More than two decades old, Def Leppard began in 1977 as a bar band. Formed in Sheffield England, the band consisted of Joe Elliot (vocals), Pete Willis (guitar), Rick Savage (bass), and Steve Clark (guitar). One year later, the band had their own label.

The beginning of success brought them their drummer, Rick Allen, and the signing with Mercury Records. It wasn’t long after that Def Leppard took the U.K. by storm with their smashing rock/pop hits and metallic sound. With the popularity of their 1980 debut album On Through The Night, Def Leppard toured in both the U.K and the U.S.

Like any band, they had their share of ups and downs. Willis was replaced in 1983 with Phil Collen, due to his alcoholism. The band met their next major obstacle after their world tour. Allen lost his left arm in a car accident. Interestingly, the band did not replace him, and Allen learned to play once more on a special kit. This was during the time that Def Leppard produced their most Successful Album – Hysteria. Later, in 1992, Clark died from a drug overdose and was replaced by Vivian Campbell.

Def Leppard produced ten albums (their most recent X released in 2002).