Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot only has bitter salt to pour on the band’s former label, Universal Records, over a dispute regarding digital releases. After a breakdown in negotiations, the label still maintains ownership over many of the group’s songs and a significant chunk of its revenue.

Incensed, Elliot recently told Classic Rock Magazine that, “between us and Bon Jovi, we f***ing built [Universal Records]. We built their penthouse sushi bar, wherever it may be, and they just treated us like sh*t.”

Renowned for its unapologetic love anthems and hysterical riffs, Def Leppard has literally taken the custody battle into its own hands and endeavored to re-record its entire discography outside of Universal’s reach. The group recently countered with new iTunes-exclusive cuts of five acoustic songs performed during the Rock of Ages tour.

“We can either roll over like little dandelions or we can stand up and punch them in the bollocks,” Elliot said to the magazine. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Elliot’s claim to Universal’s fame might be easy to dismiss; but as a part of one the biggest selling bands of all time, he means to bring some heartbreak.

For more on Joe Ellott's interview, head to ClassicRockMagazine.com.