Def Leppard
| Def Leppard} | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sheffield, England |
| Genres | Template:Flatlist |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Labels | Mercury, Bludgeon Riffola |
| Website | |
| Members | |
| Current members | Template:Flatlist |
| Past members | Template:Flatlist |
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield. They emerged as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, but achieved massive global success by blending hard rock with melodic pop sensibilities and high-fidelity production. The band is one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
History
The band was founded by Rick Savage, Tony Kenning, and Pete Willis, soon adding vocalist Joe Elliott and guitarist Steve Clark. Their debut album, On Through the Night (1980), established them in the UK, but it was their partnership with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange that defined their signature sound.
The group's commercial peak arrived with the back-to-back releases of Pyromania (1983) and Hysteria (1987). Despite drummer Rick Allen losing his left arm in a car accident in 1984, the band persevered, with Allen relearning to play using a custom electronic drum kit.
Discography
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | On Through the Night | |
| 1981 | High 'n' Dry | |
| 1983 | Pyromania | RIAA: Diamond |
| 1987 | Hysteria | RIAA: 12× Platinum |
| 1992 | Adrenalize | |
| 1996 | Slang |