Launch Radio Networks reports: DEF LEPPARD's latest single, a cover of BADFINGER's "No Matter What", appears on the group's upcoming compilation, "Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection". But it's also part of a larger project, an all-covers album that the group started working on in 2004. Frontman Joe Elliott tells Launch that while DEF LEPPARD's record company wanted to release "Rock of Ages" first, the covers album will definitely come out. "It was a lot of fun, you know, and it's gonna be a great record when it's finished," he said. "We've still got to do the final mixes. There's a few little tricks that we've got to pull out. Couple of vocals I'm gonna revisit. We've got some guitar stuff to still do on it. But, you know, the meat's pretty much all done now. We've just got to put a bit of icing on it."

Besides "No Matter What", the DEF LEPPARD covers album will include tunes from THE KINKS, T. REX, DAVID BOWIE, SWEET, FREE, THE FACES, ROXY MUSIC, MOTT THE HOOPLE, ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, THIN LIZZY, BLONDIE, TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS, QUEEN, THE POLICE and others.

DEF LEPPARD will tour minor league baseball stadiums with BRYAN ADAMS, beginning on June 1 in Portland, Oregon. DEF LEPPARD will play several shows of its own during the summer as well.

"Rock of Ages" comes out on May 17.