MUSIC CONCERTS

Def Leppard

Known initially as Atomic Mass the band was formed by a group of school students. Their name was later changed to Deaf leopard but with a spelling, alteration thus ‘Def Leppard’. They released a 3 song EP called Def Leppard in 1979 which was made popular by BBC Radio 1. They were signed by Mercury records also known as Vertigo/Phonogram records. And had their original management replaced after a band member and the manager got into a fistfight. Their debut album On Through the Night was released in 1980, it made it to the top of the charts the top 15. Their next album High ‘n Dry was also a success though it did not chart as well as the previous one its video received significant playback on MTV. After Pete Willis was fired for drinking on the job and replaced by Phill Collen the band released their third album Pyromania in 1983. This made them a household name and became their breakthrough album charting at number one and selling phenomenally. However, it was not that successful in the UK charting only at number 18. Rick Allen the band drummer lost his arm in a car accident but later designed a specific set for his condition. Through sheer devotion, he continued to support the band. Their fourth album Hysteria was released in 1987 it was an immediate hit in the UK charting in the top 10 for the first time. They also enjoyed continued success and won accolades for their performance. It also gave them their signature song Pour some sugar on me. Their next album Adrenalize made it to the top of both the UK and US charts. Steve Clark died of alcoholism just before the album’s release and the band decided to continue honoring him by working as a 4 piece now. Their new album Slang released in 1996 did not chart well and was a commercial disappointment. Their next albums are Euphoria, X, and Yeah! were a commercial and critical success. They are still together and tour and release albums regularly.

The concert featured here is from the 1988 Def Leppard Hysteria tour. This concert along with the many that came later is remembered fondly.