Sheffield rock legends Def Leppard sign Pride of Yorkshire lioness
“Being invited to this signing was truly a once in a lifetime occasion”
Sheffield rock legends Def Leppard have left their mark on Pride of Yorkshire after signing their very own lioness sculpture ahead of their home city show at Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Members of the band visited Paw Some Sugar, a specially designed lioness celebrating their Sheffield roots, global success and unmistakable rock legacy.
The sculpture, based at the arena and sponsored by Legends Global, forms part of Pride of Yorkshire trail, one of the UK’s biggest free sculpture trails, raising money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Def Leppard, formed in Sheffield in 1977, returned to the city as part of their June and July 2026 UK tour with Extreme. The tour marks their first UK dates since 2023, when they played a huge homecoming concert at Bramall Lane.
The band said: “We are very happy to support the Pride Of Yorkshire sculpture trail, part of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity raising money for such a necessary cause. It’s an honour to be able to help raise the profile of the work of this incredible & much needed organization."
Paw Some Sugar takes its name from the band’s 1987 hit Pour Some Sugar On Me and was created by South Yorkshire artist Craig Turver, working alongside lifelong Def Leppard fan David Allen.
Craig, a graphic designer of nearly 40 years, returned to paintbrushes for the project, creating a bold design inspired by the band’s music, Sheffield story and worldwide fanbase.
David, who has been a Def Leppard fan for close to 50 years, supported Craig in developing a tribute that reflects the band’s status both in Sheffield and around the world.
David Allen said: “Being invited to this signing was truly a once in a lifetime occasion. It has to be my proudest fan moment with the band, which could not have been achieved without my creative partner Craig Turver. To briefly meet the band, along with the charity team, for such a worthy cause was truly an honour.”
Charlotte Wilson, Project Lead for Pride of Yorkshire, said: “When we were thinking about iconic bands to approach for the trail, Def Leppard were right at the top of the list. A Leppard lioness was just too much fun not to do!"