In 1982, when the fledgling network was hungry for material, Def Leppard made two videos-for the songs “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages,” respectively-that were promptly put into heavy rotation. The role that MTV played in Def Leppard’s early success cannot be overstated. The force behind the band’s early videos was film director David Mallet, famous for his innovative work with David Bowie. “It was as if I had no choice-I knew I had to do that.” “It was the most spectacular thing I had ever seen,” he told this writer, in 2011. Inspecting the photo further, he saw himself in the front row, “propping up the stage at very first rock concert.” More importantly, the concert solidified Collen’s desire to become a musician. Years later, examining the back cover of Deep Purple’s Made in Japan album, he noticed that the fans in the crowd photo were not Japanese. I’ve been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years.”Ĭollen was a mere lad of 14 when he attended his first live rock concert, catching Deep Purple in London during the band’s 1972 Machine Head tour. “This is really a dream come true for me. “I’ve always thought, if I ever get to do one of those, it has to be with Def Leppard,” said the young singer, speaking with People magazine, following the taping. ![]() The band initiated the collaboration after Swift revealed, in an interview, that Def Leppard was the only group she would partner with for a Crossroads performance. Taylor Swift was just 18 years old when she teamed with Def Leppard for a 2008 episode of the popular CMT series, Crossroads. They were once Taylor Swift’s favorite band. Below, in no particular order, we spotlight 10 lesser-known aspects of the Def Leppard story. Guitarist Phil Collen’s 2015 memoir, Adrenalized, proved to be an especially valuable source for uncovering details that have flown under the radar. Nonetheless, we went on a deep dive to unearth some interesting tidbits that perhaps have eluded all but the most devoted followers. Such facts surrounding the band have been documented thoroughly in countless articles, interviews and video profiles. Def Leppard’s perseverance in the face of such setbacks has been a hallmark of the group, and bespeaks a special kind of determination. Seven years later, founding guitarist Steve Clark succumbed to a longstanding battle with substance abuse. On New Year’s Eve, 1984, drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car crash, and yet he adjusted to maintain his role with the band. Formed in 1977, the band rose to fame even as its members confronted more than its share of adversity. Most fans are familiar with the general outline of Def Leppard’s story. Although success of such magnitude proved impossible to sustain, the group has remained an important force on the scene, forging a stellar career highlighted by the 2018 announcement of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fusing the hard edge of heavy metal to a melodic pop sensibility, the British rockers dominated that decade with two classic albums-1983’s Pyromania and 1987’s Hysteria-whose massive sales were fueled by the band’s near-constant presence on MTV. No rock band epitomized the spirit of the ’80s more than Def Leppard did. John Stewart’s Legacy: From a Trio to ‘Daydream’ to ‘Gold’.Aerosmith Returns to Stage With Steven Tyler Back in the Saddle, Again.Faces 2015 Reunion Gave Fans a ‘Glorious’ 7 Songs.Before They Were Stars: More Rockers’ Early Days.Radio Hits in September 1971: Time to Celebrate.Henry Diltz on the Early ‘70s Los Angeles Music Scene.Carl Palmer Sets ‘Return of ELP’ Tour Using Footage of Late Bandmates.The Doors ‘Waiting for the Sun’ Deluxe: Review.‘John Lennon is Forever’: Yoko Ono at USPS Event.Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ Gets Expanded, Deluxe Edition.When Bruce Springsteen Broke His Own Record: 4-Hour Concert.Surviving the ’70s: 12 Disco Songs Even Rock Fans Enjoy. ![]() ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |