Formed in Sheffield, England, Def Leppard released their first EP, Getcha Rocks Off, a year after their formation. The self-released EP caught the attention of BBC Radio 1 (England’s equivalent of 3FM). Petter Mensch, manager of AC/DC, saw potential in the teenage boys and helped them secure a contract with Mercury Records.
Albums
On Through The Night was released in 1980 and was a major success, especially in England. Their third album, Pyromania (1983), sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Hysteria was released in 1987 with even greater success, selling more than 16 million copies. Three years later, guitarist Steve Clark passed away. In 1991, Adrenalize was released, featuring the singles 'Let's Get Rocked' and 'Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad'.
Last Action Hero
The following year, the band also performed at the Freddie Mercury concert and introduced Steve Clark’s replacement: Vivian Campbell (formerly of Whitesnake). Retro-Active (1994) is a collection of B-sides, including the single 'Two Steps Behind', which was also featured in the film Last Action Hero. In 1996, a greatest hits compilation, Vault, was released.
Def Leppard's best-known song is 'Animal'. In 1985, drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a car accident.
Top 2000
In the 23rd edition of the Top 2000, Def Leppard has no entries.
Sunday Morning Classic
On Sunday 25 September 2022, the album Hysteria was on our turntable as Sunday Morning Classic.
1987 was the most commercially successful year for the hard rock genre. That year saw the release of many great albums that sold millions worldwide. These included 1987 by Whitesnake, Permanent Vacation by Aerosmith, Girls, Girls, Girls by Motley Crue, The Final Countdown by Europe, the debut of Guns N’ Roses, albums by Cinderella, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, Kiss, and of course Hysteria by Def Leppard.
That album produced seven hit singles. This is almost unimaginable now, but even in 1987, it was an unprecedented phenomenon. Hysteria sold over 30 million copies worldwide and easily achieved platinum status (10 million copies sold) in the United States. Many years later, it seems a reissue was deemed appropriate. In 2006, a deluxe version with various B-sides and alternative mixes was released. This time, an even bigger release was made with a 3-disc version and a super deluxe 7-disc version.
By today’s standards, Def Leppard has little to do with hard rock, but they were once at the forefront of the NWOBHM movement. After Pyromania, their music became more melodic and accessible, with Hysteria as the absolute highlight. The songs are tightly constructed, and the choruses stick in your head after just one listen. Producer Mutt Lange played a key role, spending a long time in the studio with the band to perfect the album. The result is an album to be proud of; every track is solid and well-crafted. Years later, the album still sounds fantastic. With 'Women', 'Rocket', and 'Animal', there are three consecutive hits with strong hooks, unforgettable choruses, and beautiful harmonies. 'Love Bites' is a fine ballad, and 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' is a stomping sing-along. 'Armageddon It' still swings wonderfully, and the epic 'Gods Of War' forms a fine centrepiece. Only the voices of Reagan and Thatcher remind you that the song is not exactly contemporary. The second half is just as strong, with the beautiful title track, the great and rousing 'Excitable', and the subdued closer 'Love And Affection'. I can find no fault, even the artwork is lovely. It is a pity the band lost guitarist Steve Clark to alcohol problems; otherwise, they might have surpassed themselves. Now, 'Hysteria' remains their pinnacle.
We can say that Hysteria has effortlessly stood the test of time so far. A top album that was, incidentally, recorded in the Dutch Wisseloord Studios. It is also fun that the first video for the album was shot in a circus tent in Callantsoog.
According to Def Leppard members and producers, 'Animal' is the hardest song they have ever recorded. It took the band over three years to finish the track. In 1987, it was released as the second single from Hysteria.
Source: NPO, Wikipedia and Written in Music Photo: AngryApathy
Below you will find a selection of the many albums Def Leppard has made. If you are looking for a particular album, please let us know. We are happy to help you search!
