A heartfelt open letter from Joe Elliott of Def Leppard to bassist Rick Savage, highlighting the band’s unbreakable bond and profound respect, celebrates Savage’s bravery, resiliency, and unwavering dedication to music despite health challenges.
As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting not only on the decades we’ve shared as bandmates but also on the countless moments that have defined our journey together as brothers, musicians, and friends. From the first time we stepped into a rehearsal room, young and determined to make our mark on the world, to standing on the biggest stages across the globe, your presence, your spirit, and your artistry have been an anchor for me and for everyone who has ever been part of Def Leppard’s story.
This isn’t just about the music, though the music has always been our heartbeat. It’s about the bond we’ve built over more than four decades, a bond that no distance, no obstacle, and no challenge could ever break. I want to take this moment to tell you publicly what I often think about privately—that you are the epitome of resilience, loyalty, and dedication, and that without you, Def Leppard would not be the band it is today.
I’ve always admired your quiet strength, Sav. You’ve never needed to shout to make yourself heard. Your bass lines carry more than rhythm; they carry a soulfulness, a steadiness, that grounds us all. On stage, while the lights blaze and the crowd roars, I often glance your way, and there you are—calm, steady, with that unmistakable focus and love for the music written all over your face. You may not always be the loudest personality in the room, but your influence has always been immense. That balance you bring—between artistry and humility—has shaped not only our sound but also the way we function as a band.
When I think about everything you’ve faced in terms of health challenges, my respect for you deepens tenfold. You’ve carried burdens that many wouldn’t even imagine, yet you’ve never let them define you or hold you back. Instead, you’ve faced them head-on with bravery, grace, and an unshakeable dedication to your craft. That takes courage of a kind that deserves to be celebrated. I know fans see the powerful bassist on stage, but I’ve been privileged to see the man behind the music—the one who shows up, no matter how tough things get, because he knows the music and the band mean something greater.
It’s in those unseen moments that your strength really shines. The rehearsals when you pushed through pain because you refused to let anyone down. The recording sessions when you stayed hours longer just to get that one part absolutely perfect. The tours where you gave every ounce of energy to the audience, even when it cost you more than anyone could know. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and they are etched in the very DNA of our band.
Our journey together has been extraordinary. We’ve celebrated unbelievable highs—massive albums, sold-out stadiums, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—and endured devastating lows, including losses and struggles that could have broken lesser bands apart. Through all of it, you have remained a constant. You were there in the beginning when we were just kids with dreams too big to even articulate, and you’re still here, carrying that same fire, that same unwavering belief in what we do. That, to me, is the true definition of dedication.
I often think back to those early days in Sheffield, when we were just trying to figure out who we were as musicians and as people. None of us could have predicted the road ahead—the fame, the challenges, the triumphs. But what I knew even then was that you were someone I could count on. That feeling hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s only grown stronger with time. There’s a comfort in knowing that no matter what life throws our way, Sav will always be standing right there, bass in hand, ready to keep the rhythm alive.
What makes you even more remarkable is that you’ve never sought the spotlight for yourself. While others might chase attention, you’ve always let the music speak for you. That humility is rare in this business, and it’s one of the many reasons people respect you so deeply. You embody what it means to be a true musician—not for the fame, not for the accolades, but for the sheer love of creating and sharing music that connects people.
Our fans know how much you mean to them, even if they don’t always see the full extent of your personal battles. They cheer for you not only because you’re an incredible bassist, but because they sense your heart, your authenticity, your quiet strength. I see it in the way they respond to you, the way they chant your name, the way they look at you with admiration and gratitude. You inspire them, just as you inspire me.
This letter is my way of saying thank you. Thank you for being the backbone of our band. Thank you for your loyalty, your patience, your wisdom. Thank you for reminding us all what it means to persevere, to stay true to yourself, and to never lose sight of why we started making music in the first place. Thank you for being my brother—not by blood, but by every measure that truly matters.
We’ve lived lifetimes within this one life, and as I look ahead to the future, I know we still have more music to make, more stages to conquer, and more memories to create. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I take comfort in knowing we’ll face them together, as we always have. And when the lights go down, when the crowd fades, when it’s just us sitting backstage reminiscing about all we’ve seen and done, I’ll still be as proud as ever to say I shared this journey with you.
Sav, you are more than a bassist. You are the heart of Def Leppard. You are proof that strength doesn’t always roar; sometimes it whispers, steady and sure, in every note, every beat, every moment of quiet resilience. I am grateful for you, proud of you, and endlessly inspired by you.
