In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott looked back on a memorable collaboration with a young Taylor Swift during a 2008 episode of CMT’s “Crossroads.” At the time, Swift was an emerging country star whose transition to pop stardom was just beginning.
Reflecting on their partnership, Elliott was asked if he could foresee the trajectory Taylor Swift would take. He shared:
“I don’t think anybody could. You look at it now and it kind of makes sense. But if you think back to 2008, there was no such thing as what she’s accomplished. I know anybody that was there when THE BEATLES and THE [ROLLING] STONES came over will go, ‘Wait a minute…’ But for people born this century or in the ’90s, this is a phenomenon that’s never been seen before — technically bigger than THE BEATLES and THE STONES combined, at least commercially. It’s insanity, the amount of tickets she sells. But I always knew she’d be big. And for all the hardships she’s gone through — the people who’ve tried to trip her up over the years at certain parts of her career — she’s just dusted herself down. She’s a fantastic role model for a generation of kids.”
Elliott’s admiration for Swift was evident as he recounted a personal moment from a recent “Eras” tour stop in Dublin. He was spotted wearing a black Taylor Swift T-shirt from the concert, a keepsake from the show where he introduced his eight-year-old daughter to the pop superstar. Elliott fondly remembered:
“It was a very magical moment,” adding, “and I will forever be grateful to Taylor for making Daddy look cool for a couple of days.”
Joe Elliott’s reflections highlight not only the profound impact Swift has had on the music industry but also the personal joy her success has brought him and his family.
