Def Leppard was formed in 1978 in Sheffield, England. The original members are Joe Elliot, vocals; Steve Clark, lead guitar; Rick Svage, bass; Rick Allen, drums; and Pete willis, guitar. The band practiced in a closed down spoon factory in Sheffield before being discovered in 1979 by producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. The band released its debut album, "On Through The Night" in 1980. The first single was "Hello America." Def Leppard toured with AC/DC in the U.K. for a while then began an American tour. They began work on their second album, "High 'N Dry," and released it in 1982. After the record's release, guitarist Pete Willis was fired from the band and replaced by Phil Collen. He had been in bands such as Dumb Blondes, Lucy, Tush, and Girl. In 1983. Def Leppard's biggest selling album, "Pyromania," hit the shelves. This album produced several hit singles, including "Rock Of Ages," "Photograph," and "Foolin'." "Pyromania" topped the charts at No. 2. The only record it couldn't out sell that year was Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Two year later, drummer Rick Allen lost his righht arm in a car accident outside of Sheffield. It took lots of work but he was soon back with the band and working on their fourth album, "Hysteria," which, unfortunately, didn't start selling untill a year after its release date in 1987. This album did, however, give the band its biggest single, "Pour Some Sugar On Me." On January 4, 1990, Phil Collen's son Rory James was born. 1991 saw the death of guitarist Steve Clark at only 30 years old. He's ot there somewhere and definetely not forgotten. R.I.P. Steve! "Adrenalize" finally saw the light of day in the spring of 1992. Vivian Campbell (Dio, Whitesnake) jumped in to take Steve's place. "Vault: The Greatest Hits" was released in 1995 and contained on new song, "When Love And Hate Collide." 1995 was also the birth of "Retro Active" which contained the single "Two Steps Behind." This song appears in the movie Last Action Hero. "Slang" was released in 1996 and "Euphoria" in 1999. "X" finally hit stores in 2002, receiving perfect ratings. Def Leppard have been throgh hell and back and don't plan on settling down any time soon!
Stephen Maynard Clark 1961-1991
R.I.P. G.B.N.F.
by: Brittany Clift, Knoxville, TN
Bio written by: manson666 |
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