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Band Timeline
1977
Formation of Def Leppard in Sheffield
Def Leppard was formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977. The band's origins trace back to a group called Atomic Mass, which included Rick Savage, Tony Kenning, and Pete Doubleday. Pete Willis joined the group shortly thereafter. The formation marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful English rock bands, integrating themselves into the emerging new wave of British heavy metal movement during the late 1970s.
1980
Release of Debut Album On Through the Night
In 1980, Def Leppard released their first studio album, On Through the Night. The album featured the original lineup including lead vocalist Joe Elliott, bassist Rick Savage, drummer Rick Allen, and guitarists Steve Clark and Pete Willis. This debut effort brought the band moderate success, reaching the Top 15 in the UK charts. Though it received limited attention outside the UK, it laid the foundation for their melodic hard rock style that would soon gain broader recognition.
1981
High 'n' Dry Album and Collaboration with Producer Mutt Lange
Def Leppard's second studio album, High 'n' Dry, was released in 1981 and marked a turning point owing to the collaboration with producer Mutt Lange. Lange's production helped define the band’s signature polished melodic hard rock sound. The album’s single "Bringin’ On the Heartbreak" gained notable attention and became one of the first rock videos played on MTV in 1982. Although the album charted decently at around the Top 30 and 40 in the UK and US, it elevated the band's profile significantly.
1982
Guitarist Pete Willis is Replaced by Phil Collen
In 1982, a significant lineup change occurred as guitarist Pete Willis was replaced by Phil Collen. This shift further solidified Def Leppard's lineup which has remained largely stable since then. The new guitar dynamic contributed to the band’s evolving sound that would achieve major commercial success in the following years. The timing of this change was crucial as the band prepared to record their breakthrough third album.
1983
Breakthrough with Pyromania Album
January 1983 saw the release of Def Leppard's third studio album, Pyromania. The album was a commercial breakthrough, achieving No. 2 on the US album charts and earning Diamond certification in the US. It featured hits such as "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages," which topped the US Rock Tracks chart and reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. Pyromania's success elevated Def Leppard to international stardom and established their reputation as leading figures in the 1980s rock scene.
1987
Massive Success with Hysteria Album
Def Leppard released their fourth album, Hysteria, in 1987, which was more pop-oriented than previous works. This album topped charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia and remained on charts for over two years. Hysteria was certified 12× platinum in the US and sold over 30 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. It spawned six Top 20 US singles, including the number one hit "Love Bites" and major hits like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Rocket." This album significantly cemented Def Leppard's commercial and cultural legacy.
1991
Death of Guitarist Steve Clark
In 1991, Def Leppard suffered a tragic loss with the death of guitarist Steve Clark. Clark was a key member contributing to the band's sound and songwriting. His passing was a poignant moment for the band and impacted their subsequent music and recordings. Despite the loss, Def Leppard continued forward, recording their next album as a four-piece group, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their career.
1992
Release of Adrenalize and Chart-Topping Success
Def Leppard recorded and released Adrenalize in 1992, their first studio album after the death of Steve Clark. The album debuted at number one on the UK, US, and Australian charts. It included several hits such as "Let's Get Rocked," which became their biggest single in numerous countries, and "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad," a top 10 hit across the US, UK, and Canada. The success of Adrenalize confirmed Def Leppard's continued relevance in the evolving rock landscape of the early 1990s.
1993
Addition of Guitarist Vivian Campbell and Retro Active Release
After the completion of Adrenalize, guitarist Vivian Campbell joined Def Leppard, completing a stable and enduring lineup. In 1993, the band released Retro Active, a collection that included new songs along with B-sides and outtakes. Notably, it featured the acoustic hit "Two Steps Behind," which reached the Top 5. Campbell’s addition revitalized the band's creative dynamics, allowing them to maintain their signature sound with fresh energy.
1995
Vault Compilation and Continued Popularity
Def Leppard released their greatest hits album Vault in 1995, featuring the UK No. 2 hit "When Love & Hate Collide." The compilation album reached the Top 10 in multiple countries and achieved 5× platinum status in the US. Vault served as a testament to Def Leppard's successful career and enduring appeal, encapsulating their impact in the rock and hard rock genres over nearly two decades since their formation.
1996-2008
Late Career Albums and Sustained Success
Between 1996 and 2008, Def Leppard released five studio albums starting with Slang. These albums continued to enjoy commercial success, typically reaching the Top 15 in significant markets including the UK, US, and Canada. During this period, the band adapted to changes in the rock music scene while retaining core elements of their sound. These years showcased the band's ability to evolve while preserving their identity and fanbase.
2015
Release of Self-Titled Album Def Leppard
In 2015, Def Leppard released their self-titled album, marking a significant milestone nearly four decades after their formation. The album achieved Top 10 status in multiple countries, proving the band's lasting popularity and relevance in the music industry. The release highlighted Def Leppard's continued creative vitality and their dedication to producing new music while honoring their rock roots.
2019
Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Def Leppard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, a prestigious recognition of their influential contributions to rock music. This honor acknowledged their decades-long success, their impact on the new wave of British heavy metal, and their status as one of the best-selling music artists globally with over 100 million records sold. The induction cemented their legacy in music history.
2022
Release of Diamond Star Halos Album
In May 2022, Def Leppard released Diamond Star Halos, their latest studio album. The album was well-received and reached the Top 10 charts in the US, UK, and Australia, demonstrating the band's sustained appeal and ability to connect with both longtime fans and new audiences. This release continued the band's prolific career and showcased their enduring talent in the modern rock era.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Phil Collen
1982
Electric guitar
Vivian Campbell
1992
Electric guitar
Rick Savage
1977
Bass guitar
Joe Elliott
1977
Acoustic guitar
Lead vocals
Rick Allen
1978
Drums (drum set)
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Pete Willis
1977
1982
Electric guitar
Steve Clark
1978
1991
Electric guitar
Story of Def Leppard
Def Leppard: From Sheffield Steel to Stadium Rock
Def Leppard, hailing from the industrial heartland of Sheffield, England, burst onto the scene in 1976, becoming a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their journey, however, took them far beyond the headbanging hordes of the early 80s, culminating in a career marked by massive commercial success and stadium-filling anthems.
The band's core lineup since 1992 consists of the rhythm section powerhouse of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals) and Rick Allen (drums), fronted by the charismatic Joe Elliott (lead vocals), and flanked by the twin guitar attack of Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals) and Vivian Campbell (guitar, backing vocals).
Their debut album, "On Through the Night" (1980), while reaching the UK Top 15, failed to make a significant impact elsewhere. It wasn't until their second album, "High 'n' Dry" (1981), produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, that Def Leppard truly found their sonic signature. Lange's influence helped shape their melodic hard rock sound, giving birth to the iconic "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" - one of the first rock videos to grace MTV in 1982.
The arrival of Phil Collen in 1982 solidified the lineup that would propel them to global stardom. Their third album, "Pyromania" (1983), exploded onto the scene, fuelled by the twin power of "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages." These tracks dominated the US Rock Tracks chart and cracked the Top 20 on the Hot 100. "Pyromania" itself achieved Diamond status in the US, reaching No. 2 on the album chart. It also hit the UK Top 20, though its impact elsewhere remained limited.
Def Leppard's story is one of perseverance, evolution, and undeniable talent. They carved a path from the underground heavy metal scene to the forefront of stadium rock, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock music.
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