Joe Elliott

Rock legend Joe Elliott gives skysports.com his favourite memories from the World Cup history books.

Rock legend Joe Elliott remembers some iconic memories from World Cup history

Rock legend Joe Elliott is back in business as the front of the Down 'N Outz project, with album 'My Re Generation' set for general release on 13th July through Mailboat Records. Def Leppard lead singer Elliott, backed by The Quireboys, is playing rare tracks connected by Mott The Hoople, songs that he describes as being close to his heart. Prior to the general release of 'My Re Generation', fans will be able to get hold of the 10-track album cover mounted on the issue of Classic Rock magazine, which will be on sale on 23rd June. Down 'N Outz have also been confirmed to play the main stage of the inaugural High Voltage festival at Victoria Park, London on Sunday, 25th July 2010.

World Cup memories

1970 - West Germany 3 England 2

I was seven years old when the 1966 World Cup was on and we did not have a TV. You know what it's like up in Yorkshire, cobbled stones and Hovis, caps and whippets, or so it is presumed. So I was a shade too young for 1966, but 1970 I will never forget. I bawled my eyes out when we lost to West Germany. We were cruising at 2-0 and then it was the classic of taking off Bobby Charlton. I also still think Gordon Banks was poisoned! It was my favourite World Cup ever because it was my first. It is a bit like losing your virginity really.

1978 - Latin flair

The ticker tape, it was the first time we had seen that. All the bits of paper torn up and thrown in the air, it was carnival. The stiff upper lip, bowler hat stuff had gone and we had got the Latin flair. I was 18 years old and had hormones by then and everything was just great.

1978 - Mario Kempes

I thought Tony Currie was God and Glenn Hoddle was not too bad either. But when I saw Kempes I thought, 'you are kidding me'. He was long and lanky, but he was not awkward looking. For example, now we have Peter Crouch, who has a fantastic touch, do not get me wrong, but he looks lanky. Kempes was probably almost as tall, but for some reason, with the Paul Stanley (member of rock band Kiss) hair and socks rolled down, he looked more athletic. He could go through defences like a knife through butter. It was spectacular to watch.

1990 - England 1 Republic of Ireland 1

I had the U2 boys up at my house. In fairness, I was supporting Ireland as much as I was supporting England because I live in Dublin. When we played Ireland, there was me and Sav' (Def Leppard bass player Rick Savage) sat on one couch and The Edge and Bono and their kind of Hellfire Club sat on the other couch in my lounge. When Ireland scored I felt threatened. They all got up and shouted, 'c'mon' and I was like, 'errr sit down'. Two of us against eight of U2's gang was a little unbalanced, but we gave as good as we got.

1990 - Republic of Ireland's penalty heroes

I had all my lounge windows open and I am a good eight miles from town, but you could actually hear the roar when David O'Leary scored the winning penalty after Pat Bonner had saved. There was a two-second delay, but everybody collectively was going, 'yes'. I had tears in my eyes when O'Leary scored. It was scarily brilliant. Ireland came home to miles and miles of people at the airport. It was like The Beatles at JFK airport.

1994 - Opening match, Germany v Bolivia

I went to Chicago for the opening game, it was amazing. Def Leppard were still riding high and Downtown Julie Brown, who was working at MTV, demanded an interview and I had to fly in for it. It lasted about two-and-a-half minutes, but I got tickets for the opening ceremony. It was brilliant stuff. I was sat next to the band The Scorpions. It was 98 degrees and they were all wearing black leather. I was in shorts! There was a gig on as well that night. The band Yes were on and a form of Fleetwood Mac. Gary Glitter was there and had the toilet as a dressing room. He was running up and down in the corridor going, 'hello Chicago' and then when he came out to play he was miming! It was quite funny to be with this group of Prog' rockers and laughing at this overweight Glam' has been.

2002 - Beckham's metatarsal

I remember when David Beckham jumped over the ball against Brazil in the quarter-finals and it led to them scoring straight from the non-tackle. I remember thinking, 'I do not blame him' but it always seems to happen in football. Not many goals come from inspiration; they come from cock-ups from the opposition. I do not hold a grudge against Beckham for anything. Who can blame him for being paid £200million to advertise razor blades? I would do it!

Quick-fire round

World Cup winners?
England or Argentina Top scorer?
Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney or Peter Crouch Dark horses?
France How far can England go?
All the way. Gazza or Rooney?
Rooney Pele or Maradona?
Pele Three Lions or World in Motion?
Vindaloo Will Becks be missed?
Yes. He would have been great with free-kicks. Pub or the couch?
Couch. I have got a nicely stocked bar. Club support?
Sheffield United England Rocks features on the new Down 'N Outz album 'My Generation', released 13th July. Visit www.downnoutz.com for further details.