When thinking about 80s music, many artists and bands can instantly be associated with the era. However, it’s possible to argue that Def Leppard was huge in music history. The band is synonymous with rock music. They have been identified as kings of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, helping to transform the overall genre and take it to new heights.
Despite being formed in 1977 and famed for their music through the 80s, they are still widely enjoyed today. In fact, over the last few years, they have embarked on many world tours, and most (if not all) have sold out instantly. Few bands – especially rock – can claim that when being almost 50 years ago…
Def Leppard: Rulers of the 1980s
Wherever you looked or went for your music during the 1980s, it was almost impossible not to hear Def Leppard. Although formed at the height of punk rock, their melodic version of heavy metal started to catch on with audiences globally due to its accessible nature.
This is why the band could be found on shows broadcast on MTV at the height of its time. Indeed, it was the era of music videos, and Def Leppard had the look. It was an impressive feat, as they were sharing a time period with the likes of Guns ‘N Roses and Bon Jovi. They weren’t as popular as Michael Jackson or cool as Prince, but they certainly held their own at the time.
However, it’s possible to argue that the band’s real success didn’t come until 1987. The band had many challenges to overcome in the lead-up to the year, but eventually, it would be worth it.
The year saw the release of “Hysteria,” the band’s hit album. According to some figures, it sold more than 14 million copies. It went platinum (and the rare diamond) across many parts of the world, with many of the tracks being hit singles. Songs like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites” were among those that were the most successful. The album had seven singles released from it, which is unheard of even today!
To gain further insight into how this album and its songs affected the rest of the world and the music scene, one has to look further. For example, a Def Leppard game is part of the online slots collection at Unibet, titled with the name of the album that contains many of the band’s hits. It is not only the gambling industry where the band’s influence can be seen since they have been used as a marketing tool. One can come across t-shirts, apparel, and other merchandise with the band’s logo.
How Has Def Leppard Survived?
As noted, Def Leppard appears to have managed to fight against musical extinction by staring it in the face and not backing down. There aren’t many rock bands that can stay relevant for a short period, let alone almost half a century.
Indeed, it would have seemed extremely unlikely that such a thing would happen. The band faced numerous challenges and obstacles, seemingly too significant for them to overcome. From drummer Rick Allen’s car accident in 1984, which resulted in the loss of his arm, to the death of guitarist Steve Clark in 1991 due to his struggles with alcohol, Def Leppard’s journey has been anything but easy.
What is perhaps more extraordinary is the fact that Def Leppard has been able to navigate the changing musical landscape. The rock genre has often been unforgiving, as it has changed so often. However, the band managed to ride each wave perfectly.
On March 29, 2019, the current band and former members, Pete Willis and Steve Clark, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Queen guitarist Brian May introduced Def Leppard, calling them “a magnificent rock group, in the tradition of what a rock group is” and praising them as “a bunch of magnificent human beings“.
