Def Leppard - Review

"Pour some sugar on me" – A review of Def Leppard. 

I have a really varied taste in music, and I love rock and metal. It's perhaps surprising then that I've never thought of myself as a Def Leppard fan; yet sitting down to write this review and listening to their music, I find myself really enjoying them.

Def Leppard emerged from Sheffield in 1977 and became true pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The classic line-up includes Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Savage (bass), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar), and Vivian Campbell (guitar), with past members including the late Steve Clark and Pete Willis.

Throughout the 80s, the band released a lot of music, including their debut album "On Through the Night", but it was in 1983 when they released "Pyromania" that they found international fame. In 1987, "Hysteria" was released, and it contained an incredible seven hit singles and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Nowadays the band continues to tour and still has a global fanbase, with a new album being due this year – their careers are far from over.

Def Leppard's journey has not, however, been without its share of tragedy. In 1984, drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car accident on New Year's Eve – yet incredibly, Allen didn't give up and instead learned to play a specially designed electronic drum kit. He returned to the band less than two years later, becoming an inspiration for fans and musicians alike. Another truly devastating blow the band suffered was loss of guitarist Steve Clark in 1991, who sadly passed away due to alcohol poisoning. This naturally deeply affected the group, but in the end, they decided to continue making music.

The band has received tonnes of awards and acclaim over the years, including multiple Brit Award nominations and of course being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. "Hysteria" and "Pyromania" have been certified as multi-platinum in several countries, and the band also received two American Music Awards for Favourite Pop/Rock Album and Favourite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist.

Over the years, Def Leppard has faced some criticism from purists about their shift from heavy metal to a more radio-friendly, polished sound, but honestly who cares. The band's commercial success and enduring popularity have largely and quite rightly silenced their critics. Def Leppard's blend of anthemic rock and incredible live performances have secured their place as icons in British and global music history forever, and if you're not currently a fan, I'd implore you to give them a listen.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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