The 84-year-old rock veteran’s new album features contributions from some of the same well-known artists who appeared on Part 1, including the late Jeff Beck and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, in what turned out to be both musicians’ final recording sessions.
Defiance Part 2: Fiction can be pre-ordered now. The 10-track collection will be available as a vinyl, a CD, and via digital formats. A limited-edition two-LP vinyl edition featuring three bonus tracks will be released on Saturday, April 20, as part of the 2024 Record Store Day event.
Jeff Beck’s Contribution to the Album
Beck played lead guitar on a song titled “The 3rd Rail,” which Hunter has dedicated to the legendary guitarist. The track also features Johnny Depp on rhythm guitar and Patti Smith bassist Tony Shanahan. In addition, Depp painted the cover art for the album.
Hawkins’ Contributions
Hawkins played on four tracks on Defiance Part 2—“Precious,” “Kettle of Fish,” “Everybody’s Crazy but Me,” and “Hope.” “Precious,” which also features Queen’s Brian May on guitars and bass and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott on backing vocals, has been released as the first advance track from Defiance Part 2.
Among the other musicians who contributed to “Kettle of Fish” are Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, and Tom Petersson, as well as ex-Wings drummer Steve Holley.
At some friends’ suggestions, Hunter began reaching out to musicians he’s known to see if they’d want to contribute to the album.
