Almost everyone, especially music enthusiasts and musicians all around the world, would surely know a thing or two about the influential heavy metal band Def Leppard. With their hits like “Animal,” and “Put Some Sugar on Me” to name a few, they have received numerous musical recognition and are considered as one of the most successful artists of all time, having sold over 65 million albums.
However, you may not know about how this band started and how influential they were in the development of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene, a movement considered influential to the development of extreme metal subgenres such as Thrash Metal and Black Metal.
In 1977, three Tapton Secondary School students namely Rick Savage (current bassist), Pete Willis (former guitarist) and Tony Kenning (former drummer) were all going to the same school in Sheffield, England, and they initially formed a band named Atomic Mass. Joe Elliot (current lead singer) initially auditioned as a guitarist but was acquired to serve as the group’s lead singer. As to a suggestion by Elliot, the band’s name was changed from Atomic Mass to Def Leppard (a name derived from “Deaf Leopard,” a fictional band who Elliot wrote about for in his English class). Soon after, Steve Clark (former guitarist) joined the group in 1978. Just before the group was scheduled to record an EP, Tony Kenning left the band but was replaced by Rick Allen (current drummer).
Their song “Getcha Rocks Off” was given substantial airtime by a renowned BBC disc jockey John Peel, which catapulted their EP to considerable heights. Def Leppard is considered as one of the pillars of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, together with heavy metal bands like Motorhead, Judas Priest, Saxon, Venom and NWOBHM pioneers Iron Maiden. Their early records is characterized by upbeat tempos, intricate guitar solos and power chord style riffing, all are characteristics of music from the NWOBHM scene.
Here’s a video of them performing “Hello America” which was one of their early singles.
With their unique brand of music, Def Leppard soared to new heights and this gave them the opportunity to sign a deal with a major label recording company. In 1980, their debut On Through the Night reached the Top 15 charts in the UK. Their second album High ‘n’ Dry was produced by Mutt Lange (who is now considered as one of the most successful producers in history). Lange’s involvement with this album is influential for the overall sound of the group. However, the album itself did not hit that big on the charts.
January 1983 was the time when the album Pyromania was released with a carrier single titled “Photograph.” Also produced by Lange, the album went on to sell six million units in the same year of its release. In 1984, a freak car accident happened to drummer Rick Allen that claimed his left arm. In spite of the situation, the band still supported him and Allen showed everyone how dedicated he is to his role in Def Leppard.
Their fourth album, Hysteria was released in 1987. The album was the band’s first taste of the top spot in the Billboard 200 Charts, and singles from the album were all chart placers. They then went on to record seven more albums in the past two decades and become one of the most well-loved and popular hard rock bands in history.
Now I can’t admit to ever being a fan of Leppard though way back in those early days I do recall tripping over to Manchester Free Trade Hall to watch them support Sammy Hagar which was a top night out. Although they did “rock” back then what put me off them was that outrageously over-produced debut album. Far too slick.
Some years later (approx 1993/4) an ex-girlfriend pretty much dragged me to see them at the Sheffield Enormodome, I mean Arena and it left me cold.
Anyhoo – can’t be denied that Def Leppard has enjoyed astronomical success – they’re just not for me.
If they might be for you – a selection of their albums below.