Def Leppard catches "Guitar Hero" bug

Three Def Leppard songs are becoming part of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Beginning April 24th, video game users will be able to download three of the bands songs -- the classic hits "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages," as well as the band's latest single, "Nine Lives" featuring Tim McGraw. Singer Joe Elliot said, "Being involved with Guitar Hero is very exciting for us and adds a whole new layer of appreciation. I know from personal experience how much more you get into the music by playing the game -- which is why we were keen to explore this opportunity."

"Nine Lives" will appear on the new Def Leppard album, Songs from the Sparkle Lounge, which arrives April 29th.

In other news, Def Leppard has been forced to postpone a few recent Canadian shows so that Elliot could recover from an upper respiratory infection, according to DefLeppard.com. This weekend's U.S. gigs have also been canceled. The band released a statement that reads: "Although the tour was expected to resume in Grand Rapids... Joe's recovery unfortunately didn't go as well as was hoped and two more shows have to be cancelled."

Friday's (April 18th) show in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Saturday's (April 19th) show in Detroit have been postponed.