LOCAL

Def Leppard to debut new music video in 'Guitar Hero' game

Associated Press
This image provided by Activision Publishing Inc. shows Def Leppard performing "Dangerous," in a scene from the video game, "Guitar Hero Live."

LOS ANGELES - Def Leppard is pouring some video into "Guitar Hero."

The rock band will be the first artist ever to debut a new music video through the long-running video game series.

The music video for "Dangerous" from the band's recently released self-titled album will premiere Wednesday on "Guitar Hero Live," the latest edition of the Activision rhythm game franchise.

"It seems like everything has been done, and MTV doesn't really exist anymore, so it's cool there's another medium to represent the song now," said Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen in an interview.

"Guitar Hero Live," the first new entry in the series in 5 years, introduced live actors, a new guitar-shaped controller and the online music video network "GHTV," which allows players to strum along to tunes as music videos or live performances are streamed in the background. "GHTV" currently includes more than 300 songs.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

"I think music videos became painful for a while," said Collen, who's been with the veteran British rock band since 1982. "You had to do them. They cost so much money. It was very corporate. This is cool because it goes back to being artistic."

"GHTV" will also add music videos for Def Leppard hits "Let's Go" and "Rock of Ages." Other videos being added to the service this week include The Strokes' "You Only Live Once" and Miles Kane's "Don't Forget Who You Are."

Def Leppard, also known for such songs as "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Photograph," is currently on tour in the U.S. The band recently postponed performances after singer Joe Elliott lost his voice.

"We have our fingers crossed," said Collen of a quick recovery for Elliott. "Hopefully, he'll be OK for our Friday show. This is the first time this has happened in about 30 years."