Their iconic guitar riffs, distinctive vocals and classic lyrics have made them one of the most commercially-successful bands in history. They also returned to the top ten with 2008's Songs From the Sparkle Lounge and released their first live album, Mirrorball, in 2011.
2002's pop-influenced X sold poorly.ĭuring this period, Def Leppard found fame among younger generations after being the subject of several VH1 television projects and performing with contemporary artists like Taylor Swift. Following the experimental Slang, they went back to basics on 1999's gold-certified Euphoria. Former Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Vivian Campbell joined the band during the ensuing world tour.ĭef Leppard continued releasing albums throughout the years, but were unable to duplicate the popularity of their heyday. The effort was still highly anticipated, but it failed to match the success of their previous two records by only moving seven million copies. By that time, the music world had changed: the grunge movement was assaulting airwaves, and Def Leppard's characteristic harmonies and effects-heavy guitars were no longer the flavor of the day.
Though Collen had lost the other half of the Terror Twins, he played both guitar parts on 1992's Adrenalize. This was a massive loss as Clark was behind many of the riffs that formed the band's signature sound. But tragedy struck again when Steve Clark was found dead from an accidental drug and alcohol overdose in 1991. To avoid lengthy breaks between albums, the band was soon back in-studio. Thanks to Hysteria's three-year run on the charts, it sold over 20 million units and prompted a massive worldwide tour. Once the power ballad “Love Bites” hit number one, this record was on pace to outsell Pyromania. Billboard Hot 100 and became an '80s rock standard. That was until the release of “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” That popular single went to number two on the U.S. In the UK, the Mutt Lange-produced record went straight to number one, but by contrast it had a slow climb up U.S. Within two years, it was clear that the Thunder God was back in fine form when he performed at 1986's Monsters of Rock Festival.įans were greeted by Def Leppard's next album, Hysteria, in 1987. In 1984, the band began recording their next album, when disaster struck: on December 31st, drummer Rick Allen was driving his Corvette when he veered off the road and crashed, leaving him without his left arm.Īmazingly, he stayed with the band and learned to play with his left foot using a specially designed electric drum kit. popularity soared, Def Leppard embarked on a tour that saw them go from an opening act to headliners. Their success was further solidified by the platinum-certified single “Photograph,” which eventually sold over 10 million copies.Īs their U.S. With that record, Def Leppard became pioneers in 1980s hard rock and glam metal, alongside bands like Warrant and Bon Jovi. That move came just in time for their breakthrough American album: 1983's Pyromania. While recording their next effort, the band sacked Pete Willis due to his drinking problem, and hired guitarist Phil Collen. That album yielded the ballad “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak,” which was accompanied by one of the first heavy metal music videos to receive considerable MTV airplay. However, it wasn’t until producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange joined forces with the band for 1981's High ‘n’ Dry that they began to develop their signature sound. Their full-length debut, On Through The Night, dropped the next year. With that effort, Def Leppard joined hard rock bands like Iron Maiden to spearhead the New Wave of British Metal in the late 1970s. Record labels quickly caught on after the release of their 1979 self-titled EP. Following lineup changes, the band's early personnel consisted of vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarists Pete Willis and Steve Clark, bassist Rick Savage and drummer Rick Allen. Welcome to, and today we're taking a look at the history of Def Leppard.Įnglish rock band Def Leppard formed in Sheffield, England in 1977.
They're hot, sticky sweet, from their heads to their feet.
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