band Could Want More Than A Faithful Cover
A Fitting Honor, Not Making Fun
Cruise takes on other cover songs inRock of Agesby bands including Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n’ Roses, and Foreigner. While his performance in the movie was ultimately deemed divisive, the actor still putshis trademark maximum effort level into the role, which makes the character feel genuinely intended, not comedic satire or parody.
As a result, it makes sense thatDef LeppardgaveTom Cruisea rough-around-the-edges, yet kind reception to his performance. All any band wants is for their work to be treated with respect, which occurs inRock of Ages.
