JOE ELLIOTT's DOWN 'N OUTZ: Debut Album Details Revealed

Sometimes the most interesting of projects arise from the most unusual of circumstances. So it is that the DOWN 'N OUTZ is a project fronted by DEF LEPPARD's Joe Elliott, backed by THE QUIREBOYS and playing rare tracks connected only by MOTT THE HOOPLE….

Joe Elliott takes up the story: "When MOTT THE HOOPLE announced they were reforming for a week's worth of shows at the Hammersmith Odeon, I was asked that I participate in some capacity. They've always been my favorite band and it's nice to see the rest of the rock world finally catch up and give them their due.

"But, what was I to do? It was suggested to me that THE QUIREBOYS would be up for offering their services. This was perfect! A fan since their first album, I loved the idea of working with a band as enthusiastic to do this as I was.

"I decided that the thing to do was play some songs that like minded people thought they would never hear live again, if ever, songs by spin-offs of MOTT THE HOOPLE — songs by Mott, Ian Hunter and BRITISH LIONS. Songs that are close to my heart, songs that I've played every week for the best part of 35 years on record, cassette, CD, iPod and now live."

The DOWN 'N OUTZ supported MOTT THE HOOPLE at one of their legendary 2009 reformation shows at Hammersmith Odeon. In addition to Joe Elliott (vocals, guitar, keyboards),the band featured THE QUIREBOYS' Paul Guerin (guitar),Guy Griffin (guitar),Keith Weir (keyboards) and Phil Martini (drums) and finally bassist Ronnie Garrity (RAW GLORY). Following a rapturous reception, the one-night project took on a life and energy of its own and an album project was born. DOWN 'N OUTZ then set about recording an album's worth of material. Entitled "My Re Generation", the CD was produced by Joe Elliott, with co-production by Ronan McHugh, and was recorded at Elliott's own studio Joe's Garage and Moor Hall studio in Bedfordshire.

"My Re Generation" track listing (with original recording artist listed in parenthesis):

01. Golden Opportunity (Ian Hunter)
02. Storm (Mott)
03. Overnight Angels (Ian Hunter)
04. Career (No Such Thing As Rock 'n' Roll) (Mott)
05. England Rocks (Ian Hunter)
06. Shouting And Pointing (Mott)
07. By Tonight (Mott)
08. Who Do You Love (Ian Hunter)
09. One More Chance To Run (BRITISH LIONS)
10. Good Times (Mott, originally recorded by THE EASYBEATS)

Prior to the album's general release, fans will be able to get hold of the 10-track LP cover mounted on the issue of Classic Rock magazine on sale on June 23, 2010.

DOWN 'N OUTZ has been confirmed to play the main stage of inaugural High Voltage festival at Victoria Park, London on Sunday July 25.

Classic Rock, a publication by special-interest media group Future, is one of the U.K.'s biggest rock music magazines and in 2009 recorded its eighth consecutive circulation increase, the only paid-for music magazine to grow. Chris Ingham, group publisher of Future's Classic Rock, said, "We are delighted to be able to offer our readers the first chance to hear the DOWN 'N OUTZ record — a completely unique project. To have them also appearing as a U.K. festival exclusive on the Classic Rock-curated High Voltage festival is an added bonus."

An extended version of the album will also be released through Mailboat Records (Joe Perry, Walter Becker, Chris Isaak, Jeff Bridges) on July 13. The extended version will feature three extra tracks unavailable on the Classic Rock-tied release.
"My Re Generation" is the first part in a series of projects by the DOWN 'N OUTZ, which will also include a forthcoming DVD of the Hammersmith Apollo performance.