Def Leppard

Def Leppard is an influential English rock band from Sheffield.

They are recognized as leaders of the new wave of British heavy metal. The band is famous for a melodic hard rock style. This style combines strong, heavy sounds with catchy, pop-like melodies. Since their formation in 1977, they have become one of the world's best-selling music artists. They have sold more than 100 million records globally. In 2019, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The band's sound is created through the collaboration of several musicians. Joe Elliott provides the lead vocals. Rick Savage plays the bass guitar and provides backing vocals. Rick Allen performs on the drums. The guitar roles are filled by Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell.

To refine their music, the band worked closely with producer Mutt Lange. Lange used a meticulous approach in the recording studio. This helped the band define their unique melodic hard rock identity. This process of recording and production turned their songs into global hits.

Def Leppard's discography includes several distinct eras and types of albums. Their early work, such as 1980's "On Through the Night," helped them establish a presence in the UK. Their third album, "Pyromania," marked a massive shift toward global stardom. This album featured a more polished sound that helped spark the 1980s pop-metal movement.

Later, the 1987 album "Hysteria" moved toward a more pop-oriented direction. This album was a massive commercial success, staying on the charts for over two years. The band also released "Adrenalize" in 1992, which featured a different lineup following the death of guitarist Steve Clark.

The band's history began with a group called Atomic Mass in 1976.

Members Rick Savage, Tony Kenning, and Pete Doubleday were students at Tapton School. Joe Elliott joined the group in 1977 after a chance meeting with Pete Willis. Although Elliott originally auditioned as a guitarist, the band chose him as the lead singer. The group eventually settled on the name "Def Leppard." They practiced at Portland Works and played their first gig in a school dining hall. By 1979, they were becoming leaders in the British heavy metal scene.

The band achieved incredible commercial significance during the 1980s. The album "Pyromania" was certified Diamond in the US, meaning it sold over 10 million copies there. In 1983 alone, the album sold six million copies.

The follow-up album, "Hysteria," sold over 15 million copies worldwide. It produced six Top 20 singles in the US, including the number one hit "Love Bites." Their success is reflected in many rankings. VH1 ranked them as the 31st greatest hard rock artist. They also appeared at number 70 on the list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

Significant milestones include the impact of music television and major tours. The music video for "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" was one of the first metal videos on MTV in 1982. This gave the band huge visibility in the United States. The "Pyromania" tour saw them performing for crowds as large as 55,000 people.

In 1984, a US Gallup poll even voted Def Leppard as the favorite rock band over legendary groups like the Rolling Stones. These moments helped cement their status as global superstars.

The band also faced serious challenges and changes. In December 1984, drummer Rick Allen was involved in a car accident. He lost his left arm during the accident.

Despite this, the band continued to record and tour. They also experienced the loss of guitarist Steve Clark in 1991. These events required the band to adapt their lineup and their music. Their ability to continue through these periods is a major part of their professional history.