
AN UNAUTHORIZED & UNSANCTIONED EXPLORATION OF DEF LEPPARD'S HISTORY & MUSIC.
LEPPARD TRACKS
MISTY DREAMERS, 1977 -- 2008
J. Gill
Copyright © 2008 by J. Gill
ISBN-10: 0-9722253-9-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-9722253-9-7
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without explicit permission in writing from the copyright owner. Scans/photographs of artwork and/or items of collector's interest are provided for illustrative purposes only. No claim over the copyright of any of the original artwork or designs, or any quoted works and lyric excerpts, is made.
Leppard Tracks
PO Box 210686
San Francisco
CA 94121-0686
USA
Contact by email: deffest@sbcglobal.net
Table of Contents
Introduction 8
Of what came before: Atomic Mass 13
Leppard Cubs 20
On Bludgeon-Riffola... 25
The Def Leppard EP 28
Leppard Looses Skins 32
Wasted 43
Goodbye England, Hello... 55
The Rock Brigade 69
Def Leppard is not NWOBHM... 75
High 'N' Dry 77
Burnin' Up The Country... Someone Else's! 92
High 'N' Reissued... 117
First Strike... Strike Out! 120
Intermission, 1984-1986 122
Hysterical Paranoia 133
Hysterically B-sides themselves! 149
Intermission 1989-1991 165
Stephen Maynard Clark 168
Adrenalized 170
In The Clubs... In Your Face 190
"Retroactive" Odds 'N' Sodz... 195
Into The Vault 210
Turn To Slang 221
Getting Acoustic 226
Definitive "Rock Vault" 239
"Pyrosteria" 241
Behind The Music/Storytellers 247
Everyday Unbelievable Now! 257
Recompiling... 277
Rock of Ages 281
Yeah? Maybe! 287
Sparkling In the Lounge 305
Def Leppard Videography 316
Rick Allen pre-Leppard 330
Phil Collen pre-Leppard 331
Vivian Campbell pre-Leppard 357
Tony Kenning post-Leppard 403
Pete Willis post-Leppard 405
Joe Elliott extra-Leppard 414
Rick Allen extra-Leppard 422
Phil Collen extra-Leppard 426
Vivian Campbell extra-Leppard 433
Leppards -- Two or more... 443
Def Tributes/Covers 453
The Def Family Tree 469
Disclaimer
It is critical to remind the reader to keep in mind that this work is "AN UNAUTHORIZED & UNSANCTIONED EXPLORATION OF DEF LEPPARD'S HISTORY." It does NOT claim to represent the views of the band, people associated with band (past or present), the management (past or present), nor anyone other than the author. The author has no connections whatsoever with any of the above, and is nothing more than a fan of the band.
Few bands actually "like" unsanctioned works for various reasons, including a dislike of being misrepresented, editorial control, or others appearing to profit from their work. As the experience of the author dictates, the band has little to worry about concerning the latter point. As to the former, this work draws on what the band members have said in the press and media, or what the press/media have said about the band. Naturally, that leaves room for (mis)interpretation and other errors. Also, the band members may have been misquoted, quoted out of context, or simply no longer agree with their previous statements (that's their prerogative)...
The author has approached this work with objectivity in mind. There is no agenda to promote. There is no desire to make anyone look "good" or "bad." There is simply the hope to tell the story of a band, and its music, music that is inspiring and enjoyable on so many levels. Nothing more, nothing less, this work is ultimately a fan celebrating the work of an incredible band with an amazing story. Any errors found within this work were committed without malice and the author apologizes categorically in advance for any instances.
Only the band, and those that were there, can ever fully tell the story, so until then...
Introduction
What is this book? Is it a biography? Yes and no, it is certainly a bit schizophrenic, for wont of a better term, and deliberately so. As stated in the "disclaimer" the author feels that only the band and their official representatives could every sufficiently write the "Deffest" biography, and hopefully will do so one day. There have been attempts by semi-first and other third parties, to varying degrees of perceived success (and failure). "Leppard Tracks" concentrates on what the band members have said about their career and music, which is what drew the author to the band in the first place.
Other vignettes are offered to fill out the story, such as touring details, set lists, biographical "stories," and the ever important tangents that demonstrate the strange relationships within the music industry. This work does not claim to be a first hand day-by-day account of the band's history. Nor is it complete -- think of it more as a "Def Buffet" of sorts. As such, this work strives to be a broad guide to the recording history of the band, but not a terse all-inclusive discography (which while interesting to a few would bore many to tears!). While we want to touch on the minutiae, we certainly do not want to drown on hundreds of them cobbled together. This work does not aim to focus in any particular manner on the band.
You the reader will be the ultimate judge of pleasure or pain! Work on this book commenced on May 24, 2005, in addition to several years of effort gathering materials prior to that. What you hold in your hands in the result of many hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds/dollars of effort. I hope it was worth it, if only you justifying the purchase of this book for yourselves, perhaps by enjoying the fruits of the author's labor, or by learning something new!
Criticism, constructive or otherwise, corrections and/or additions are welcome via email to: deffest@sbcglobal.net, or the snail-mail address listed on the copyright page. A corrigendum (a list of corrections) and additions will be available on request via that email address in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
J. Gill
July 10, 2008
I
Pre-LaunchBeginnings
Beginnings
Richard Savage
Born: December 2, 1960, Sheffield, England
Peter Andrew Willis
Born: February 16, 1960, Sheffield, England
Joseph Thomas Elliott
Born: August 1, 1959, Sheffield, England
Stephen Maynard Clark
Born: April 23, 1960, Hillsborough, England
Richard John Cyril Allen
Born: November 1, 1963, Dronfield, England
Of what came before:
Atomic Mass
The band that became Atomic Mass originally included Rick Savage (Guitar), Pete Doubleday (Guitar), Nick Mackley (Vocals), Andy Nicholas (Bass), and Tony "Reuben" Kenning (Drums). Rick, Pete, Nick, and Tony were all in the same year at Tapton School in Sheffield. Both Rick and Pete started on guitars that were purchased from a catalog that Rick's mothers had. He also received some early lessons from his brother, John, when he was 10. Before long the band, who really didn't have any name, were rehearsing in Nick Mackley's basement. At this point, they were little more than a "just for kicks" band. When Nick and Pete departed, Paul Holland joined on vocals.
The line-up solidified when Paul Hampshire (bass) and one Peter Andrew Willis (guitars) joined the band that had started rehearsing at Tapton Youth Club. Pete had simply wanted to jam with the band and had brought his pal Paul with him to the rehearsal hall. The two had often jammed together in Pete's living room. As a result Atomic Mass had its first lineup: Rick Savage (guitar), Paul Holland (vocals), Tony Kenning (drums), Peter Willis (guitar), and Paul Hampshire (bass). The band played one gig at Tapton School Gym, a show witnessed by one Joe Elliott, then a drummer with another band, and probably a dozen other people. The band had no original material so they covered Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Who, Slade, and Deep Purple in their set.
When the school year ended in July 1977 the band lost access to the school for rehearsals. Paul Holland, who was going to be attending university, and Paul Hampshire departed around the same time, leaving Rick, Tony, and Pete looking for new band members. In addition, the band needed a new place to rehearse. Around this time Rick made the transition to bass. One must wonder whether this was a result of his confidence level with the guitar - he had apparently sat down on stage during Atomic Mass' single show to play some songs! All the band needed was a singer...
There are a couple of legends on how Joe Elliott hooked up with the band. In September 1977, Joe Elliott was coming home from work when he bumped into Pete Willis who mentioned that his band was looking for a vocalist. Pete had known Joe for a while, having met him at the Columbus youth club and shared mutual friends with him. Finding that there was an opening in the band, Joe volunteered to be the band's vocalist. Alternatively, while Joe was knocking around on guitar at the time, he had heard that Peter was selling an amplifier or guitar and showed up at his house to ask about it. Joe suggested that they get a band together, but Pete declined since he'd just joined a band. However, he mentioned that the band was looking for a singer. As Joe wasn't having much luck with the guitar or drums, the change of "instrument" was appealing.
After a meeting-come-audition in Joe's bedroom at his parent's house, Joe joined the band without singing a note. Joe has suggested that he got the job because he had a good record collection featuring material enjoyed by the other members of the band. He was also willing to help pay for the rehearsal space and PA system. However, Joe didn't sing for weeks after joining the band and when they eventually did attempt something it was Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" tuned down an octave to accommodate Joe's voice! Joe often spoke thankfully of the band that had essentially stuck with him while he really learned how to sing and front a band.
Tony was given the task of finding the band somewhere to rehearse, and he eventually found a space at the infamous Stag Works spoon factory at 84 John Street near Bramall Lane Stadium. For all of its shortcomings, it was at least a location the fledgling band could afford. Bands started using the location for rehearsals in 1973, during off hours when the tradesmen weren't plying their trades with metal and stone. Def Leppard weren't the only band rehearsing there to have successfully made it out of Sheffield to the wider-World stage; another band practicing there was the Human League. While still holding down their day jobs the band regularly rehearsed until the early morning hours.
The band played their first gig at the spoon factory for a bunch of friends in December, though calling it a gig is stretching the definition perhaps too far. The five-song set consisted primarily of covers, but at least one original song, the epic "Misty Dreamer" (also known as "Tomorrow Seems like Yesterday"). According to Joe, the band did at least get to play an encore, only right since the gig was essentially a holiday party hosted by the band. It was a start, a baby step down a path where no one knew would lead!
Joe brought something else important to the fledgling band: He suggested a name, something that had previously been lacking. Deaf Leopard, as naff as it might have initially have sounded seemed to make sense, if only to Joe. This was a band name that he had fantasized about while at school going so far to design fantasy gig posters, tickets, and such. In January 1978 the band's first proper line-up was completed with the addition of second guitarist Steve Clark. Steve was apparently invited to join after successfully playing the whole of the solo from Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird," thus proving his skill and dexterity. Having a second guitarist allowed the band to develop their sound akin to their influence such as Thin Lizzy.
Steve was also acquainted with Pete Willis, and after meeting Pete and Joe at a Judas Priest show he was invited to the band's rehearsal room to play with the band. Steve was keen to move on from his previous "knock-around" bands to a group that was writing their own material, and was thus more serious. His immediate impact is obvious as he was quickly invited to join the band. The band soon accelerated the writing of their original material. Other early songs such as "Wasted," a song Joe felt was reminiscent of KISS, and "Rock Brigade" soon followed, though it's likely that material such as "Warchild" predated Steve's addition to the band.
II
Launch Pad
Leppard Cubs
The band rehearsed continuously at the dreary spoon factory throughout the first half of 1978. Of primary importance was developing their own material and fusing the band into a solid musical unit. Famously, the band rehearsed so much that Steve eventually threatened to quit the band unless they started playing proper gigs. Finally, on July 18, 1978, Deaf Leopard played their first public gig at Westfield School in Sheffield. This was the first of around eight shows the band would play with Tony Kenning. It wasn't an auspicious or spectacular start to their live career.
The band forgot to tune their instruments, and as the Steve prepared for the first song he did a Pete Townshend "windmill" that resulted in a Spinal Tap moment -- the power wasn't turned on. The band had to start their set again. During the first song, "World beyond the Sky," a Zeppelin-like epic, Joe forgot the lyrics and started making stuff up off the cuff. Still, they survived their 50-minute set in front of an audience of around 150 school-aged kids. The band closed with a cover of Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak." They walked away with five quid, and a little bit more experience. They had at least finally cut their teeth live in-front of an audience. The band would not play live again until late August when they appeared at an outdoor festival.
This so-called "outdoor festival" was another band experience that could have come from the pages of "Spinal Tap" incidents. According to Joe, "We're a band that can laugh at anything -- we even played a field once. We though it was going to be a big open-air festival, but the stage lights consisted of a single bulb on the end of a wire. 30 people turned up and for a light show somebody shone their car lights on the stage" (Robin Smith -- "Paws for Thought," Record Mirror, 11/10/79). Still, looking at the positive side of things, the band was at least playing for people other than themselves, outside of the confines of the Stag Works.
By the time of the band's third show, and really what was their first proper gig (at The Limit Club), they were billed as "Deaf Leppard." This indicates that their name and spelling was still evolving -- though perhaps not yet obvious or fully decided. At that September 11 gig the band opened for Graph and the Human League at one of the club's "local nights." That meant that while it was a "proper" show of sorts, it was more of a local talent revue than paying engagement of substance. It certainly didn't generate much revenue for the band, but was a perfect forum to perform in public.
The ad for the show in the local press marked the first appearance of the band's name in print, even if only locally. The review of the show in Melody Maker quickly scaled the band's name into the national press, though certainly not psyche. Few local bands had gigs mentioned in the mainstream music press gig guides (NME, Melody Maker, or Sounds) and were more likely to be advertised in the local press or by word of mouth.
Apart from City Hall, which was Sheffield's major venue, the one on which Joe would later graffiti "Def Leppard will play here in 1980," Sheffield had a reasonable club environment for the lower echelon of bands. Both Sheffield's University and Polytechnic had gig venues. The Limit Club was one the somewhat "higher" end of the scale (for what that was worth), but hardly had a full gig calendar in late 1978. Some of the other acts playing there during this period included Dead Aids, C-Gas 5, the Apostrophes, the Thompson Twins, the Next Band, and Neon Hearts. Major acts were more likely to play the Top Rank or the other aforementioned venues.
Perhaps by the next show at the club the band's name had finally changed to "Def Leppard," at the suggestion of Tony Kenning. Urban legend suggests that Tony's primary contribution to the band was that he saw the possibilities for comparison between that name and Led Zeppelin's, and suggested the change in spelling for its original form. For one early gig the band were erroneously billed as "Deff Leppard." What's in a name? The band rarely played during 1978, and they certainly didn't make many waves on the local music scene, though they had real jobs to try to keep at this time. Still, even their limited activity would have gone some way towards mollifying Steve. As the band prepared to record their first single, Tony Kenning was either sacked or quit; depending on which version one prefers.
One suggestion is that Tony's girlfriend was unhappy at the amount of time he was spending with the band, rather than her, and forced him to quit the weekend before the band were scheduled to make their first record. It was perhaps a result of the difficulty of trying to balance a personal, work, and band life that was becoming rather hectic for all of the members. After working a full day job the band put hours into rehearsing, often late into the night. The second version is essentially that "Reuben" was unsure about how committed he was to the band. Whatever the case, Tony was gone before the band had really gotten started.
Tony Kenning Era Gigs:
July 18, 1978 -- Westfield School, Sheffield
August 26 -- Pitsmoor Festival, Sheffield
September 11 -- The Limit Club, Sheffield
September 12 -- The Limit Club, Sheffield
Some sources state that the Kenning line-up played around eight shows. Other sources suggest just six. One such venue was the Broadfield Pub, one of the more popular live music locations (of that type) at the time. Located at 452 Abbeydale Road in Highfield, this venue had seen Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson make his live debut in 1976. It was also a venue where another young local act, Vice Versa, was starting out with regular gigs. That band included synth/sax player Stephen Singleton, who'd gone to school with Joe. Vice Versa later became the successful act ABC. Vice Versa also went the independent route and formed Neutron Records to release their debut "Music 4" EP in 1979. Whatever the actual number of Kenning era gigs, it was not many.
Early Demos Notes:
Probably recorded at the Stag Works, Sheffield (1978).
01. Misty Dreamer
[6:11] Rick Savage Joe Elliott ?
Sometimes referred to as "Tomorrow Seems like Yesterday," due to part of the lyrics which are more obvious than the actual title. This was the first Def Leppard song written, dating from December 1977. Joe took a couple attempts to write the lyrics with help from Rick pointing him in the right direction, since he hadn't developed much of a perspective for writing lyrics at that point. Rick wrote the quiet bridge section, which survived long after the rest of this song was discarded. It ultimately became the basis for "Sorrow Is A Woman."
02. Warchild
[4:22] Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
Pete Willis wrote the majority of this song that was modeled on Black Sabbath's "Paranoid." Like much of the early Def Leppard catalog, there is a reliance on the power "riff." By early 1980, the band was deriding the song in an attempt to distance themselves from their early efforts that didn't measure up to their standards (or become standards!). Joe suggested that the song was a horrible mess (Melody Maker, 2/2/80) that was also too derivative.
03. Beyond The Temple
[6:16] Unknown
With a pseudo-mythological theme, time changes, and effects, this early track is very Rush-like, along the lines of "Overture" and "When The Walls Came Tumbling Down." While this song was later abandoned, it was still being performed by the band in mid-1979 and was included in their June 5 set at the Workingman's Club in Sheffield.
04. Getcha Rocks Off
[3:59] Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark / Pete Willis
Not one of Joe's Mum's favorite Tracks: "I think it's horrible. What does it mean, anyway?" (Sounds, 6/16/79). Sometimes it's better that Mum doesn't know! Regardless, the demo has a slightly slower tempo and is clumsier in parts, though the dual guitar attack of Willis and Clark is more prominent. It's indicative to the band becoming comfortable together and the importance of the Thin Lizzy inspired guitar attack starting to define the band's sound.
The general arrangement was retained on the EP recording and the only lyrical difference is very minor -- "Because she got" is sung instead of "because they'd got the whole damn audience rockin'" during the second verse. This version slightly stumbles to a stop with a brief drum count before the end.
05. Overture
[9:14] Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark / Pete Willis
Another song from the "epic" school of thought. This song has more than minor allusions to the sonic architecture of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird," in that the song's momentum builds and builds throughout.
06. See The Lights
[3:17] Joe Elliott / Steve Clark
The elder brother of "Hello America" though instead of "Hollywood" and "San Pedro Bay," America's East Coast features with Manhattan the place that fit the lyrics. The demo version that circulates is not of particularly high sound quality and lacks any vocals after the first repetition of the chorus, prior to the guitar solo, essentially becoming an instrumental after 1:15.
Versions of these recordings made it into circulation via the "Warchild" demo. They are rough and raw, and seem more likely to have been recorded live during rehearsal at the Stag Works or on low-end recording gear. Many such tapes were probably made, and recorded over, as the band refined their sound, material, and set during rehearsals. Some also suggest that some of these recordings feature Tony Kenning on drums, which may or may not be true, but seems unlikely.
On Bludgeon-Riffola
"Bludgeon-Riffola" eventually became name of the band's record label, notably for the independent single release. The name was later also used for the name of their publishing company. The birth of the term certainly was not a result of it being used in a complimentary context. According to Joe, "Someone wrote a review of us when we supported the Human League a while back. They called us 'bludgeon riffola,' it was completely a slag off. So just to show that we really didn't care we picked up on the phrase and used it" (Sounds, 6/16/79). Chris Westwood, the reviewer in question, apparently wasn't a big fan of what he considered "heavy metal," not that the Leppards would have appreciated having their sound grouped in with the likes of Black Sabbath. The band used the phrase as their label name simply out of spite and as a humorous response to their first bad review. Regardless, the term certainly sounded impressive even if it didn't make much sense.
Chris wrote in his Record Mirror Magazine review of Leppard's show at the Limit in September 1978, "Deaf Leopard were heavy metal as heavy metal always was and will always be. Crosses, macho poses, bludgeon riffola that even the Sabs (Black Sabbath) abandoned years ago" (Record Mirror). Perhaps he failed to note that the band had barely performed and had yet to develop any stage identity. In essence, after playing a school and a field, this was the band's first real gig, but they were still very lacking in terms of performance skills, particularly Joe to whom the task of interacting with audiences fell. The review was at least positive in the sense that it provided the band some national press.
Fellow local band the Next Band inspired Def Leppard to make their own independent record. They had already recorded their "Four By Three" EP at Fairview Studios in Hull and released it independently during 1978 (Gannet SRTS/78/CUS 159). Def Leppard simply wanted to have a record, and recording the single independently allowed them to do something a bit different. Joe has noted that at the time it was commonplace for punk bands to record independently, and they were the bands getting signed to proper labels (though it appears that other Sheffield bands were doing the same during the period). He also wasn't content to simply keep playing gigs and saw an opportunity to kick-start their career. While they could send demo tapes to record companies and music magazines, but those could easily be over-looked.
According to Sav, "We wanted to do something a little different and we'd bumped into another group that was based in Sheffield at the time, a band called The Next Band and they'd gone and done the same thing. They'd gone to this little studio in Hull (Fairview) and made their own little record" (Vault Interview CD). The record would be a special way of presenting the band, in hopes of standing out from all of the other acts. If the plan were successful, the band hoped that the single would provide a short cut through the slog of playing in clubs. If not, then they'd have a tangible commemorative for posterity.
In a November 22, 1978 letter to Geoff Barton, reprinted in Raw magazine in 1993, Joe suggested that the three songs had already been recorded for the EP ("recently recorded"), raising a question about the validity of the long-held November 25/6 session date. Since the 22nd was a Wednesday it would seem logical that Joe would already have a mix tape from the recording session that he would be able to copy and circulate, particularly considering that it would take quite some time to have the EP pressed and ready for sale. This makes it seem more likely that the Leppard recording session had taken place the prior weekend, on November 18/9, unless Joe was embellishing reality in anticipation of the session. Whatever the accurate recording date, the band's session began early on a November Saturday morning and ended at 3:45pm the following day.
Without Tony Kenning, the band needed a drummer for the session, so they borrowed Frank Noon from The Next Band for the weekend, but it is more than likely that he rehearsed with the band for several days before the session. According to Joe, the session for the EP cost £148.50, though that was only for the studio time, money that he borrowed from his father. This provided an initial print run of 1,000 copies that the band used in a concerted effort to gain exposure. If the plan failed, then according to Sav, "We just thought that it would be cool just to have something that you could at least save for future years, and show your grand-kids one day" ('Vault' promo CD interview).
The Def Leppard EP
"Ride Into The Sun" EP Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola SRTS-78-CUS-232 (UK, 1979 -- red label)
Bludgeon-Riffola MSB-001 (UK, 1979 -- yellow label)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6059-240 (UK, 1979)
Track(s): (Types 1, 2 & 4)
A1. Ride Into The Sun
[2:44] Rick Savage / Joe Elliott
Guitar solo by Pete Willis. This song required four takes to get right, though it was the first song recorded during the sessions. For no particular reason it ended up as the first track on the EP.
A2. Getcha Rocks Off
[3:39] Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark / Pete Willis
Guitar solo by Steve Clark. Steve had borrowed a Gibson guitar from John Lockerton (guitarist in "The Next Band") for the recording session. This song is the only EP track to have been "officially" released, though not on a Def Leppard product. It was included on the 1990 "New Wave of British Heavy Metal: '79 Revisited" (Vertigo 846 322-1/2) collection compiled by Lars Ulrich, though it's unfortunate that the recording has a glitch on the tape just prior to the second verse. One track from Vivian Campbell's pre-Leppard band Sweat Savage is also included making that collection worth searching out (not to mention the other NWOBHM artists included, even if the Leps don't liked being lumped in with them!).
B1. The Overture
[7:22] Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark / Pete Willis
The most involved of the tracks recorded taking six takes to get Joe's ending vocal "scream" right on the Sunday afternoon. This song was selected for recording on the EP because it was so different from the sort of material being performed by British acts at the time. It stood the band apart from their peers and was an advertisement of their diversity. Pete and Steve shared the lead guitar honors on this track.
Recorded at Fairview Studios, Hull, in November 1978. Produced by Def Leppard. Engineered by Roy Neave and Keith Herd. Mixed by Nick Cartwright. Cover artwork by Dave Jeffery and photography by John Wood. Keith was actually the owner of the studio and had founded it in 1966 with it really becoming a real studio in 1973. 100 copies of the EP included lyric sheet inserts that Joe had photocopied during his lunch-break at work. Additionally, he and his Mum glued the 1,000 sleeves together. The double-sided insert has the lyrics to "Ride Into The Sun" and "Getcha Rocks Off" on one side. Lyrics for "The Overture" are on the other side along with individual sketches of the band members by Dave Jeffrey. A credit for the band's "Mixer Man Mr. Nick Cartwright" was also included because his name had been erroneously left off the credits on the rear cover of the picture sleeve. According to Joe, "It's not bad for a first attempt, although I think all the songs sound better live" (Sounds, 6/16/79).
Type 1 is the original red label "Bludgeon-Riffola" release; Type 2 is the yellow label MSB re-release; and Type 4 is the so-called 1987 "fan club" replica with the centre-ring in white (which may actually be a bootleg). The Type 2 issue was pressed through a one-off distribution deal, probably with Pinnacle Records, and finally provided national distribution for the release that had hitherto been available directly from the band or Revolution Records.
Track(s): (Type 3 only)
A1. Getcha Rocks Off [3:28]
A2. Ride Into The Sun [2:44]
B1. The Overture [7:22]
The Vertigo version was the band's official record industry debut when released in September 1979. The A-side tracks were swapped around because "Getcha Rocks Off" had become the more popular song, as Joe mentioned during performances at the time. The review in Sounds was not particularly kind: "Indie available more widely thru Vertigo. Lacks the panoramic apple pie vision of Van Halen and the discipline of Sammy Hagar, but could do well in UK via ethnic credibility" (Sounds, 9/15/79).
Originally released in January 1979, the single sold for £1 at shows and was distributed to nearly anyone in the business who could help the band's exposure. The £1 price was slightly high at a time when most singles sold for around 80p, even colored vinyl variants, though the pricing was probably a downside to the independent release method. Pricing was possibly a result of the 25% interest rate reportedly charged by Janie Taylor, the person who had loaned the band the required money to have the single pressed. She was one of Joe's co-workers at Osborn-Mushet (Raw #121). Regardless of any monetary issues, the first pressing had sold-out by the summer, helped by limited regional radio play, though the band only netted around £60 from the adventure -- which is better than losing money, but not particularly reflective of time or effort.
Joe jumped on stage at Sheffield University during a John Peel DJ session to hand-deliver a copy of the EP. John obliged by playing the single on his BBC Radio 1 show and the single eventually made it to #84 on the BBC singles charts, impressive for a band that didn't even have a recording contract at that point. As a result, the mission was a success and the band started generating press outside of their native city.
A direct benefit from the process of releasing their EP was that the band collected their first management team. The band used many of the records for promotional purposes, sending them out to music magazines, radio stations, and industry figures, along with giving them to friends and selling them at shows. The band also managed to get the single stocked at Sheffield's Revolution Records, owned by Pete Martin and Frank Stuart-Brown. Frank was also a PR rep for Arista Records, though this connection didn't help the band with a deal with a record label. Pete and Frank formed a management company, MSB, and signed Def Leppard to a three-year contract. With the first printing rapidly sold out, the band had a second pressing of 17,000 copies made in mid-1979. These are the yellow label (MSB-001) records.
Around 20,000 copies of all versions of the single are available, the most common being the MSB version. While the band had plenty original material available for recording at the time, the songs chosen for the EP were supposed to be representative of all facets of the band's songwriting and presentation. If nothing else, it was an audio business card of sorts. By the time Phonogram rush re-released the single it was essentially a pointless exercise, though one benefit of the exercise were photographic print ads in the national music press. As they say, "any press is good press," even if the band looked a bit like deer frozen in a car's headlamps!
Leppard Looses Skins
With the departure of Tony Kenning from the embryonic Def Leppard, the band's plight made the local Sheffield Star paper in a feature piece titled, "Leppard Looses Skins," written by Keith Strong. Amusingly, it should be noted that Sav's father was a typesetter at that particular paper. One reader was a friend of 15-year-old Rick Allen, who would be fortunate that Frank Noon had turned down an invitation to join the band. He had his father set up an audition with the band. During this audition he played Thin Lizzy's "Emerald" (a song that was regularly in the band's early live set) and Leppard's "Getcha Rocks Off." He had joined the band by November 28, 1978 and the band had their first definitive line-up. Having played a limited number of gigs in 1978 the band settled into rehearsals with their new drummer who made his debut with the band in December.
Early Club Dates:
January 9, 1979 -- Limit Club, Sheffield
January 10 -- Dial House Club, Sheffield \*\*CANCELLED
January 24 -- Dial House Club, Sheffield
January 25 -- Penthouse, Sheffield
January 26 -- Porterhouse, Retford \*\*CANCELLED
January 27 -- Crowle Community Centre, Crowle
January 28 -- Dickens, Rotherham
February 8 -- Wapentake, Sheffield
February 28 -- Sheffield Polytechnic, Sheffield
March 3 -- Oscar's, Liverpool
March 16 -- Harwood Miner's Welfare Club, Sheffield
March 17 -- Wombwell Reform Club, Sheffield
\*\* Included in the set were covers of Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" and "Boys Are Back In Town," plus UFO's "Doctor Doctor."
March 19 -- Wosborough Dale Workingmen's Club, Sheffield
April 19 -- Middlewood Club, Sheffield
April 23 -- Wosborough Dale Workingmen's Club, Sheffield
BBC Radio Leeds Session Notes:
Recorded April 10, 1979.
Track(s):
01. Wasted [3:33]
02. Sorrow Is A Woman [4:04]
03. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down [4:39]
04. Misty Dreamer [4:34]
Recorded by Julian Rush in a deconsecrated chapel that had been converted into a very basic recording studio that consisted of a couple of Studer stereo tape decks and a basic mixing board. Minimal overdubs were added to the recordings. The session was broadcast the following week and currently stands as their earliest known radio session. It is interesting to note that both "Sorrow Is A Woman" and "Misty Dreamer" were recorded as separate songs, though the latter was noted as "Mr. Dreamer."
Fairview Studio Session II Notes:
Recorded at Fairview Studios, Hull, April 28-29, 1979.
Track(s):
01. Heat Street
[2:51] Pete Willis Rick Savage Joe Elliott
02. Answer To The Master
[3:22] Rick Savage Joe Elliott Pete Willis / Steve Clark
03. See The Lights
[3:34] Joe Elliott / Steve Clark
Backing vocals by Tory Eskridge.
04. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
[3:47] Joe Elliott / Steve Clark
05. Wasted
[3:20] Steve Clark / Joe Elliott
This recording was originally intended to provide material for a follow-up release to the EP. With strong echo effect on song's main riff, especially on the opening, there are minor differences to later versions. The "I've seen things down here that should never be seen" lyric is followed by "Oh no." Terribly minor, perhaps, but the break section also differs: "I'm running in thin air There's nothingness everywhere I've gotta get out I've gotta get out I've gotta get out, oh won't you help me get out?" The song was written quickly, essentially coming together during an evening.
06. Sorrow Is A Woman
[3:49] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage / Pete Willis
This song started out life as "Misty Dreamer" (also known as "Tomorrow Seems Like Yesterday"). It's not clear when the split of "Misty Dreamer" into two separate songs took place in light of both songs apparently being performed at the Leeds radio session.
07. Glad I'm Alive
[4:09] Joe Elliott / Pete Willis
Hilariously often (incorrectly) referred to as "Too Many Jitterbugs" due to the "too many teardrops" lyric being misheard. C'mon, his accent wasn't that strong! In recent years, this song has been officially published through Sony/ATV credited to Elliott Willis Savage Clark Allen.
Produced by Frank Stuart-Brown and Nick Martin. Engineered by Roy Neave. In late April 1979 Def Leppard returned to Fairview Studios to record a new batch of demo material. The session was financed by Frank Stuart-Brown's employer, Arista Records, who were apparently nominally interested in the band at the time.
During their first studio session, the previous November, the band had managed to record three songs. Now, six months later, they churned through seven. With more live performances under their belt, and many more rehearsals, the band was improving technically. The band's growing confidence and experience was apparent. Unfortunately, the band's managers (by that time former managers) released adulterated versions of this material in 1985 as "First Strike."
In the months that followed these sessions it was initially intended that "Wasted" would become the bands second single (EP). Joe expected (at the time) that this second single would be out around Christmas 1979. However, the independent release never occurred due to the band signing with Phonogram.
May 1979 was mostly a period of inactivity for the band. They played one gig on May 2 at the Dial House, though they were now topping the bill with The Rockets opening. The following night they played the Fat Lane Club supporting Bitter Suite, a band that they had regularly gigged with during this early period. For all that, there was little gigging activity things were about to heat up for the band...
Crookes' Working Man's Club Gig Notes:
Show: June 5, 1979
Set list:
01. Glad I'm Alive
02. Rosalie
03. Ride Into The Sun
04. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
05. Answer To The Master
06. The Overture
07. Beyond The Temple
08. Sorrow Is A Woman
09. Emerald
10. Heat Street
11. Good Morning Freedom
12. Wasted
13. Getcha Rocks Off
It's June 5, 1979 and Status Quo are playing Sheffield Town Hall a venue Joe aspires to headline in 1980. Def Leppard have already had a taste of the vagaries of successful gigs, such as their show at Sheffield's Polytechnic on February 28 where they drew "A 500 strong crowd and enjoyed a rapturous reaction" (Sounds, 6/16/79). Scribe Geoff Barton had come up from London with noted photographer Ross Halfin to do a feature for Sounds about the band. Def Leppard are instead playing a Working Man's club on Mulehouse Road in the Sheffield suburbs, but on this night few patrons join the band.
It probably didn't help that the show was on a Tuesday night, but the set is indicative of the band at the time and still included cover material such as "Rosalie" and "Emerald." "Rosalie" had been a flop for Bob Seger when originally released in 1973. However, Thin Lizzy covered the song on their 1975 breakout album "Fighting," though it only became a top-20 hit when released as a live version in 1978 on the "Live And Dangerous" album.
Even with those covers, the transition was being made to a set of predominantly original material. In addition, even the band's original material was starting to be pruned to only the very best that they have. The importance of the show is obvious, within the context of the band's relationship with the press. The show marked the beginning of the band's rapid break out from obscurity, though Geoff was hardly slavish in his review of the band's performance: "Joe Elliott hasn't got a great voice but he has got presence and, really, that's half the battle" (Sounds, 6/16/79). Nevertheless, he did note that the band performed beyond their years, "Played to a degree of tightness usually only achieved after a half-dozen grueling American tours... I must admit to being surprised again: the EP, good as it is, doesn't even hint at Def Leppard's live dynamism" (Sounds, 6/16/79). What a difference a year would make...
Radio Hallam Session Notes:
Recorded May 1979.
Track(s):
01. Answer To The Master
02. Glad I'm Alive
03. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
04. Sorrow Is A Woman
05. Beyond The Temple
Radio Hallam had been one of the first stations to play the Def Leppard EP in January 1979 and was an independent station with Yorkshire broadcast coverage. Colin Slade DJ broadcast the session the week of June 18. Another early supporter of the band, Joe and Sav had entered all of Colin's radio competitions and badgered him to play their music. Colin had also had the band play one of his "Rock Discos" at Sheffield Poly in February.
BBC "Andy Peebles Show" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Recorded June 7, 1979.
Track(s):
01. Wasted
02. Answer To The Master
03. Glad I'm Alive
04. Sorrow Is A Woman
Produced by Jeff Griffin. Recorded at BBC studios in Manchester. By this time, Andy Peebles had moved from provincial radio in Manchester to London where he presented the evening show from 8-10pm (Monday-Thursday). First broadcast the week of June 18, 1979 with the set list above being noted in Sounds (versus others that indicate "Rock Brigade" being performed during this show). Andy ended up with a tape that included Def Leppard material while he was in Sheffield during a Road Show. He liked the band and got them on his show.
Radio Piccadilly (Manchester) Session Notes:
Recorded June 13, 1979.
Track(s):
Unknown
Radio Piccadilly was Manchester's first commercial radio station and had been home to Andy Peebles prior to his move to the BBC in London. This show may have been broadcast the same week as the Andy Peebles session. Pete Willis was unable to get off work for this session and Steve handled all guitars.
More Early Club Dates:
June 12, 1979 -- Sheffield University, Sheffield
June 18 -- High Green Liberal Club, Sheffield
June 23 -- Manchester University, Manchester \*\*CANCELLED
June 25 -- Leeds University, Leeds
June 26 -- Crookes' Workingmen's Club, Sheffield
\*\*The band's final show at this venue was a result of their agreeing to fill in for another band that had been unable to play the date. It is also notable that this show is the first confirmed to be a full original material set, though the encore did include a medley of covers.
Manchester University Gig Notes:
Show: June 30, 1979
Set list:
01. Hello America
02. Ride Into The Sun
03. Rock Brigade
04. Sorrow Is A Woman
05. Answer To The Master
06. Overture
07. Heat Street
08. Satellite
09. Wasted
10. Getcha Rocks Off
This show was rescheduled from the cancelled June 23 date. You'll have to be a bit of a diehard to get through listening to the audience recording of this one as it's dire in terms of quality -- Still the value of the recording as a "historic document" is obvious. As it stands, regardless of any posturing, this is the earliest verified Def Leppard concert recording.
More Early Club Dates:
July 7, 1979 -- Porterhouse, Retford
July 8 -- Rock Garden, Middlesborough
July 23 -- Wombwell Reform Club, Sheffield
July 26 -- Porterhouse, Retford
July 27 -- Rock Garden, Middlesborough
Arista Records were among the eleven labels (including CBS, EMI, Phonogram, and Atlantic) that sent representatives to Def Leppard's showcase at the Porterhouse in Retford on July 26. Apparently, the Arista A&R person departed after just two numbers, but according to the band, the venue was hell to play environmentally. Through the challenge the band showed promise the more open-minded and younger talent scouts and music fanzine writers. While legend has it that only 11 people attended the showcase it is likely that that number has been confused by the number of labels that had made the trip up the M1 motorway for the show. Legends do sound better though! Def Leppard would become one of the few bands to sign a major recording contract without playing London. The band did a second showcase the following night at Rock Garden in Middlesborough.
More Early Club Dates:
August 10 -- Mayfair, Newcastle
\*\* Def Leppard's first show as a label signed act!
August 17 -- Village Newport, Shropshire
(Bio and queue sheet from US radio reel)
"BBC In Concert #231.2" FM Broadcast Notes:
BBC Sound Catalogue CN-3613002
BBC Transcription Services 147319-S (UK, 1980)
Set list:
B1. Glad I'm Alive
[4:32] Joe Elliott / Pete Willis
B2. Hello America
[3:20] Rick Savage / Steve Clark/ Joe Elliott
B3. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
[4:33] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Andy Smith
B4. Rock Brigade
[3:07] Rick Savage / Joe Elliott
B5. Overture
[7:51] Rick Savage / Joe Elliott Steve Clark Pete Willis
B7. Wasted
[3:45] Steve Clark / Joe Elliott
Recorded live at the BBC Paris Theatre in London on August 22, 1979, and probably initially broadcast in the UK soon afterwards (one source suggests September 15). "In Concert" was not a proper release, as such, but a radio show. Issued by BBC for radio airplay, it is for that exact reason that this recording is incredibly desirable nonethe-less! This performance, while short, is a great example of a hungry young band in full flight!
Six of the tracks are commonly found on the "Warchild" bootleg. Collectors should look for BBC Rock Hour #231; this show was distributed to American Radio stations for broadcast on 7/21/80, again with the Jags, on a RKO Tape Corp Reel-to-Reel, which includes photocopied cue sheet and Def Leppard's 1980 bio. It should be noted that the famed "Live at the Top" bootleg includes all seven tracks combined with a couple of tracks added in from the Reading Festival FM broadcast. Vinyl versions in imitation BBC Transcription sleeves, with a 1976 AC/DC session, are often of poor pressing quality and are bootlegs.
It should also be noted that there are at least two versions of the radio show. The first is presented by Richard Skinner and contains "Rock Brigade" instead of "When The Walls Came Tumbling Down." The other common circulating version, introduced by Brian Matthews, contains the latter track in place of the former. With a running time of 28 minutes 16 seconds, it appears all seven tracks are from the same session.
More Early Club Dates:
August 30, 1979 -- Fusion Club, Chesterfield
August 31 -- 76 Club, Burton-on-Trent
September 1 -- Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
\*\*The 29th annual "Sheffield Show." The band were guests of Radio Hallam who broadcast their set on the radio, their first such live performance. Tony Kenning attended this show.
September 5 -- Swan Hotel, Bolton
September 6 -- Norbeck Hotel, Blackpool
September 7 -- Lafayette Club, Wolverhampton
\*\*The stage at this venue was only six inches off the dance floor; "Emerald" and "Rosalie" were still in the set, and "Wasted" was an encore.
September 8 -- Pavilion, West Runton
III
Ignition!
Wasted
"Wasted" 7" Single Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram 6059-247 (United Kingdom)
Track(s):
A1. Wasted
[2:56] Steve Clark / Joe Elliott
This version of the recording has a more sonically basic and un-enhanced riff. However, strong vocal echo effects are added to several lines: "I've got a bottle of pills to give me my thrills" (thrills echo), "And I know I'm leading a life that kills" (kills echoes), and "Wasted - I'm going insane" (insane vari-speeded and echoes). The break retains the same arrangement as on the April 1979 version, but the song seems to have a somewhat faster tempo. The "wasted" lyric in the chorus now sounds more like a full band contribution.
The Sabbath comparisons that had given the band "Bludgeon-Riffola" didn't end: "H M clones Def Leppard are able to adopt the attitudes of their elderly peers even before their adolescence is over -- in fact adopting a Black Sabbath stance even before fully realizing the benefits that such posturing could lead to. They'll have a breakdown when they find out. Its brilliant heavy metal by numbers by young talented musicians" (Record Mirror Review, 11/10/79).
The "Wasted" "Hello America" single barely troubled the UK charts only managing a three-week appearance with a high position of #61. Cliff Burnstein apparently refused to have this single released in America, fearing that it would simply do damage the band's future there (Raw, 1993). This song was simply written about "A kid who hasn't been further than Bridlington, who's from Sheffield kind of thing, it's basically just a fantasy. I didn't write it as a sell-out song to gain popularity in America... It was just a song about me wanting to visit America and see all the places you see on film" (Sounds, 74/81). The date of that interview should indicate why Joe sounds so defensive.
Produced by Nick Tauber and Def Leppard. Recorded at Olympic Studios, London. These tracks were released in November 1979 in place of material originally recorded as a possible independent follow-up to the first EP. These recordings are also different from those that were eventually released on the "On Through The Night" album in 1980. "Glad I'm Alive" and "Rock Brigade" were also recorded during these sessions, but remain unreleased/unleaked.
The band went so far as to design a cover for the single that flowed with the style of the first single. Andy Royston created a drawn "Leppard" illustration for the front, while a picture of the band, taken on top of the spoon factory by Steve Drury, was intended be used on the rear. Steve was a friend of Rick Savage's from British Rail. The work done on the single in June turned out to be irrelevant when the band signed with Phonogram on August 5, 1979.
The record label optioned the EP for a third pressing and for one reason or another didn't want to use the cover for a new single. As a result, it was abandoned like the original recordings from the Fairview Studios sessions in April. Instead of the stylized two-color artwork, Phonogram used individual live pictures of the band members, taken during their tour supporting Sammy Hagar, on the front sleeve. The rear sleeve featured a white boot, which some genius had come up with for a "putting the boot in" ad campaign -- While Steve had in fact worn that boot, the connection between it and the band was not immediately obvious. That term ended up being used in print, notably in promotion for the AC/DC tour (appearing in that band's UK tour book and in print ads). It's hard to consider whether that was an improvement on the previous ad campaign for the EP reissue: "Def Leppard... Will leave your ears breathless." At least the latter featured a band picture, rather than footwear!
The "Wasted" / "Hello America" single is often listed in discographies associated with the "On Through The Night" album, but since they're different recordings, they really have nothing to do with the first album. Tauber was one of three choices the label provided for producer, the others being Chas Chandler and Roy Wood. Nick had at least worked with Thin Lizzy, and with the status of that band's influence on Def Leppard the decision must have at least seemed obvious. However, Joe has suggested that he would have liked Jeff Glixman or Terry Brown to produce the band's material, particularly "Overture."
Def Leppard signing with Phonogram also sowed the seeds for a change in management, though it was with no small amount of good luck (or bad for the then managers). The EP had also made its way to the United States where A&R executive Cliff Burnstein at Mercury records heard it. Cliff, according to Joe (Vault Promo Interview), got in touch with the London label to have the band checked out. Junior A&R executive David Bates reportedly attended a Def Leppard show at the Porterhouse in Retford on July 7, 1979. At the same time certain members of the band were starting to feel that their original managers, Frank Stuart-Brown and Pete Martin, were out of their depth as the band progressed, regardless of their enthusiasm.
Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein were in the right place at the right time, making things happen in the background. Peter was highly involved with AC/DC, whom Def Leppard just happened to be opening for... By the following year Burnstein had left Mercury Records and joined Leber-Krebs who had bought out Leppards original management contract. MSB shouldn't be discounted since they took the inexperienced band and got them on minor tours with ex-Montrose singer Sammy Hagar and AC/DC. However, in doing so in the case of the latter, they probably sealed their own fate.
On Tour With... Sammy Hagar Notes:
Sammy was supporting his album "Street Machine" (Capitol ST-11983) that had been released in August.
September 13, 1979 -- Mayfair, Newcastle
September 14 -- Free Trade Hall, Manchester
September 15 -- Odeon, Birmingham
September 16 -- The Odeon, Hammersmith, London
\*\*The band did well at their first major London gig and even got an encore. Even with their inexperience, they gave the headliner a run for his money with their performance. Reviewed by Harry Doherty, the band's performance was strong enough for him to comment: "This young British band had the audience on its feet with a selection of rockers that oozed raw energy" (Melody Maker, 9/22/79). However, it was noted that the band still had to develop their stagecraft.
Sammy Hagar's brief tour gave Def Leppard their first entry to some legendary venues throughout England, at a time when they were still playing bars and minor clubs having not yet graduated to the so-called "Odeon" circuit. Getting the band on this bill was a major accomplishment for the band's original management team, even though the tour was only comprised of four dates and opening acts often paid the headliner for the privilege of being exposed.
Following the tour, the band hit Olympic Studios with Nick Tauber, suitably energized from their outing with the American rocker. This would be the band's first "proper" recording experience, and Tauber was apparently tasked with cleaning up the band's sound. The band's next gigs came towards the end of the month:
September 28, 1979 -- Leicester Polytechnic, Leicester
September 29 -- Nottingham Boat Club, Nottingham
October 2 -- Imperial College, London
October 4 -- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
October 5 -- Rock Gardens, Middlesborough
October 6 -- Norwich University, Norwich
"Friday Rock Show" Radio Session Notes:
Broadcast October 3, 1979.
Track(s):
01. Satellite
02. Rock Brigade
03. Wasted
04. Good Morning Freedom
Presented by Tommy Vance. Recorded at Studio 6 at BBC's Maida Vale, London studio on a Neve 16 track recorder. Performed in the studio without an audience for BBC Radio 1. The Friday Rock Show started in October 1978. It was a year later that the show started broadcasting specifically recorded live sessions. The first artist for this new format? Def Leppard. Other acts soon recorded included Samson (then featuring Bruce Dickinson) and Iron Maiden. How appropriate. Since there is a gap in the band's tour schedule between September 30 and October 1, so perhaps the jigsaw pieces fit together. The session was originally broadcast on October 3. The session was rebroadcast on December 14, 2007 on the Bruce Dickenson hosted version of the show, excluding track 2...
On Tour With... AC/DC Notes:
This brief tour took Def Leppard on the road throughout the UK with the legendary Aussie rockers who were supporting their "Highway To Hell" album. Trade ads featured the notorious "Wasted" single "boot" artwork concept being milked for all its worth: "Def Leppard are putting the boot in on their tour as special guests of AC/DC." It still didn't make the concept any clearer! In fact, the first night of the tour was cancelled when a fire broke out in the venue's basement.
October 25, 1979 -- Mayfair Suite, Newcastle \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*This show was rescheduled for January 25, along with another cancelled gig make-up on Southampton on the 27th. Def Leppard weren't involved in those dates.
October 26 -- Mayfair Suite, Newcastle
October 27 -- The Apollo, Glasgow
October 28 -- The Apollo, Glasgow
October 29 -- The Apollo, Manchester
October 30 -- The Apollo, Manchester
November 1 -- The Odeon, Hammersmith, London
November 2 -- The Odeon, Hammersmith, London
November 3 -- The Odeon, Hammersmith, London
November 4 -- The Odeon, Hammersmith, London
\*\*All of the London dates were sold out, as was much of the tour for that matter.
November 5 -- The Empire Theatre, Liverpool
November 6 -- The Empire Theatre, Liverpool
November 8 -- New Bingley Hall, Stafford
\*\*Mutt Lange was brought to the show a bit early by Peter Mensch to witness the young band...
November 9 -- DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
There were no Sheffield dates included on the itinerary and the dates were some of the final shows the band played before recording the "On Through The Night" album. The band was still the darlings of the English press with one review noting: "Def Leppard are getting to the stage where they'll soon be able to command an audience of AC/DC size themselves. They're getting out of the kindergarten school of heavy metal and knocking off the rough edges. Joe Elliott's fast emerging as Sheffield's answer to Robert Plant and the rest of the band aren't short on positive theatrics. Tonight Hammersmith Odeon, next year the world" (Robin Smith -- "Highway To Hammersmith," Record Mirror, 11/10/79).
Winter Tour 1980 Notes:
Leading up to the release of the album the band hit the road for a series of UK club dates. Opening act for the tour was Witchfynde who were supporting their "Give 'Em Hell" album on Rondolet Records. Smaller local opening acts were also used at certain gigs, allowing Def Leppard to be magnanimous and promote the visibility of bands enduring the same struggle they'd had. It also probably helped bring in customers to the venues to support their local more than anything else.
January 18, 1980 -- University, Aberdeen, Scotland
January 19 -- University, Dundee, Scotland
January 20 -- Tiffany's, Glasgow, Scotland
\*\*Around 700 attended this show, which like the following night's show concluded with encores "Ride Into The Sun" and "Rocks Off." Steve and Joe were interviewed by Allan Jones for Melody Maker following the show: "Elliott and Clark are in their hotel room fielding questions. Elliott is affable, forthright, confident; not at all the offensively cocky individual I had been led to expect. Clark is drunk and getting worse" (Melody Maker, 2/2/80). The feature resulting from the interview, while not being particularly kind to Steve (in retrospect) did get their opinions of assorted current bands, including Girl. Joe: "I've never heard Girl. I can't really comment on them. But to be honest, I don't think they've got a future. Their image is all wrong." Steve: "How could a heavy metal audience freak out in front of a group that looks like a gang of transvestites?"
Tiffany's, Edinburgh Gig Notes:
Show: January 21, 1980.
Set list:
01. It Could Be You
02. Hello America
03. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
04. Rock Brigade
05. Overture
06. Answer To The Master
07. Sorrow Is A Woman
08. Good Morning Freedom
09. Satellite
10. It Don't Matter
11. Wasted
12. Ride Into The Sun
13. Getcha Rocks Off
If this show is indicative of the sets played during this first major UK tour, then the band threw nearly everything, plus the kitchen sink, into their set. Material not recorded for the first album had now fallen by the wayside. This was also the case with the Thin Lizzy and other covers.
(Show ad from Feb. 1980)
January 22, 1980 -- The Pavilion, Ayr, Scotland
January 23 -- University, Liverpool, England
January 25 -- Tower Club, Oldham, England
January 26 -- University, Newcastle, England
January 27 -- The Marquee, London, England
January 28 -- The Marquee, London, England
January 30 -- University, Bradford, England
February 1 -- Rock Garden, Middlesborough, England
February 3 -- Belle Vue, Manchester, England
February 4 -- The Ritz, Stockport, England
February 5 -- University, Leicester, England
February 6 -- University, Exeter, England
February 8 -- Pavilion, West Runton, England
February 9 -- Porterhouse, Retford, England
February 10 -- Top Rank, Birmingham, England
February 11 -- Granary, Bristol, England
February 12 -- Top Rank, Cardiff, Wales
February 13 -- Routes Club, Exeter, England
February 15 -- Winter Gardens, Malvern, England
February 16 -- Friars, Aylesbury, England w/ Sledgehammer
February 17 -- Town Hall, Cheltenham, England
\*\*A gig at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall was originally scheduled for this date, but was cancelled.
February 18 -- Town Hall, Loughborough, England
February 19 -- Town Hall, Loughborough, England
\*\*A second date at this venue noted in the 2/16 edition of Sounds may have been an error.
February 19 -- University, Cheltenham, England \*\*CANCELLED
February 20 -- Top Rank Club, Sheffield, England w/ Deadringer
February 21 -- Central Hall, Grimsby, England
February 22 -- Grand Pavilion, Withernsea, England
February 23 -- Boat Club, Nottingham, England
February 24 -- Fforde Green Hotel, Leeds, England
February 25 -- Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth, England
February 26 -- Town Hall, Bournmouth, England
February 27 -- Music Machine, Camden, England w/ DJ Neal Kay
February 28 -- Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, England
February 29 -- Mayfair Club, Newcastle, England
IV
Lift-off!
Goodbye England, Hello?
"Hello America" 7" Single Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram LEPP-1 (UK, 1980)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6059 253 (Europe, 1980)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6059 270 (Holland, 1980 -- Picture Sleeve)
Vertigo/Nippon Phonogram SFL-2485 (Japan, 1980)
Track(s):
A1. Hello America
[3:27] Rick Savage Steve Clark Joe Elliott
Joe knew nothing about America, and had never been on a plane, so the song is nothing more than a fantasy piece. According to Joe, he even had to look at a map to find city names that would rhyme in the lyrics...
B1. Good Morning Freedom
[2:52] Steve Clark Rick Savage Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
This was the first non-album B-side released by the band, though the song was often included in the band's early sets. The song was recorded during the first album sessions. Unfortunately, the band weren't too pleased with the record company for failing to mention that the song wasn't included on the album and that the version of "Hello America" was not the same recording as had been released the previous year, but they didn't have the confidence to deal with any issues with the label at that point. The band finally registered the copyright for this song, in the United States, in 1998!
Released on February 8, 1980, "Hello America" is interesting due to its inclusion of a non-album B-Side. The Japanese version of the single featured "Getcha Rocks Off" as the B-side while Holland's incredibly rare issue had "It Could Be You" in a blue tinted monochromatic sleeve. The band had originally wanted "Rock Brigade," one of the then newer songs in their catalog, to be the first single off the album, but the record company chose "Hello America" instead. According to Joe, "We were a little annoyed but we thought, well, OK, maybe Phonogram know best, maybe it's an equally commercial song" (Sounds, 3/1/80). That quote would one of several used to fuel the UK backlash against the band and their seeming pliability in the hands of the "suits."
Regardless, the issues were not great enough for the band to take the company to task, since they were still a young band aiming for success, something that required the support of the label -- even when they appeared to be doing some rather clueless things (take, for example, the rear cover of the 1979 "Wasted" single -- 'nuff said). As a new and particularly young act, the band also lacked the clout to disagree with the label. It is also possible that due to their ages they were perhaps simply too impressed by even having a record deal that they weren't going to make any waves until they were more experienced. The single improved on the performance of "Wasted" and reached a more respectable #45 on the UK charts. The band also eventually got their wish with "Rock Brigade" being released as a single in the United States.
The Rock Brigade
"On Through The Night" Album Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram 9102-040 (UK, 3/14/1980)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6360-180 (Australia)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6360-180 (Europe, 1980)
Vertigo RJ-7664 (Japan, 1980)
Vertigo 20PP-91 (Japan, 1980s reissue)
Vertigo 28PP-525 (Japan, 1980s -- Picture Disc CD)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-6004 (Japan, 1992)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-4192 (Japan, 1992)
Universal Music Group UICY-2425 (Japan, 11/21/03)
Universal Music Group UICY-6384 (Japan, 8/30/06)
Universal Music Group UICR-93450 (Japan, 4/30/08 -- Mini LP)
PolyGram LPR-23039 (Mexico, 1984)
Mercury SRM-1-3828 (Canada, 1980)
Mercury SRM-1-3828 (USA, 4/22/1980)
Mercury/PolyGram 822 533-1/2/4 (USA, 1980s Reissue)
Track(s):
According to Rick, "This was one of the first songs we wrote. It was put together very quickly one evening during rehearsals. (Original Def Leppard guitarist) Pete Willis played the solo. At the time, he was going through a Michael Schenker phase, and I think he tried to recreate that type of tone as best he could. Overall, his contribution to our first album was pretty major. What comes through on 'Rock Brigade' is that we were a guitar group that played metal riffs, but we wanted to add some depth over the top that was more melodic than metal was used to. And if that meant doing three-part vocal harmonies on the chorus, that was what we wanted. We fused a bit of everything into our sound - from the metal of Judas Priest to the harmonies of Queen" (Guitar School, October 1996).
A3. Sorrow Is A Woman
[3:54] Rick Savage Steve Clark Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
A4. It Could Be You
[2:33] Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
A5. Satellite
[4:28] Rick Savage Steve Clark Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
Tracks A3-5 were performed during the US tour. "Satellite," along with "Rocks Off" was included on the European compilation "Heavy Rock" (Phonogram 6498-093) released during 1980. The band would have been proud to be in the company of Thin Lizzy and Rush who also featured on the album along with Black Sabbath and Status Quo.
A6. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
[4:44] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Andy Smith
Spoken word by David Cousins from the Strawbs who was brought into the session by Tom Allom. Band roadie and Joe's mate Andy Smith received a co-writing credit on this song. The band had borrowed a car belonging to Andy's father to transport their equipment to their first gig with Steve Clark at Westfield School in July 1978.
According to Rick Savage, "We were rehearsing one night and Steve Clark (Leppard's former co-guitarist) missed his bus and was late for rehearsals. About a half-hour into rehearsals Steve comes diving through the door, runs across the room to pick up his guitar and then immediately starts blasting out the riff to 'Wasted.' It had come to him while he was riding on the bus and he didn't want to forget it. I'll never forget seeing him play this riff that nobody had heard before but the whole band thought it was amazing. And he wasn't wasted - the lyrics came a bit later" (Guitar School, October 1996).
The slightly re-titled recording of "Getcha Rocks Off." There were no arrangement changes from the EP version, though the song was presented as a pseudo-live version.
B3. It Don't Matter
[3:21] Pete Willis Joe Elliott Steve Clark
B4. Answer To The Master
[3:13] Pete Willis Steve Clark R. Savage / Joe Elliott
Both B3 & B4 were performed during the US tour.
B5. Overture
[7:44] Rick Savage Steve Clark Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
Produced by (Colonel) Tom Allom. Engineered by Louis "Snook" Austin and Dick Plant. Recorded at Starling Studios, Ascot, England, November '79 -- January 5, 1980. Album cover illustration by Melvin Smith; Album sleeve photography by Robert Ellis. Released March 14, 1980. Some copies of the original UK pressing have "Unleashed Leopard" etched into the vinyl on the A-side matrix and "Heavey (sic) Racket" on the B (similar to the more famous joke etched into "Pyromania").
Tom Allom had worked with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest and Leppard's manager loved his work on Pat Traver's live album, resulting in his hiring to produce the album. However, his work with those bands didn't result in the Leppard album being sonically pleasing. According to Geoff Barton, "Producer 'Colonel' Tom Allom has give the band such a smooth, sanitized sound I can scarcely believe that he's the same man who sat at the boards for 'Unleashed In The East' [Ed - Judas Priest] and made it ROAR! so threateningly" (Sounds, 3/22/80). Allom had essentially neutered the Leppard.
Geoff also complained, perhaps fairly, that too many of the songs on the album had already been released in different formats. One must wonder what the Rolling Stone reviewer was smoking to consider "Tom Allom's battering-ram production," but "tight, three-minute pop arrangements," was quite accurate, as was "'On Through The Night' is awfully impressive for a band making its vinyl debut" (Rolling Stone, 6/26/80).
"On Through The Night" was without doubt a total dilution of the band's sound that did nothing to try and present the band's growing "live dynamism" or rawness. It was at least partially because of "Unleashed In The East" that Tom was considered for the production role, and he certainly didn't do any damage to Priest's follow-up, "British Steel" which was recorded in early 1980. As a result, it is left to the uninitiated to ponder what exactly went on in the studio for Tom to produce such a piece of vinyl, and for it to be deemed acceptable for release, particularly by the record label and those with more experience than the young band.
Rick surmises the album: "Star struck teens at Ringo Starr's home recording studio in the south of England. Motorbikes in the swimming pool, vodka bottles for daze. The most fun any band had doing any record in any studio... Which is why we never listen to it anymore" (LEPDD-16 postcard #1). That expression has long suggested the overall problem the band has with the album and the original material. Not least that they've matured and developed from this musical stage in their lives, but that they simply recorded the album in a couple of weeks and then spent too much time having fun and adding unnecessary stuff to the album. However, it cannot be said that the band learned not to tinker with their recordings...
The album did reasonably well reaching #15 in the UK and #51 in the United States. However, the band was quickly facing something of a backlash in their home country, and the so-called mantle of "leaders of the NWOBHM" was transferred to Iron Maiden. Part of the reaction to the album was a result of the perceived "sell-out" by the band in regards to America. Be it through songs or cover illustrations. It was clear that even at this early stage the band had set lofty goals, outside of the borders of their native country, and at a time when the band had really barely played within that country. Part of the reaction was a result of the seeming domination of the band by the record company. Age and lack of experience certainly had something to do with that, though there is the obvious "don't bite the hand that feeds" adage to consider. Part of the reaction was probably the age-old British habit of turning on home-grown talent once they attain any level of success and popularity, especially those who do not appear humble enough. Nothing more than some wanting to "put them back in their place."
Where some accused the band as being a product of press hype, the press certainly promoted a so-called rivalry with London band Iron Maiden, who didn't quite receive the same press attention as the Sheffield band. The two bands were very similar, having both taken the independent route to being noticed. Both bands played rock in the face of the waning punk movement. Iron Maiden's classic "Soundhouse Tapes" got them signed with EMI, and both bands released their debut albums around the same time. Maiden were initially "behind" Leppard with the release of their independent EP only occurring on November 9, 1979 coinciding with their first headlining UK tour (ahead of Leppard's which didn't start until January).
Iron Maiden, however, nailed the charts with their debut hitting #4. That was enough for some to believe that Maiden were now winning some vacuous competition. The bands wouldn't have given a toss, and were simply trying to do the best they could. Between "Iron Maiden" and "On Through The Night" are several differences worth noting. Where Def Leppard had a notable producer, Iron Maiden used Will Malone, though by all accounts the engineer and the band had more to do with the production of that album. Instead of some über-polished product, Iron Maiden produced a rough and raw beast that matched their image and live sound. The band also continued to focus on the British and European markets, and didn't venture to America until mid-1981, thus keeping the home fires burning...
In the March 1 issue of Sounds Def Leppard picked up Best New Band and Best Single (for the EP), but the award was poisoned by the volte-face performed by the press, particularly Sounds. Regardless of any fairness in the constructive (and non-constructive) criticism about the band's recordings, the 2/23, 3/1, and 3/22 issues all carried negative features concerning the band. In the February issue Mick Middle savaged the band in his "Hello America" review: "They once had the power to penetrate but unfortunately their complete trust in the business has rendered them useless... Hello America, goodbye England. Goodbye Def Leppard" (Sounds, 2/23/80). To be fair, Mick did at least blame fellow scribe Geoff Barton for his over-hyping of the band.
However, it's not simply a matter of blaming Sounds; Melody Maker described the single as "laudably terse." Geoff's extended featuring in the March 1 issue further explored how he felt about the band's changes in the eight months following his first Sheffield trip. Having joined the band for their February 20 gig in Sheffield, he was now being entertained by a signed band, and had been brought to the show with a Phonogram press person and was housed at a decent hotel. He was essentially being wined and dined, something he should have been well used to in the industry. From the dinginess of Workingmen's Club, he simply didn't find the experience as "fun." Perhaps Joe should have driven him to the show and stopped for fish 'n chips as they'd done in mid-1979. One must wonder whether people didn't expect the band to progress or change.
Whatever the case, the band was certainly behaving differently. Since signing with a major label the band had undertaken major opening stints with Sammy Hagar and AC/DC, recorded an album, and hit the road on their first real tour of Britain. The vast majority of their gigging prior to 1980 had been regional, and in minor venues at best. Neither had they been prolific performers. For those, like Geoff, who had seen the band in 1979, they had only been performing for a year at that point. He'd witnessed the genesis of the band, rather than seeing them after they'd gotten through their terrible-twos. The concert going public also saw the band really finding their feet, live and on stage in their town!
The feeling that the band were being "swamped by the 'business'" (Sounds, 3/16/80) wasn't going to be easily assuaged. The band's sound was being criticized. Nearly everything about the band was being criticized. Even the album cover was described as being "tackier than a half-eaten sherbet lemon" and packing "as much impact as a slap in the face with a stale chapatti." That sort of review was nothing more than unnecessarily inflammatory though extravagant prose. It was almost that those in the business had forgotten how the business can affect bands and how bands need to pick their fights over artistic control. Regardless of the aforementioned sentiment, the album was anointed "a pretty good album."
"On Through The UK" Tour Notes:
This tour is notable as being the band's first headlining tour of major venues. The band had already completed a club tour earlier in the year. Twelve varying local third acts were used during the tour. Magnum were supporting their "Marauder" live album (Jet 230), that band's first to make in-roads on the UK charts.
April 5, 1980 -- City Hall, St. Albans
April 6 -- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
April 7 -- The Empire, Liverpool
April 8 -- The Apollo, Manchester w/ Tygers of Pang Tang
April 10 -- City Hall, Sheffield w/ Heritage
April 11 -- Victoria Hall, Hanley w/ Expozer
April 12 -- New Cornish Riviera, St. Austell w/ Baby Jane
\*\*Some ads alternatively list the Point Fives in support at this Saturday gig.
April 13 -- The Lyceum, London w/ Tygers of Pang Tang
April 14 -- Colston Hall, Bristol w/ Lautrec
April 15 -- The Odeon, Birmingham w/ Jameson Raid
April 17 -- King George's Hall, Blackburn
April 18 -- St. George's Hall, Bradford
April 19 -- The Apollo, Glasgow, Scotland
April 20 -- City Hall, Newcastle
\*\*Famously reviewed with the comment: "Fans must have inhibitions about letting it all rip when the kid playing the guitar looks as though he could still get half fare on the bus" (Sounds, 4/26/80).
April 22 -- Corn Exchange, Cambridge
April 23 -- Central Hall, Chatham
April 24 -- Pier Pavilion, Hastings
April 25 -- Gaumont Theatre, Southampton w/ The Point Fives
April 26 -- New Theatre, Oxford
\*\*This show was recorded for use as a live EP. The idea was later abandoned.
April 27 -- De Montfort Hall, Leicester w/ Quartz
April 29 -- The Assembly Rooms, Derby w/ Dawn Trader
Ironically, May 1980 ultimately marked "hello America, goodbye England" for the band. Whatever the case as the so-called passing of the NWOBHM torch, whatever that actually meant, Def Leppard were hungry for new challenges and a new market for their music and increasingly confident show. That market, with Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein guiding the band, was hardly going to be Europe. Regardless of any other plan, the band had already put in plenty of roadwork at home during the early part of the year. Instead, the band followed the time-honored advice of, "look west, young man." There was little point remaining in Britain and trying to persuade the music press that they'd been wrong about the band, but Def Leppard may simply have been going after the largest market of all. Perhaps it was also hoped that absence would make the heart grow fonder, or at least allow the negative hype to blow over, particularly if the band had a successful US visit that they could trumpet on their return.
US "On Through The Night" Tour Notes:
May 20, 1980 -- Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA
\*\*First US concert. The band opened for Pat Travers who had been on tour since April. Pat was touring in support of his top 20 hit album "Crash and Burn" which included the classic "Snortin' Whiskey." Joe was somewhat more impressed by the fact that he was performing on the same stage as a bootleg he had from David Bowie in 1972...
May 21 -- Warner Theater, Fresno, CA
\*\*US Concert #2. This show was circulates in collector's circles and features: When The Walls Came Tumbling Down It Could Be You Hello America Satellite Lady Strange Rock Brigade Answer To The Master It Don't Matter Rocks Off Wasted Ride Into The Sun. In contrast with the British tour, only songs such as "Overture," "Sorrow Is A Woman," and "Good Morning Freedom" were lost from the shorter opening-act set (with "Lady Strange" being a replacement).
May 22 -- Centennial Coliseum, Reno, NV
May 23 -- The Warfield, San Francisco, CA
\*\*On the same night, Ted Nugent and The Scorpions were playing the Cow Palace in Daly City (near San Francisco). Def Leppard eventually toured with both bands, in the US and Europe.
May 24 -- Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA
May 25 -- Auditorium, Oakland, CA
May 26 -- Auditorium, Sacramento, CA
May 28 -- University Auditorium, Eugene, OR
May 29 -- Coliseum, Portland, OR
\*\*Last show with Pat Travers. Pat moved on to Spokane, Washington, the following day. Def Leppard spent a day in transit in order to hook up with Judas Priest in Texas. It was also during this period that the band's equipment went missing while being shipped to Texas. Interestingly, after recording Def Leppard's album, Tom Allom had worked with Judas Priest for their "British Steel" album, which the band was then supporting. Priest had recorded at the same studio Def Leppard had used for their album...
May 31 -- The Summit, Houston, TX
\*\*First concert with Judas Priest who had released "British Steel" in March. Def Leppard's crew had to rapidly round up gear for the show. Many great concerts were filmed by the Summit's in-house video system, notably sets by KISS and AC/DC, so perhaps there is hope that Leppard was taped at one of their performances at this venue.
June 1 -- Civic Center, San Antonio, TX w/ Judas Priest
June 2 -- Coliseum, Corpus Christi, TX w/ Judas Priest
June 6 -- Chaparral Center Arena, Midland, TX w/ Judas Priest
June 7 -- County Coliseum, El Paso, TX w/ Judas Priest
June 11 -- Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
\*\*First concert with Ted Nugent and The Scorpions. Both of those bands would share a King Biscuit Flower Hour radio broadcast in December. Both Def Leppard's "On Through The Night" and the Scorpion's "Animal Magnetism" had shared a review, along with Van Halen's "Women And Children First" in Rolling Stone magazine.
June 12 -- Memorial Auditorium, Des Moines, IA
June 13 -- Madison, WI
June 14 -- Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI
\*\*Broadcast on radio. "Medicine Man" is in the set at this stage...
June 16 -- Chicago, IL
June 17 -- The Checkerdome, St. Louis, MO
June 18 -- Kemper Memorial Arena, Kansas City, MO
June 20 -- Denver, CO
\*\*The day following this show Ted went to Los Angeles to take part in a celebrity off-road Jeep competition.
June 21 -- Albuquerque, NM
June 22 -- Phoenix, AZ
June 25 -- Convention Center Arena, San Antonio, TX
June 26 -- Dallas, TX
June 27 -- The Summit, Houston, TX
June 28 -- Baton Rouge, LA
June 29 -- Riverside Centroplex, Baton Rouge, LA w/ Ted Nugent
July 1 -- Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
July 2 -- Rochester Auditorium, New York, NY w/ Judas Priest
July 3 -- Convention Center, Asbury Park, NJ w/ Judas Priest
July 4 -- Stage West, Hartford, CT
July 5 -- Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead, NY w/ Judas Priest
July 7 -- Calderone Hall, Long Island, NY w/ Judas Priest
July 8 -- Towson Center, Towson, MD w/ Judas Priest
July 12 -- Legend Valley, Hebron, OH
\*\*This all-day festival included The Scorpions, Blackfoot, J. Geils Band, and headliner Ted Nugent. Def Leppard played the opening set starting at 11:30am.
July 13 -- Capitol Center, Largo, MD w/ The Scorpions
July 14 -- Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA w/ The Scorpions
July 15 -- Coliseum, New Haven, CT w/ Ted Nugent & Scorpions
July 16 -- Niagara Falls, NY w/ The Scorpions
July 18 -- Providence, RI w/ The Scorpions
July 20 -- Portland, ME
July 22 -- Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO w/ Judas Priest
July 25 -- Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL w/ The Scorpions
July 26 -- Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL w/ The Scorpions
July 28 -- Civic Center, Dubuque, IA w/ Judas Priest
July 29 -- Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI w/ Scorpions
\*\*Judas Priest was playing a gig elsewhere on this date.
July 30 -- Public Hall, Cleveland, OH w/ Judas Priest
July 31 -- Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA w/ Judas Priest
August 1 -- Palladium, New York, NY \*\*SOLD OUT
\*\*This show was a one-off gig at the legendary Academy Of Music venue. What a way to celebrate Joe's 21st birthday, with the band again opening for AC/DC who were supporting their "Back in Black" album. It was the second stint with AC/DC in less than a year, thus opening for the band with both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. Humble Pie, in the process of an attempted revival by Steve Marriot, was the second act on the bill of this show.
August 2 -- The Garden, Boston, MA w/ Judas Priest
August 3 -- Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY
\*\*With Judas Priest and the Scorpions. A girl fell from the Wells & Coverly Inc. building attempting to sneak into this sold-out show (she survived). According to Rob Halford, this show marked the end of the tour (Syracuse Post Standard, 8/1/80). Judas Priest and Scorpions returning to Britain for the 1980 "Monsters of Rock" festival with headliners Rainbow. Joe suggested in Kerrang that the band took two or three weeks off to write and rehearse prior to the Reading Festival.
"Rock Brigade" 7" Single Notes:
Mercury 76064 (USA, 1980 -- A1/B1)
Mercury MK-144 (USA, 1980 -- Promo 12' EP, A1 on both sides)
Vertigo/Phonogram 7PP-4 (Japan, 1980 -- A1/B2)
Track(s):
B1. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down [4:44]
B2. Hello America [3:27]
Released in May 1980 the single failed to crack the US top-100 peaking at #106 on the Billboard charts. The single also only managed two weeks at #97 on Cashbox. It was also released in Japan backed with "Hello America," featuring the usual sort of picture overlay sheet with a live performance shot of the band (and no boot).
The US regular version of this single is rather rare and probably did not see wide distribution during its initial release. It lists the European style matrix code as well (6059 286) which seems to indicate that there may have been abandoned plans to release the single there too. The promotional version has the usual stereo mix on one side and mono on the other, as was standard practice at the time. The 12" promo single had a cartoon-ish "deaf leopard" and the album cover on a primarily white background.
(L -- First US single; R -- Triple act promo 45)
Various Artists "Rock Brigade" 7" EP Notes:
Mercury DJ-569 (USA, 1980 -- 3 Track 7" EP)
Track(s):
A1. Rock Brigade (Def Leppard)
B1. Money Changes Everything (Brains)
B2. Falling In Love (Scorpions)
This 7" 33-1/3 rpm promotional EP came with a basic sleeve that detailed the songs and little more. The cover also promotes various radio stations: One includes WYSP, which based in Philadelphia and was about to become the first American classic rock radio station; another promotes KLOS, the Southern California rock station that the band debuted the "Slang" album in America years later; another was specifically for San Diego's KPRI. It seems likely that there are additional versions from other major rock stations. The band was touring with the Scorpions, and Phonogram were promoting the three bands together in magazines, explaining the mixed artist grouping on this single. However, it was clear with which artist the focus of the single was directed.
If Britain had turned their backs on Def Leppard, then the band were certainly embraced by the United States. On the strength of their road work during the 1980 tour the band captured that year's "Best New Group" award by Circus magazine, a honor previously claimed by the likes of Foreigner, The Cars, and Bad Company. The #51 debut in the US was certainly impressive, so it was clear that the band were going to pursue success in a market responsive to them. If touring the US so early in their career was a gamble by their management, then it certainly paid off.
"Reading Festival" FM Broadcast Notes:
FM Broadcast (August, 1980)
Track(s):
01. It Could Be You
02. It' Don't Matter
03. Long Way From Home
[3:26] Unknown
This song was never released and may have been one of the early tracks written for the second album. Unfortunately, the recording of the show omits any intro that may have been present. Ironically, like "Medicine Man," this song shares its title with a Whitesnake song of the period (though that's where the sharing ends).
04. Answer To The Master
05. Rock Brigade
06. Me & My Wine
[3:25] Rick Savage Steve Clark Joe Elliott
Introduced as "another new song." There were some minor arrangement changes between those early performances and the 1981 studio version. It had been the band's plan to debut this and "Long Way From Home" at the festival performance since they had nothing to lose by trying out new material on their toughest critics to see if there was any musical pulse.
07. Satellite
08. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down
09. Medicine Man
[4:16] Unknown
Joe makes it clear that this song is not the Whitesnake song with the same title. It was performed regularly during the "On Through The Night" tour and like "Lady Strange" had featured during the US leg of the tour.
10. Overture
11. Lady Strange
[5:00] Rick Savage / Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
The last of the new songs, this track had been performed early during the US tour in May 1980 (confirmed earliest date 5/21 in Fresno). Much of the second and final verses were eventually rewritten for the album: "My friends all tell me about you girl But I don't listen at all I never knew that you'd play hard to please You came into my life like a whirlwind girl But there ain't no way you gonna get me on my knees" (second verse).
12. Rocks Off
13. Ride Into The Sun
[2:58] Rick Savage / Joe Elliott
A rare outing of the EP track. Oddly, this song was not as standard in the bands set during their early years as one might have expected. Both this and track 14 were the encores for the performance.
14. Wasted
Parts of Leppard's set was broadcast from their August 24, 1980 appearance at the Reading Festival. The band's experience at the festival was less than pleasant, but not the disaster that some have suggested. It has become something of a Leppard "urban legend" that the show was essentially dreadful. After touring the United States for much of the year the band's return to the UK was marked with the continued accusations that they had "sold out" (though the accusations really began with the "Hello America" single, and what it was thought that the title implied). The audience is suggested to have turned their backs to the band and bombarded them with mud, bottles or urine, and other unsavory items. Joe may well have perpetrated the legend commenting, "We thought it'd be a highpoint in a great year... but it didn't work out that way. We came on stage after Slade -- and nearly got canned off" (Kerrang).
Slade certainly made for a bit of a problem for Def Leppard. They played a storming set that went down all the rage with the audience. They would be a tough act to follow, especially with the then "hate-hate" relationship the band had at home. The band was up for the task, as is evidenced by the recordings from the show. Joe had more command in his lead singer role, and the band was polished, tight, and powerful. After the band's set concluded with "Rocks Off," they came back performed two encores, "Ride Into The Sun" and "Wasted." If it had been as bad as legend suggests it's unlikely that they'd have performed any longer than they absolutely had to. When they left the stage for the final time the band were apparently in high-spirits (Circus), not something one would expect had the gig been as dire as legend suggests. It should be noted that "Hello America" was not performed...
The three-day festival included numerous bands. Notably, within the context of Def Leppard, Girl, featuring Phil Collen was on the August 24 bill. Ozzy, for whom both acts would later open, was a last minute cancellation. He was replaced by the aforementioned Slade. Furthering the Iron Maiden versus Def Leppard media crap, Iron Maiden had performed in the same second-to-last slot the night before, allowing further comparisons to be made. If the audience were dazed by the time Def Leppard hit the stage, well they'd already be "Slayed" and had experienced a strong line-up throughout the festival. While only parts of the band's set were broadcast, it did at least include new material. Material marked in italics above was NOT broadcast. Fortunately, a reasonable audience recording of the show is available and the FM broadcast does include one unreleased song.
At the time of the Reading performance, it was planned that this would be the band's final live performance until they'd completed the recording of their second album. As a result, the band thought that it would be the only opportunity they would have to "road test" some of their new material. Things changed with the wait for "Mutt" and the band hit the road in support of the Scorpions for their debut European gigs.
Scorpions "Animal Magnetism" Europe 1980 Tour Notes:
September 9, 1980 -- Olympen, Lund, Sweden
\*\*First night of Def Leppard support on the tour. Several Scorpions dates on the tour were recorded: 9/9, 9/22, 9/24, and 9/26. This leaves hope that perhaps someone is sitting on a Def Leppard recording from this tour!
September 10 -- Gota Lejon, Stockholm, Sweden
September 14 -- De Brielpoort, Deinze, Belgium
September 15 -- Les Arènas, Parc des Expositions, Poitiers, France
September 16 -- Salle du Grand Parc, Bordeaux, France
September 17 -- Hall Comminges, Toulouse, France
September 18 -- Parc des Expositions, Tarbes, France
September 20 -- Palais Des Sports, Montpellier, France
September 22 -- Alp Exposition, Grenoble, France
September 23 -- Palais d'Hiver, Lyon, France
September 24 -- Salle Du Baron, Orléans, France
\*\*Part of the Scorpions set was broadcast on FM radio.
September 25 -- Stade Marcel Saupin, Nantes, France
September 26 -- Salle Omnisports, Quimper, France
September 28 -- La Rotonde, Le-Mans, France
September 29 -- Les Docks Océane, Le Havre, France
September 30 -- Parc Des Expositions, Lille, France
October 1 -- Palais Des Sports, Reims, France
October 2 -- Hal Rhenus, Strasbourg, France
\*\*Final date with the Scorpions. Both bands returned to the UK, the Scorpions to continue touring, and Def Leppard to continue waiting for "Mutt."
Def Leppard is not NWOBHM.
It's a common sound-byte in many Def Leppard interviews where the band stress that they are not heavy metal. This is nothing new, be it 2005, 1996, 1992, 1987, 1983 or 1980. The answer has always been the same. Yet, even back in the earliest part of their career members of the band, particularly Joe, were keen to disavow their connections with the NWOBHM movement or simply being thrown into generalized categories: "We're always bagged in England with bands like Iron Maiden and Saxon. Bands like Black Sabbath could be called heavy metal, but not us. I prefer to call it hard rock, or just rock and roll" (Rolling Stone, 10/2/80). They probably cringed at being promoted as, "These highly-touted British boys play heavy metal wilder than you've ever heard before" (Circus, 5/27/80). It's the sort of thing to make Joe Elliott climb the speaker stacks!
V
Booster Stage Separation
High 'N' Dry
"High 'N' Dry" Album Notes:
Vertigo 9102-040 (United Kingdom, 7/20/1981)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6359-045 (United Kingdom, 1981)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6359-045 (Australia, 1981)
Vertigo/PolyGram 25PP-24 (Japan, 1981)
Mercury SRM -1-4021 (USA, 7/21/1981)
Mercury/PolyGram 818 826-1/2 (USA, 9/10/92 -- Reissue w/o Remixes)
Track(s):
A1. Let It Go
[4:43] Pete Willis Steve Clark Joe Elliott
This song started out life as "When The Rain Falls." All of the songs on the album were eventually performed live by the band. Newcastle 7/18/81, a FM broadcast, features: On Through The Night Another Hit And Run Lady Strange Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) Let It Go and No No No.
A2. Another Hit And Run
[4:59] Joe Elliott / Rick Savage
According to Sav, "The song was a breakthrough for me because it was the first song that I actually wrote entirely. With the help of producer Mutt Lange it was basically all my own work. Joe (Elliott) just came in with the lyrics. I remember sitting in my parents' back room, picking up an acoustic guitar and playing the jangly riff that eventually became the chorus. It was something I did without thinking, and I developed the song from there" (Guitar School, October 1996).
A3. High 'N Dry (Saturday Night)
[3:25] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
This song was inspired by a night out Joe, Steve, and the Scorpion's tour manager had in Paris. Alcohol fueled mayhem resulted in them hijacking a taxi and being stranded in the middle of nowhere. According to Joe, "I still love the opening riff. Which I think came from Pete Willis. It went round the houses so many times... But by the time we tore apart the song. The lyrics had nothing to do with the story" ("Rock Of Ages" Liner Notes).
A4. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
[4:33] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
Originally titled "A Certain Heartache," this song was nearly left off the album since the band was not very keen on including a ballad. Manager Cliff Bernstein had initially considered shopping the song to an artist in the vein of Bonnie Tyler. However, the song eventually proved beneficial to the band. According to Rick Savage, "About six months after the 'High 'N' Dry' album had stopped selling, MTV started playing the video to 'Bringin' on the Heartbreak,' and then a lot of radio stations picked up on the song. Suddenly, the song added new life to the album and became a launching pad for releasing 'Pyromania.' The timing was perfect: as we were finishing off 'Pyromania' we already had an active single in the US" (Guitar School, October 1996).
Released as the second single off the album in November 1981, it didn't chart, but it did demonstrate a growing confidence in their material. According to Joe, "We never want to get pinched into a single musical classification... Every once in a while we like to come up with something that's unexpected and out of the ordinary. That's why we've included a song like 'Heartbreak' on the album. Most people just don't expect us to do love songs, but we feel we're just as capable of doing that as playing a three-chord rocker" (Hit Parader, 11/81).
A5. Switch 625
[3:03] Steve Clark
Def Leppard's first instrumental. The title was inspired from the mock-up of an album cover which listed a phantom song as "Switch (6:25)" which the band liked as a name it is own right. Since the instrumental didn't have a title, the fit was perfect. The song was regularly performed live and allowed Joe a break during the set.
B1. You Got Me Runnin'
[4:22] Steve Clark / Joe Elliott / Pete Willis
B2. Lady Strange
[4:40] Rick Savage / Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
One of several new songs debuted during the "On Through The Night" tour appearing in the set as early as May 1980.
B3. On Through The Night
[5:06] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
While the title may seem to suggest otherwise, this song was not a leftover from the first album. The band, particularly Steve who pushed for the song, simply thought that the title would be good for a song. And the lyric simply seemed to fit the song that Joe was trying to finish (Hit Parader, 11/81).
B4. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)
[4:07] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
This song was included on the PolyGram "Rock Gems" promotional sampler (SA-048) in 1982 along with songs from Coney Hatch, Uriah Heep, and The Johnny Van Zant Band.
B5. No No No
[3:33] Joe Elliott Rick Savage Pete Willis
On the original version of the album, this song repeated the final "NO!" forty-three times stopping abruptly at the run-out groves of the record. On the CD, it fades out following just 16 repetitions, resulting in a track time of 3:13. This song was only performed live a few times before being dropped from the set.
Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Recorded at Battery Studios, London, England, March-June, 1981. Engineered by Mike Shipley assisted by Nigel Green. Performance videos for "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" and "Let It Go" were filmed at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool during July, directed by Doug Smith. Along with "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)" these videos were initially planned for use on Don Kirshner's "Rock Concert" US TV show, but were later co-opted for use as individual promos. The three videos were broadcast together during the final season of "Rock Concert," in an episode that also included John Cougar Mellencamp and Van Halen. MTV eventually put "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" into rotation.
Leppard's new management provided them with a new producer as they started considering their second album. Due to Cliff Burnstein's previous work with AC/DC Robert John "Mutt" Lange entered the picture (again). The band liked his work with the Australian group and it seemed worthwhile to wait for him to complete the album he was producing for Foreigner. The resulting "4" album was massive spawning several major hits: "Urgent," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," and "Juke Box Hero." While "Back In Black" has sold over 21 million copies in the US, "4" has shifted a respectable 6 million! Lange, too, was more interested in working with more melodic rock bands than AC/DC had been.
However, the band was putting themselves at risk of a lengthy gap between studio releases at this early stage of their career, and thus being forgotten by being out of the public eye. Even while on the road throughout the year the band had been working on material for the next album, individually and in groups. Following the end of touring in October the band got down to the task of recording demos and really putting their ideas together. Bored with the long process of working on material for the second album and waiting for Lange, but also probably in a vain attempt to keep in the public eye, the band booked a short UK tour in December 1980.
UK Winter Tour 1980 Notes:
Announced in late-November it was always the band's intention to debut new material during this mini-tour, and the press was informed as such, but there wasn't a tremendous amount of promotion or apparent backing, apart from terse listings of the dates...
December 7, 1980 -- Queensway Hall, Dunstable w/ Prisoners
\*\*Both Phil Collen and Gerry Laffy, from Girl, attended this show and Phil ended up being a roadie for Pete briefly helping him change guitars (he had guitar problems throughout the show) during a song. Joe also fell off the speaker stack. Around 800 attended this show.
December 8 -- Aquarius, Chesterfield
December 9 -- Aquarius, Chesterfield
\*\*At least one of these shows was performed free in lieu of use of a rehearsal space at a Sheffield paper factory where Rick Allen's mum worked.
December 10 -- Central Hall, Grimsby
December 11 -- Boat Club, Nottingham
\*\*87 people came to the show. 400 people had been turned away at the door for a show at the beginning of the year...
December 12 -- Fforde Green Hotel, Leeds
December 13 -- Porterhouse, Retford
\*\*Roughly 150 attended the show...
December 14 -- Rotters, Doncaster \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*This show was cancelled due to incredibly poor advance ticket sales. According to Joe in Kerrang, advance sales for this show totaled three tickets...
New material that would appear on the next album, plus "This Ship Sails Tonight," a song that later became "Too Late For Love," debuted at during this tour. Unfortunately, the tour wasn't a success with some of the shows being poorly attended -- less than a hundred people turned up for the Nottingham show! As 1981 dawned, the band eventually got into the studio with Lange. His impact was immediate with him making valuable input about the arrangement of songs.
Lange also became something of a focus and sounding point for the band that needed someone to help guide them. He also changed the band's perspective and approach to writing and arranging their material, stripping off much of the extraneous and unnecessary additions to the material that had weighed down the first album with. He also better harnessed the band's energy in the studio, and the rawness lacking on the debut was certainly not lacking on the new album.
The band did not have time to over-refine; they had to get the album recorded quickly in order to get back out on the road. Def Leppard's second studio album completed the process of their being ignored by their home nation, and as a result, they concentrated on America and Europe. The local press was already suggesting that the band were over-hyped and their success a result of the media rather than ability. Geoff Barton tried to make amends with his review of the album, and stated in a feature in Kerrang Magazine, "Not even the most blinkered Philistine could deny that their second album REALLY brings the hammer down."
The album reached high positions of #26 and #38 in the US and UK respectively. It also provided the band with their first RIAA certification when it attained Gold status on December 17, 1982, long after promotional efforts had ended. The album was awarded Platinum certification on November 18, 1983 and Double Platinum on February 10, 1992. The band basically accomplished their goal of making a more successful album than the first had been. The next goal was to up the ante for the third album...
European "Rainbow" Tour Dates:
June 3, 1981 -- Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
June 4 -- Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden
June 5 -- Brondbyhallen, Copenhagen, Denmark
June 7 -- UKK Hall, Helsinki, Finland
\*\*Part of Rainbow's set was filmed, though it's atrocious and painful to attempt to watch.
June 10 -- Grugahalle, Essen, Germany
\*\*Joe essentially finished recording the vocals for the album the night before this show before rushing off to Germany for the gig with Rainbow, so while there were dates scheduled prior to June 10, it doesn't necessarily mean that Def Leppard performed at those gigs, though they certainly played the June 3 show.
June 11 -- Palais d'Hiver, Paris, France
June 12 -- Palais Sant-Saveur, Lille, France
June 13 -- Ahoy, Rotterdam, Holland
June 14 -- Neidersachsenhalle, Hannover, Germany
June 16 -- Carl Diem Halle, Würzburg, Germany
June 17 -- Eissporthalle, Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg
June 18 -- Sporthalle, Köln, Germany
June 19 -- Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
June 21 -- Waldbüehne, Berlin, Germany
June 23 -- Messehalle, Stuttgart, Germany
June 25 -- Ernst-Merck Halle, Hamburg, Germany
June 26 -- Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany
June 27 -- Rudi Sedl-Mayer-Halle, Munich, Germany
June 29 -- Rhein-Neckar-Halle, Heidelberg, Germany
June 30 -- Palais De Beauleau, Lausanne, Switzerland
July 1 -- Parc des Expositions Alexpo Hall, Grenoble, France
July 3 -- Plaza de Toros Monumental, Barcelona, Spain
July 4 -- Estadio Roma Valero, Madrid, Spain
July 5 -- Velodromo de Anoeta, San Sebastian, Spain
July 7 -- La Beaujoire, Nantes, France \*\*CANCELLED
July 8 -- Parc d'Exposition, Brest, France \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*The final two dates were cancelled so that dates could be added to the UK itinerary for Rainbow's tour, which had originally excluded London!
UK "High 'N' Dry" Tour Dates:
While Def Leppard may have hoped for a resurgence at home with "High 'N' Dry," it wasn't to be. The album sold half as much as the debut had, cementing their position as non-entities at home. Rick Savage summed it up in late-1981: "I always look forward to playing England... But I don't think that it will do us any good at the moment because the kids, the kids meaning people like me, I'm not sure whether they want to listen to us at the moment... Which is a bit of a shame because they're missing out on a good thing" (Sounds, 2/6/82). The British tour had More and Lionheart as the supporting bands. More was fronted by Paul Mario Day, a one-time vocalist for Iron Maiden. Lionheart included former Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton and ex-Judas Priest drummer Les Binks who had replaced Frank Noon. Frank had quit the band to join Wildhorses, who included Jimmy Bain who was about to hook Vivian Campbell up in Dio!
July 13, 1981 -- Colston Hall, Bristol, England
July 14 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
July 15 -- Gaumont Theatre, Ipswich, England
July 16 -- Assembly Rooms, Derby, England
July 17 -- St. George's Hall, Bradford, England
July 18 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
\*\*Broadcast on local radio featuring: On Through The Night It Could Be You It Don't Matter Another Hit And Run Lady Strange When The Walls Came Tumbling Down Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) Rock Brigade The Overture High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) Let It Go Wasted No No No / Rocks Off. "Switch 625" was used as the intro for the show, though an impressive seven new songs were performed from the album...
July 19 -- Odeon Theatre, Edinburgh, Scotland
July 20 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
July 22 -- Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, England
July 23 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
July 24 -- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, England
July 25 -- Odeon Theatre, Hammersmith, England
US "High 'N' Dry" Tour Notes:
Def Leppard's second American tour found them supporting Ozzy who was kicking off the second leg of his "Blizzard of Ozz" tour. This part of tour hit some mixed audiences/capacities, but even members of Ozzy's band commented on how more women were in the audience, attributed to Def Leppard's presence. With Motorhead having opened on the first leg the demographic shift was noted! Various third acts, usually playing after Def Leppard also played during the tour. Ozzy had played Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent on August 1, forcing his band to take the Concorde to New York in order to be able to play the New Haven date.
August 2, 1981 -- Coliseum, New Haven, CT
\*\*The bands headed to Glens Falls the following day. The night of August 3, Rudy Sarzo recalled finding a wasted Pete Willis roaming the streets arguing with buildings (Off The Rails, p. 124).
August 4 -- Civic Center, Glens Falls, NY
August 5 -- Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME
August 6 -- Municipal Auditorium, Bangor, ME
August 7 -- Ocean State Theater, Providence, RI
August 8 -- Music Mountain, South Fallsburg, NY
August 9 -- Cape Cod Coliseum, South Yarmouth, MA
August 11 -- Stanley Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
August 12 -- War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, NY
August 13 --Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY \*\*CANCELLED
August 14 -- Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
\*\*Playing second on this bill was the Joe Perry Project, the solo band of the then former Aerosmith guitarist. This show circulates for collectors. It features: On Through The Night Another Hit And Run Lady Strange Rock Brigade High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) Let It Go Wasted.
August 15 -- Convention Center, Asbury Park, NJ
August 16 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
\*\*Def Leppard made their first appearance on the Rockline radio show on August 17. The show also featured The Ramones and Joe Perry.
August 18 -- Premier Theatre, Norfolk, VA
August 19 -- Civic Center, Roanoke, VA \*\*CANCELLED
August 21 -- Mesker Music Theater, Evansville, IN
\*\*According to Rudy Sarzo, Ozzy's bass player, Joe discussed dealing with the Pete "problem," while Pete was passed out at a bar in the Evansville Ramada during a day off on August 20. Rudy also suggests that he and other members of Ozzy's band witnessed Pete's peculiar alcohol related behavior during the tour. Dates from 8/21-31 were listed in Rolling Stone #351 (amusingly) with no mention of Ozzy's headlining status. That omission was rectified in the following issue.
August 22 -- Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, IL
August 23 -- Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
\*\*The Rockets opened this show.
August 24 -- Brown County Arena, Green Bay, WI
August 25 -- Palmer College, Davenport, IA
August 27 -- Foellenger Theatre, Ft. Wayne, IN
August 28 -- Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
August 29 -- Morris Civic Auditorium, South Bend, IN
\*\*Def Leppard played a 47-minute set, which did not include "When The Walls Came Tumbling Down."
August 30 -- Civic Center, Grand Rapids, MI
August 31 -- Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
September 2 -- Prairie Capitol Convention Center, Springfield, IL
September 3 -- Orpheum Theater, Memphis, TN
September 4 -- Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA
September 5 --Memorial Auditorium, Fayetteville, NC
September 6 -- Park Center, Charlotte, NC \*\*CANCELLED
September 8 -- Municipal Auditorium, Columbus, GA
September 9 -- Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, FL
September 10 -- St. Lucie County Civic Center, Ft. Pierce, FL
September 11 -- Sunrise Theater, Miami, FL
\*\*Some members of Def Leppard went fishing and received a major dose of sunburn when their boat broke down (Off The Rails).
September 12 -- Sunrise Theater, Miami, FL
\*\*A show at Lee County Arena in Ft. Myers, FL was listed on many itineraries, though Rudy Sarzo mentions that the bands played a second show in Miami. The first show had been sold-out (Off The Rails).
September 13 -- Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach, FL
\*\*Last show with Ozzy... Some itineraries suggest that the final show took place at the Civic Auditorium in Jacksonville, FL. Ozzy's outing in support of "Diary of a Madman" was eventually successful, though there were sporadic half (or less) filled venues.
September 15 -- Gainesville, GA
\*\*First date with Blackfoot. While the pairing of these two bands may have seemed unlikely, Blackfoot had played the 1981 Donnington Monsters of Rock Festival (along with Slade, Whitesnake, Blue Oyster Cult, and AC/DC), and were more crossover than they may have initially seemed. More amusing perhaps is that Blackfoot also toured with Ted Nugent and then Krokus during the summer. More on Krokus later...
September 16-24 --
\*\*Currently unknown (by the author), though there were probably only four additional shows (or so) during this period.
September 25 -- Hara Arena, Dayton, OH
September 27 -- Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
\*\*This show should not be confused with a May Blackfoot date broadcast on WMMS-FM radio.
September 29 -- Sports Arena, Toledo, OH
September 30 -- Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, OH
\*\*A local review: "Opening act Def Leppard was loud and not much else, least of all interesting" (Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, 10/2/81).
October 1 -- Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
October 2 -- Palace Theatre, Albany, NY
October 5 -- Warner Theatre, Washington DC
October 6 -- Towson Arena, Towson, MD
October 7 -- Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, PA
October 9 -- Tower Theatre, Upper Derby, PA
October 10 -- Palladium, New York City, NY
October 11 -- Palace Theater, Waterbury, CT
October 12 -- Providence, RI or Hartford, CT
October 14 -- Met Center, Minneapolis (St. Paul), MN
October 15 -- Memorial Hall, Kansas City, MO
October 16 -- Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO
October 18 -- Pershing Auditorium, Lincoln, NE
October 19 -- College Gym, Quincy, IL
October 21 -- Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI
October 22 -- Morris Civic Auditorium, South Bend, IN
October 23 -- Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL
October 24 -- Palmer Auditorium, Davenport, IA
October 26 -- City Auditorium, Colorado Springs, CO
October 27 -- The Rainbow, Denver, CO
\*\* The bands played two sets each at this small (1,400-capacity) venue with Def Leppard's starting at 7:30 and 10:30pm.
October 28 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
October 29 -- State University Gym, Boise, ID
October 30 -- Harry Adam's Fieldhouse, Missoula, MT
November 3 -- Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
November 4 -- Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR
November 6 -- Auditorium, Sacramento, CA
November 7 -- Auditorium Arena, Oakland, CA
November 8 -- Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA
November 11 -- Swing 2, San Bernardino, CA
November 12 -- Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, CA
November 13 -- Fox Theatre, San Diego, CA
November 14 -- Civic Center, Santa Monica, CA
\*\*This show circulates for collectors, featuring: On Through The Night It Could Be You It Don't Matter Another Hit And Run Lady Strange / Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) Rock Brigade Overture / Saturday Night (High 'N' Dry) / Let It Go Wasted Rocks Off.
November 15 -- Compton Terrace, Tempe, AZ
November 17 -- Coliseum, El Paso, TX
November 18 -- Coliseum, Lubbock, TX
November 19 -- The Winter Garden Dallas, TX
November 20 -- Ritz Theatre, Corpus Christi, TX
\*\*Sold out show. Set included "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)," "Let It Go," and "Lady Strange."
November 21 -- Music Hall, Houston, TX
\*\*Prior to the show, the band conducted an in-store signing session at Texas Records and Tapes.
November 22 -- Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
\*\*Blackfoot hangs a new band banner for Def Leppard that reads "DIK LIKKER" and bombard the stage with ping-pong balls while the band attempt their set. Streamers and stink bombs followed for which the young band had no answer. Joe's attempts at getting the audience going also fell victim to the headlining act that was utterly merciless. The band may have been a bit worn out by their end of tour party that had begun following the Houston show...
"Let It Go" Single Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram LEP-2 (UK, 1981 -- PS, tracks A1 & B2)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6059 480 (Europe, 1981)
Mercury 76120-7DJ (United States, 1981 -- Tracks A1 & B1)
Mercury 76120-7 (United States, 1981 -- Tracks A1 & B2)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6837 703 (France, 1981 -- Tracks A1 & B3)
Track(s):
A1. Let It Go [3:49]
B1. Let It Go (Short Version) [3:37]
B2. Switch 625 [3:03]
B3. You Got Me Runnin' [4:23]
Released in August 1981 this single didn't chart. The short version is simply something of a minor edit of the track which considering it only reduces the song by 10 seconds seems mostly pointless. The first 10,000 copies of the 4:14 UK version came with a free patch. The British edit is a result of reducing the number of repetitions of the opening riff and halving the first guitar solo. The French special tour edition details the brief Leppard visit to France toward the end of the "High 'N' Dry" tour, opening for Judas Priest (Again. Priest was touring in support of their "Point of Entry" album). Accept, who had opened for Priest on their UK dates also appeared at some dates on the European tour as the first act.
"High 'N' Dry/Short Back 'N' Sides" Album Notes:
American Forces Radio & Television Service P-20161 (USA, 1981)
Track(s):
A1. Let It Go
A2. Another Hit And Run
A3. High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)
A4. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
B1. Central Park 'N' West
B2. Lisa Likes Rock 'N' Roll
B3. I Need Your Love
B4. Old Records Never Die
B5. Leave Me Alone.
While AFRTS albums are obviously created for the use by the US Armed Forces Radio, the combination of Def Leppard and Ian Hunter on one record is simply too appealing to ignore mentioning, particularly for collectors. Ian's Mick Jones (Clash) produced album was supposed to be a tantalizing collaboration, but ended up being anything but. Since "Short Back 'N' Sides" was released in August, this combo album came sometime afterwards...
"High 'N' Dry" European Tour 1981:
With very little break, following their US tour, Def Leppard were quickly back in action in Europe, supporting Judas Priest again, though this time they had German band Accept opening.
November 27, 1981 -- Rheinmainhalle, Wiesbaden, Germany
November 28 -- Hammerleinhalle, Nürnberg, Germany
November 29 -- Eberhard Bauer Halle, Esslingen, Germany
November 30 -- Saarlandhalle, Saarbrücken, Germany
December 1 -- Walter Kobel Halle, Ruesselsheim, Germany
December 2 -- Schwarzwaldhalle, Karlsruhe, Germany
December 3 -- Friedrich Ebert-Halle, Ludwigshafen, Germany
December 4 -- Rudi Sedlmayr-Halle, München, Germany
December 5 -- Palais de Beaulieu, Lausanne, Switzerland
December 6 -- Maison des Sports, Clermont-Ferrand, France
December 7 -- Pavilion Baltard, Nogent, France
December 8 -- Hal Rhenus, Strasbourg, France
December 9 -- Palais Saint-Saurveur, Lille, France
December 11 -- Forest-National, Brussels, Belgium
December 12 -- Jaap Edenhall, Amsterdam, Holland
\*\*According to "Animal Instinct" the band's passports were stolen while the band was in town, forcing the cancellation of the final two German dates. Pete apparently caused £275 worth of damage to his hotel room by setting off a fire extinguisher. Regardless, this was probably Pete Willis' final show with Def Leppard, and Def Leppard's last live performance until February 1983.
December 13 -- Grugahalle, Essen, Germany
December 14 -- Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany
\*\*Def Leppard's appearance at these final two shows was cancelled.
"Bringin' On The Heartbreak" Single Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram LEPP-3 (UK, 1981)
Vertigo/Phonogram LEPP-312 (UK, 1981 -- 12" Tracks A1, B1-B2)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6059 480 (Germany, 1981 --Tour Edition)
Vertigo/Nippon Phonogram 7PP-144 (Japan, 1981)
Mercury M76120-7 (Canada, 1981 -- Tracks A1 & B3)
Mercury 76127-7DJ (USA, 1981 -- Track A1, Mono/Stereo)
Mercury 76127-7 (USA, 1981)
Mercury MK-181 (USA, 1981 -- Promo 12" Tracks A1/B2)
Vertigo/PolyGram 880 253-2 (Mexico, 1981 -- Single-sided 12" w/ etched autographs)
Track(s):
A1. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [4:33]
B1. Me & My Wine
[3:40] Rick Savage Steve Clark Joe Elliott
Most likely, this song was written during the "On Through The Night" tour and was played at some later dates during that tour, notably the Reading Festival in August 1980. Joe finished recording the vocals for this song on the morning of the band's June show in Essen, Germany opening for Rainbow.
B2. You Got Me Runnin' [3:03]
B3. Switch 625 [4:23]
Released on November 13, 1981, this single didn't chart at the time, but interest later picked up on the ballad. The US promotional 12" single came in a plain white die-cut sleeve with sticker. The sticker notes radio station reasons for picking up on the single from the FMQB trade publication and Album Network: "Let me tell you, 'Let It Go' will only take you so far. The cut that really gets it is 'Bringing On The Heartbreak.' I guarantee phones and sales. We've got top 10 in both' (WWCK, Flint -- Mark Miller); 'I don't understand why more people aren't playing 'Bringing On The Heartbreak' by Def Leppard. Airplay on that tune alone resulted in Top 15 sales in 3 weeks for us before we even added 'Let It Go!' It's been a top request item for weeks. The album has been in the Top 10 for 3 weeks now" (WTUE, Dayton -- Jim Kinney).
Additional "High 'N' Dry" era material Notes:
01. Swing 625 (Unreleased)
Refer to the 'Hysteria' section.
A song performed at some post-OTTN album shows notably the Reading Festival in August 1980 that never turned up on any album.
"Live & Heavy" Album Notes:
NEMS NEL-6020 (United Kingdom, 1981)
Track(s):
A4. Getcha Rocks Off [3:32]
An English compilation featuring a variety of live tracks from several artists, including Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, UFO, and Rainbow. Of interest to Leppard fans would be the inclusion of a live recording of "Rocks Off." This album was probably issued after "High 'N Dry" came out due to what the band are wearing on the inner cover picture. Unfortunately, the recording is the same as on "On Through The Night," though with part of the end edited out (Joe's final "thank-you").
VI
Entering Orbit
Burnin' Up Someone Else's Country!
"Pyromania" Album Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram VERS-2 (UK, 2/21/83)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6359-119 (Europe)
Vertigo/Phonogram 6359-119 (Australia)
Vertigo/Phonogram 38PD-15 (Japan -- Blue Obi CD)
Vertigo/Phonogram 28PD-523 (Japan -- Picture CD version)
Vertigo/Phonogram 32PD-1005 (Japan -- included 5" sticker)
Vertigo/Phonogram 25PP-59 (Japan -- black and red obi)
Mercury/Mobile Fidelity UDCD-520-2 (USA, 6/23/89 -- MFSL Ultradisc II)
Vertigo/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-2022 (Japan, 1992)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCW-2001 (Japan, 9/15/99)
Universal Music Group UICY-2427 (Japan, 11/21/03)
Universal Music Group UICY-6386 (Japan, 8/30/06)
Universal Music Group UICY-6386 (Japan, 3/7/07)
Universal Music Group UICR-93452 (Japan, 4/30/08 -- Mini LP)
Mercury/PolyGram LPR-23031 (Mexico, 1983)
Mercury/PolyGram 810 308-1/2/4 (USA, 1/28/83)
The album was described by Leppard manager Peter Mensch as being, "The album that will redefine the term 'Heavy metal'" (Kerrang #34). With over 10 million copies sold, and counting, one can suppose that the album's performance surpassed even his pre-release hype and expectations. "Mutt" Lange was fully involved in the album helping the band with the writing and not just the arranging and refining of the material.
Track(s):
A1. Rock! Rock! Till You Drop
[3:52] Steve Clark Rick Savage Mutt Lange / Joe Elliott
The second song Phil recorded a solo for as part of the trial process of the band checking the chemistry of how well he fit in. Much of this song was created out of an earlier song "Medicine Man" that had been in the band's set from 1980. With arrangement changes and new lyrics, Def Leppard had one of their classic songs, though the basic musical elements of the original remained. During the band's 1984 Japanese tour, they filmed a video of the song for the MJI Show, directed by Kenichi Nakae.
Amusingly, the song has been used as a weapon at least once. In November 1993 DJ Bill Cameron barricaded himself in the studio of Beaver Falls, PA radio station WWKS-FM. Playing the song for over 26 hours, the DJ announced he was sick of playing songs such as Elton John's "Levon" or Maria Muladaur's "Midnight At The Oasis."
A2. Photograph
[4:12] Steve Clark Pete Willis Rick Savage Joe Elliott Mutt Lange
In the United Kingdom, the negative press reaction against Def Leppard continued with reviews such as one by Dave Dickson: "A good song, well executed but sounding as if it's aimed straight at the hearts of Journey fans. They've left Sheffield a long way behind them now and maybe LA beckons" (Kerrang #34). However, the song had started out life during 1981 and Mutt had suggested that they try the song again.
According to Joe, "One day Mutt had the line 'all I've got is a photograph.' I said, 'That's a Ringo Starr song.' He went, 'Nobody will ever notice.' I said, 'It's a photograph of something you can't ever get your hands on, somebody that's not here anymore.' Over the years it's become exaggerated to Biblical proportions that 'Photograph' was written about Marilyn Monroe, because she was in the video. I don't want to break anybody's heart here but Marilyn Monroe was just another average actress to me. The song was about somebody that's out of the picture. All I've got is a photograph, but it's not enough" (VH-1). Marilyn's involvement in the song resulted from time Joe spent on the toilet, with a picture of Marilyn staring back at him (Kerrang #90). Phil plays the guitar solo on this track.
Released as the lead single off the album on February 3, 1983 (UK). Debuting on the Billboard charts on March 12, the single eventually reached #12 during a 17 week chart-run. This was Def Leppard's first top-100 single in the United States. On the Cashbox Top-100, the single entered at #80 on March 19, 1983 and reached a high position of #13 on June 4 during a 20-week run. The single bombed in the UK, only reaching #66. A special pop-up camera version of the single was released on February 17 in the UK.
As "Let It Go" had been in 1981, "Photograph" was released in France as a special promotional ("Disque Hors-Commerce; Vente Interdite") single to promote the February/March 1983 European tour (Vertigo/Phonogram 6837 795). The single was backed with "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," though unlike the previous "Tournee Francaise" edition no dates were listed on the sleeve making the exercise somewhat futile!
The original video version was banned in the UK for being too controversial with the Marilyn Monroe murder allusions and knife sequences. As a result, alternative scenes with girls dancing were filmed to replace those elements deemed unsuitable. Directed by David Mallet this video was filmed on December 2, 1982. In one unused scene, Phil and Steve jumped through paper sheets featuring the image of Marilyn, but the effect looked naff and wasn't used.
A3. Stagefright
[3:46] Rick Savage Joe Elliott Mutt Lange
This song features the first recording of Phil Collen with Def Leppard. According to Joe, "When Pete had gone I suggested we get Phil. He came down to the studio, listened to the backing tracks and was blown away by what he'd heard. Mutt said to him, 'You want to do a solo on this song?' It turned out to be 'Stagefright.' He took a cassette home, learned it, came back, played the solo, and 15 minutes later Mutt comes out of the control room with a big beaming grin on his face. He says, 'This is the guy. He just nailed the quickest solo I've ever recorded for this band.' And that's the solo that's on the record" (VH-1). This song was also the first that Vivian Campbell ever performed with Def Leppard in front of a pub audience in Dublin on March 15, 1992.
A4. Too Late For Love
[4:30] Steve Clark Mutt Lange Pete Willis Rick Savage Joe Elliott
Incorrectly listed as "Too Late" in the original US CD booklet, though that title was also used on some copies of the UK 7" picture sleeve. Released in the UK backed with "Foolin'" and "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)" on November 25, 1983 as the band prepared to play their final shows of the year. The single didn't chart, but the promo single (Vertigo VERDJ-8) did come with a 3:41 radio edit of the song that essentially removes the second guitar solo. The initial release of this single in the UK featured an error picture sleeve with the song reduced to "Too Late." The rear cover featured the band wearing football strip, though this was withdrawn becoming one of the major Leppard collectibles. The band appeared on the UK show "Supersonic" Christmas special, a competitor to BBC's "Top Of The Pops," performing a lip-synched version of the song, directed by Mike Mansfield.
A5. Die Hard The Hunter
[6:17] Mutt Lange Steve Clark Rick Savage / Joe Elliott
During the recording of this song issues with Pete Willis reached their culmination. Apparently, Pete came to the session drunk and attempted to record the solo for the song -- which turned out atrociously. Mutt complained to Joe, who was attempting to finish the lyrics for the song, leading to the decision to deal with the "Pete-issue" rather than risk losing Mutt.
The song was inspired by the movie "Deer Hunter," rather than the long suggested Ian Hunter, and can be seen as something of a British perspective of what Vietnam did to people who served there. More appropriately from the war perspective is the British expedition in the Falklands that was ongoing while the album was being recorded making military action a nightly visual on the television and in the press.
Another song that was based on a core Steve Clark idea. According to Sav, "Once again it was Steve Clark who came up with this jangly idea. Steve was great at writing little pieces of songs -- inspirational eight-bar bits. He'd write a bit and then leave it for other people to finish. Steve was never logical about making songs make sense; he'd just come up with these riffs that would blow your mind. And 'Foolin'' is a great example" (Guitar School Magazine, 1996). Phil plays the guitar solo on this track while Steve played an acoustic Ovation Balladeer.
The final single off the album, released in the US in late-August 1983, it entered the Cashbox charts at #85 on September 10 and reached #27 on November 12. It dropped off the charts in December after 14 weeks. The single reached #28 during its 14-week residence on the US Billboard charts. In the United Kingdom "Too Late For Love," backed with "Foolin'," (Vertigo VER-8) was released as the final single off the album in November 1983. However, it didn't chart, which perhaps isn't particularly surprising. The 12" version included "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)."
Directed by David Mallet, the supporting video was filmed primarily at The Ritz in Elizabeth, NJ during August 1983. Some additional sequence footage of Joe riding a horse on a beach was not used. It is also interesting that the harpist is one Perri Lister, then-girlfriend of Billy Idol. With the faceless mask she wore in the video, it's amusing that Billy released the song "Eyes Without A Face" on his 1984 album "Rebel Yell." David Mallet directed a video for that song too, complete with characters wearing hoods...
According to Sav, "Steve Clark came up with the idea, which was very reminiscent of the opening riff to Led Zeppelin's 'In the Evening.' And again, he came in with the opening riff and expected the band to make a song out of it. In all fairness, Mutt Lange deserves credit on that song for having the foresight to create a crowd-participation song. It was based a bit on Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock and Roll,' where everyone throws a fist into the air" (Guitar School Magazine, 1996). Once the music for the song was completed, the lyrics proved somewhat more problematic.
The lyrical issues were resolved through an unexpected event. Joe recalled, "We had the backing track for 'Rock Of Ages' but were singing melodies because we didn't have any lyrics. We let somebody use the studio the night before, and they held a bible study session. A Bible was left in the studio open to the hymn 'Rock of Ages.' So I picked it up and started singing, 'Rock of ages.' Mutt went, 'That's it! That's the chorus!' It was a very anthemic song. This was us doing Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock And Roll' or Billy Squier's 'The Stroke' or Queen's 'We Will Rock You.' Big drums, handclaps, no guitars in the verse, singing, and then guitars blaring in on the chorus" (VH-1). Of course, it has long been known that the song's introduction, 'Gunter glieben glauchen globen,' is meaningless. It is not German, it's just something silly and meaningless made up by Mutt to countdown the beginning of the song. Mutt speaks the words, though manager Peter Mensch mouthed the intro when the video, directed by David Mallet, was filmed on December 8, 1982.
Soon after the album was released the urban legends arose about what the words really meant. One hilarious suggestion was that it meant, "Running through the forest silently." According to Joe the message of the song was clear, it was nothing more than "A three minute lump of fun" (Rockline). Phil plays the guitar solo on this track. Released on May 20, 1983 (UK) as the second single off the album. The US version included "Billy's Got A Gun" on the flip side (Mercury/PolyGram 812 604-7) and entered the Cashbox charts at #87 on June 4 and stalled at #21 on August 6. The single eventually reached #19 on August 27 and charted for 18 weeks. On the Billboard charts the single charted for 15 weeks eventually reaching #16. In the UK the single improved somewhat on the performance of the previous single reaching #41 on the charts.
The single was also available as a guitar shaped picture disc, the band's first release in that format. Like "Photograph," this single was reissued on August 27 in a limited edition foldout cardboard "Rock Box." Additionally, this song became one of the first Def Leppard tracks to be released in the US on the (in)famous K-tel compilations being featured on "K-tel presents Hot tracks" (TU-2990) along with material from artists including Billy Idol, Styx, The Police, and Bryan Adams.
B3. Comin' Under Fire
[4:20] Mutt Lange Steve Clark Pete Willis / Joe Elliott
Used as the B-side on various issues of the "Foolin'" single, this song was described as being like Boston on overdrive in one Rolling Stone review!
B4. Action! Not Words
[3:52] Mutt Lange Steve Clark Joe Elliott
One of the rarely performed songs during the "Pyromania" album, this song was used as the B-side on the "Rock Of Ages" single in the UK, and "Photograph" in the US.
B5. Billy's Got A Gun
[5:27] Steve Clark Rick Savage Pete Willis Joe Elliott Mutt Lange
Joe has suggested that this song could have been inspired by the Charles Bronson movie, "Death Wish," or it might well have been.
Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Recorded at Park Gates Studios, Battle, Sussex and Battery Studios, London, January to November 1982. Engineered by Mike Shipley assisted at Battery Studios by Bryan New and at Park Gate Studios by Craig Thomson. Additional personnel: John Kongos (Programming), Booker T. Roffin, Charlie, and Russ (keyboards); The Leppardettes (background vocals), simply another name for the band. One of the "Leppardettes" was not female as the name would imply. Instead, he was the notable singer Terry Slesser of Back Street Crawler fame. One of the early CD releases, being available in that format in 1983 before most people could afford the hardware with which to play the new format.
The "Pyromania" album ended up being Pete Willis' swan song with Leppard. Phil Collen replaced him during the recording sessions marking the end of the original era of the band. However, Pete provided guitar backing on all tracks and had played an important role with the writing of the material on the album. Pete's drinking had been problematic for a while, especially during the "High 'N' Dry" tour, but the band didn't feel that the drinking would continue at that level when they came of the road. During the recording of the album Pete's condition got so bad that he was apparently unable to play coherently. Joe recalled, "We'd all gone a bit strange on those early tours... I mean, I was 20 when I first went to the States and there were all these women suddenly making themselves available. I was like a kid in a sweet shop, I went nuts that way, but Pete was just becoming a liability. Basically he turned into a drunken arsehole who couldn't do his job properly, so he had to go" (Irish Independent, 12/9/96).
Pete was fired on July 11, 1982 and Phil was essentially brought in the following day. Phil was the perfect fit for the band, being considered a "nice guy" by Rick Savage (Vault Promo Interview) who wouldn't change the band's chemistry. He initially came in to record a few solos, as a trial, and essentially stayed without there being any audition -- certain members of the band had known for some time that he was the person that they wanted in the band. It was also the perfect timing for Phil, as his then band Girl was obviously going nowhere. According to Rick, Phil joining the band "reignited the spark" (Vault Promo Interview). Phil also came from a band that had a dual-guitar setup, so it he was ideal from being familiar with that structural dynamic. If problems with guitarists weren't enough, Joe also got laryngitis during the recordings adding to the delays.
Rick Allen was also somewhat marginalized on the album with electronic drums being used in place of live drums. According to Joe, "He [Rick] programmed the drums with Mutt and played live cymbals. That was funny in itself, watching this guy sitting on the stool with an invisible drum kit and a cymbal setup and playing as though he had a kit, just hitting the cymbals" (VH-1). The drums were also the last instrument recorded for the album! Thomas Dolby played keyboards on the album, credited as Booker T. Roffin due to contractual reasons.
(Marquee show ad from NME, Feb. 5, 1983)
Phil made his live debut with Def Leppard on February 9, 1983 when the band appeared as "Special Mystery Guests" at the Marquee Club in London. The show circulates as the "Heavy Rock Brigade" bootleg and if the set list from that bootleg is accurate then Phil's first publicly performed Leppard song was "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)." "Photograph," "Billy's Got A Gun," and "Rock Of Ages" also debuted from the then unreleased album. Brian Robertson from one of the band's influences, Thin Lizzy (then playing with Motorhead), jammed with them on a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band." Two days later the "Rock Till We Drop" tour kicked off in Belfast and the album was released on February 21, 1983 (UK). Copyright records indicate that the album had been released on January 18 in the US.
Def Leppard's rise was anything but meteoric. The first album did well enough, overall. The second album did slightly better than the first. In addition, at the time it was expected that "Pyromania" would take the band a few steps past the second album: "Def Leppard have not been rushing to the top overnight, but gradually staking the ground out and developing as they move upwards" (PR). However, by the time the band had finished recording the album they knew they had something special.
"Rock Till We Drop" Tour Notes:
The UK tour was promoted as "arson oriented rock." The February 9 show is technically not part of the tour as it was a warm-up gig, and opportunity to break Phil in and introduce him to the public.
February 9, 1983 -- The Marquee, London, England
\*\*One reviewer described packed this show as being "unnervingly slick" (Sounds, 2/19/83). "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)," "Photograph," "Billy's Got A Gun," and "Rock Of Ages" all made their live debuts along with Phil.
February 11 -- The TV Club, Dublin, Eire
\*\*The band opened with "Rock Brigade" and then provided a one-two punch of "Photograph" and "Rock Of Ages." The band's first ever show in Ireland, a country that would become a second home for the members of the band. The opening band at this show was Driveshaft.
February 12 -- Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
February 15 -- Parc des Expositions, Annecy, France
February 16 -- Salle Europa, Metz, France
February 17 -- Exo 7 Club, Rouen, France
February 18 -- Paradiso Club, Amsterdam, Holland w/ The Wild
February 19 -- Maecke Blyde, Poperinge, Belgium
February 21 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
February 22 -- The Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
February 24 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
February 25 -- Mayfair, Newcastle, England
February 26 -- Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, England
February 27 -- Colston Hall, Bristol, England
March 1 -- Rock City, Nottingham, England \*\* CANCELLED
March 2 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
March 3 -- Apollo Theatre, Oxford, England
March 4 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, London, England
\*\*The band's UK tour was even shorter than 1981. It also lost money... All-girl band Rock Goddess opened for many of the dates.
March 6 -- Tivoli Hall, Strasbourg, France
March 8 -- Le Bataclan, Paris, France
March 9 -- Salle Du Bouran, Orléans, France
March 10 -- Salle Des Fetes de Thonex, Geneva, Switzerland
March 11 -- Alp Expo Club, Grenoble, France
March 12 -- Grande Odeon, Montpellier, France
March 14 -- Palais d'Hiver, Lyon, France
March 15 -- Salles Des Fetes, Melun, France
By the time the band embarked on their mini tour of the UK, with support act Rock Goddess, they had suitably warmed up with several European shows, though during one Geneva show the concert was interrupted by a couple of teargas attacks. As the album had not hit big the set was still very much a combination of the first three albums, as would be expected, with four songs from the new album being included. Up to six songs from the album were being performed by the end of the tour. "Stagefright" and "Foolin'" had been added to the set early on during the American tour reflecting the growing success of the album. Older songs such as "Rocks Off," "Overture," and "Lady Strange" were cycled out of the set.
"Live in France" Broadcasts Notes:
Twenty-five minutes worth of the band's show at Palais D'Hiver in Lyon, France on March 14 was broadcast on television, including "Photograph," "Lady Strange," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," and "Switch 625" which compliment nicely (in terms of material rather than quality) with the later Melun (3/15) and Dortmund (December) broadcasts.
On tour with Billy Squier notes:
Following the end of the first UK leg of the tour the band returned for additional shows in Europe, before embarking on their assault on America. Initially the band opened for Billy Squier in order to gauge reception to the album, but the chart action soon dictated that the band were ready to headline. The pairing was very compatible in terms of musical style, though some have suggested that Def Leppard blew Billy off the stage most nights. The American tour encompassed a total of 116 shows.
March 18, 1983 -- Omni Arena, Atlanta, GA
March 19 -- Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
March 21 -- Civic Center, Portland, ME
March 22 -- Coliseum, New Haven, CT
March 25 -- Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, NY
March 26 -- Centrum, Worcester, MA
\*\*Billy's set was recorded for King Biscuit Flower Hour.
March 27 -- Meadowlands, Secaucus, NJ
\*\*On March 28 Def Leppard appeared on the US syndicated radio show Rockline, along with the Jon Butcher Axis who featured a concert segment.
March 29 -- The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
March 30 -- Memorial Arena, Kansas City, MO
March 31 -- Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland, OH
April 1 -- University of Chicago Pavilion, Chicago, IL
April 2 -- Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
April 4 -- The Gardens, Cincinnati, OH
April 6 -- Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
April 8 -- Memorial Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN
April 10 -- Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO
April 12 -- Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
April 13 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
April 15 -- Coliseum, Phoenix, AZ
April 16 -- Irvine Meadows, Irvine, CA
April 17 -- Irvine Meadows, Irvine, CA
April 18 -- Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
April 20 -- Coliseum, Seattle, WA
April 21 -- Coliseum, Portland, OR
\*\*Last date of the tour with Billy Squier. Rolling Stone magazine printed the then itinerary of the tour (from 4/13) in issue #394, with no mention of Billy...
Following their stint opening for Billy Squier, the band took a short break during which they filmed "performances" of "Photograph" and "Rock Of Ages" for Dick Clark's American Bandstand in Los Angeles. This was Def Leppard's first major US television broadcast (The band's earlier Don Kirshner appearance was simply a broadcast of the "High 'N' Dry" videos sequenced together). Following the filming, the band did four days of rehearsals as preparation for their first headlining tour of the United States. The band's American Bandstand performance was first broadcast during episode #2538 on May 21, 1983.
First US Headlining Tour notes:
The band kicked off their headlining tour in Odessa, TX on April 29, 1983 with Krokus opening. The tour was challenging for the band as they found themselves at odds with Krokus. Manager Peter Mensch nearly came to blows with Krokus' manager Butch Stone, and the petty squabbling provided much entertainment in the press back in the UK. Krokus were eventually replaced by Uriah Heep in August, though Gary Moore also served as a third act on the bill at some shows during June and July. While some may be aware of Gary Moore's history with Thin Lizzy, he wasn't a member of the band whose albums so inspired certain members of Def Leppard. The Jon Butcher Axis had fulfilled this role during the early part of the tour. The Jon Butcher Axis were a Boston group fronted by an African-American guitarist who had a few too many Jimi Hendrix comparisons by the press. They got their first break in 1982 getting the opening slot for a J. Geils Band tour. Along with Jon Butcher, the group included drummer Derek Blevins and bassist Chris Martin. Prior to touring with Def Leppard the band had been on the road with Rush.
April 29, 1983 -- Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
April 30 -- Civic Center, Amarillo, TX
May 1 -- Coliseum, Lubbock, TX
May 2 -- Lloyd Noble Center, Oklahoma City, OK
May 4 -- Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AK
\*\*The first five dates of the tour were listed in Rolling Stone magazine's "Calendar" (RS 395).
May 5 -- Civic Center, Monroe, LA
May 7 -- UT Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
May 8 -- Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
May 9-25 --
\*\*Currently unknown (by the author). There are probably around six unaccounted shows during this period, mostly in the South, and Florida.
May 13 -- MS Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS
May 15 -- Birmingham, AL
May 16 -- Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
May 17 -- Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
May 18 -- UTC Arena, Chattanooga, TN
May 20 -- Sportatorium, Hollywood (Miami), FL
May 21 -- Jacksonville, FL
May 22 -- Lakeland Civic Center Arena, Lakeland, FL
May 24 -- Ft. Myers, FL
May 26 -- Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
May 27 -- Arena, Knoxville, TN
May 28 -- Freedom Hall, Johnson City, TN
May 29 -- The Gardens, Louisville, KY
\*\*Last show with Jon Butcher Axis as the opening act.
May 31 -- Civic Center, Charleston, WV w/ Gary Moore
June 1 -- Coliseum, Richmond, VA
June 2 -- Coliseum, Hampton, VA
June 3 -- Capital Center, Largo, MD
June 5 -- Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
June 7 -- Coliseum, Quebec City, QC, Canada
June 9 -- Forum de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
\*\*With Krokus and Accept. Archived as an audience shot video.
June 10 -- Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON, Canada
June 11 -- Gardens, London, ON, Canada
June 12 -- Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY w/ Krokus & Gary Moore
June 14 -- South Bend, Indiana \*\*CANCELLED
June 15 -- Wendler Arena, Saginaw, MI \*\*CANCELLED
June 16 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*This show sold out in three hours, with the second date being added as a result. Unfortunately, both dates had to be postponed...
June 17 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI \*\*CANCELLED
June 18 -- Castle Farms, Charlevoix, MI \*\*CANCELLED
June 20 -- Tullio Arena, Eire, PA \*\*CANCELLED
June 21 -- War Memorial, Syracuse, NY \*\*CANCELLED
June 22 --War Memorial, Rochester, NY \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*Shows between June 14-22 were postponed due to Joe having issues with his throat. After a couple of issues without mention, Def tour dates between 6/22 and 7/1 were listed in Rolling Stone #399.
June 23 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
June 25 -- Cape Cod Coliseum, South Yarmouth, MA
June 26 -- Civic Center, Hartford, CT w/ Krokus
June 27 -- Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown, PA
\*\*Outdoor event in front of a reported crowd of 16,000.
June 28 -- City Island, Harrisburg, PA w/ Krokus & Gary Moore
\*\*This was an outdoor event and it rained heavily during the show.
June 30 -- Civic Center, Augusta, GA
July 1 -- Civic Center, Savannah, GA
\*\* In their Summer '83 tour feature, Rolling Stone noted: "Def Leppard will begin their July dates in the South, move to the Midwest early in the month and spend the rest of the summer working their way west" (RS 400/401).
July 2 -- Cumberland City Coliseum, Fayetteville, NC
July 3 -- Coliseum, Columbia, SC
July 5 -- Hara Arena, Trotwood (Dayton), OH
July 6 -- Ohio Center, Columbus, OH \*\*CANCELLED
July 7 -- Sports Arena, Toledo, OH
July 8 -- Civic Center, South Bend, IN
July 9 -- Springfield, IL
July 10 -- Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI w/ Krokus & Gary Moore
July 11 -- Lakeview Arena, Marquette, MI
July 13 -- Arena, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
\*\*Uriah Heep joined up with Def Leppard and Krokus replacing Gary Moore.
July 14 -- Agridome, Regina, SK, Canada
July 16 -- Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada
July 18 -- Corral, Calgary, AB, Canada
July 20 -- PNE Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, Canada
July 21 -- Memorial Arena, Victoria, BC, Canada
\*\*There was a brief break in the tour schedule following this show, though this also marked the final shows with Krokus.
August 2 -- Exhibit Hall, Eugene, OR
\*\* First show with Uriah Heep. Dates through 8/8 were noted in Rolling Stone #402, with Heep even getting a mention. Heep had spent part of the summer opening for Blue Oyster Cult. That was essentially the band's final mention in RS during the tour, until the "El Paso" incident was reported in RS #409 in November. Before we get too warm and fuzzy about Rolling Stone's coverage of the band in 1983, it should be noted that the magazine didn't really cater to the band's demographic. In the 1983 RS Reader's Poll, the band came in fourth place as the "Band of the Year," behind Talking Heads, U2, and The Police. "Pyromania" placed third, behind "Thriller" and "Synchronicity," still good company to be keeping! The band didn't score more than single figure percentages! In the Critic's Poll the band were blanked, though Joe got to list his "Top Ten" of the year in RS #416 (March 1984): "Undercover of the Night" (Rolling Stones), "Death 'N' Glory Boys" (Ian Hunter), "Eliminator" (ZZ Top), "The Safety Dance" (Men Without Hats), "C'mon Feel The Noize" (Quiet Riot), "Thriller" (Michael Jackson), "Love is a Wonderful Colour" (Icicle Works), "Mexican Radio" (Wall of Voodoo), "Modern Love" (David Bowie), "Life Takes a Life" (Jon Butcher Axis), and "Big Log" (Robert Plant).
August 3 -- Center Coliseum, Seattle, WA
\*\*An excellent soundboard recording of this show circulates...
August 4 -- Coliseum, Portland, OR
August 5 -- Coliseum, Spokane, WA
August 7 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
August 8 -- Events Center, Casper, WY
August 9 -- Rushmore Plaza, Rapid City, SD
August 10 -- Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
August 11 -- Auditorium, Sioux City, IA
August 13 -- Red River Valley Fairgrounds, Fargo, ND
\*\*Due to stage issues Uriah Heep was not able to play the opening slot and Def Leppard's set was delayed for hours.
August 14 -- La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
August 15 -- Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI
August 17 -- Brown Arena, Green Bay, WI
August 18 -- Five Seasons Center, Cedar Rapids, WI
August 19 -- Civic Center, Peoria, IL
August 20 -- Checkerdome, St. Louis, MO
August 22 -- Civic Center, Eire, PA
August 23 -- War Memorial, Syracuse, NY
\*\*Around 8,000 attended this show that was rescheduled from June. The set included "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)," "Another Hit And Run," and "Mirror, Mirror." Many complained that Krokus were too loud. Uriah Heep also played, though some itineraries indicate that the band had separate shows in Wichita (8/22) and Tulsa (8/23). Iron Maiden (with Coney Hatch and Fastway) played the same venue the following night and only drew 2,500.
August 24 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
\*\*An excellent recording from this show circulates.
August 25 -- War Memorial, Rochester, NY
August 27 -- Castle Farms, Charlevoix, MI
August 29 -- Ohio Center, Columbus, OH
August 30 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
August 31 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
September 1 -- Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
September 3 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills, CA
September 5 -- Cow Palace, Daly City, CA
\*\*Members of Journey attended this show.
September 6 -- Coliseum, El Paso, TX
September 7 -- Tucson Community Center, Tucson, AZ
\*\*The unfortunate "greasy Mexican" show. Joe issued the slur during an attempt to get the crowd going, unfortunately suffering a disconnect between brain, mouth, but not foot, in referring to El Paso as "the place with all those greasy Mexicans." As part of the damage control, Joe flew in to El Monte, CA in November for a meeting at the local city council with US Senator Joseph Montoya. He offered a formal apology and donated $14,500 to local Hispanic oriented charities. Joe then went to Mexico City for a further apology before returning to Paris. El Paso was for the time being out of bounds with district director of the League of Latin American Citizens simply suggesting that Joe stay away and intimating that the apology was only financially motivated in the first place.
September 10 -- The Forum, Los Angeles, CA
\*\*The band member's parents flew out join their kids for the LA shows.
September 11 -- The Forum, Los Angeles, CA
\*\*Brian May joined the band onstage for "Travellin' Band."
September 12 -- Compton Terrace, Tempe (Phoenix), AZ
September 13 -- Selland Arena, Fresno, CA
September 15 -- Coliseum, Oakland, CA
September 16 -- Coliseum, Oakland, CA
September 17 -- Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, CA
\*\*With Eddie Money, Uriah Heep, Mötley Crüe, and 55,000 fans. The band allowed the show to be booked, simply for the challenge to see if they could do it. This show was perhaps the validation of their popularity in America at the time. Last US mainland show of the tour during which a teenaged girl was allegedly raped in one of the men's restrooms. There were another 106 arrests during the show.
September 19 -- Honolulu, HI
\*\*Members of AC/DC came to watch the band's show.
The band closed most shows on the "Pyromania" tours with a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travellin' Band." The song had been a #2 hit for in 1970, though CCR were sued by the writers of "Good Golly Miss Molly" for alleged similarities. During their headlining set Def Leppard deliberately avoided guitar and drum solo spots because they felt they were totally clichéd and wanted to focus on their songs. "Pyromania" hit #2 on the US Billboard album charts on May 14, but couldn't get over the hurdle that was Michael Jackson's "Thriller." While they couldn't top Jackson, they would later follow his ethos of trying to write an album where every track could be a hit single.
The band's emerging popularity was enough to have both "On Through The Night" and "High 'N' Dry" return to the top-200 as well. The latter reached #72 while the former only charted as high as #131. "Pyromania" also charted various times in the US re-entering the charts in September 1987, September 1988, and January 1989. Back in England, the album managed to reach #18 during a very short five-week run, though it was still certainly another step in the right direction.
Following a short break the band returned to acting in Europe, though the band were now headliners. They brought Rock Goddess with them for support. The British dates were almost an after-thought, though they were promoted along with the 'Too Late For Love' single.
October 7, 1983 -- Gota Lejon, Stockholm, Sweden
October 10 -- Saltageret, Copenhagen, Denmark
October 12 -- Sartory Saal, Cologne, Germany
October 13 -- Stadhalle, Offenbach, Germany
October 14 -- Markethalle, Hamburg, Germany
October 16 -- Stadthalle, Erlangen, Germany
October 17 -- Loewenbraeukeller, Munich, Germany
October 20 -- Rolling Stone, Milan, Italy
October 21 -- Teatro Apollo, Firenze, Italy
October 24 -- Stade Des Rongiers, Hyères, France
October 25 -- Montpellier, France
October 27 -- Pabellon Real Madrid, Madrid, Spain
October 28 -- Palacio Deportes La Ciudad, Barcelona, Spain
November 2 -- Salle Du Grand Parc, Bordeaux, France
November 3 -- Le Sporting Club, Clermont-Ferrand, France
November 4 -- Le Mans, France
November 5 -- Parc Expo, Orléans, France
November 7 -- Rennes, France
November 8 -- Brest, France
November 9 -- Espace Balard, Paris, France
November 10 -- Palais d'Hiver, Lyon, France
November 12 -- Metz, France
November 14 -- Hall Trivoli, Strasbourg, France
November 15 -- Lille, France
November 16 -- Antwerp, Belgium
December 3 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
\*\*Oddly, or not, "Too Late For Love," the single that was released in conjunction with the tour, wasn't performed at this show...
December 4 -- Royal Center Concert Hall, Nottingham, England
December 5 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, London, England
\*\*Like previous outings in the UK, this mini-tour lost money, though attendance was much better. The three dates were supported by Airrace, a band that had briefly been fronted by Philip Lewis (performing a single gig at the Marquee), but is probably more important for being Jason Bonham's first major band.
December 17 -- Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
\*\*The ZDF Rock/Pop Festival hosted in the venue's Hall I. Def Leppard featured at this festival with Krokus, Judas Priest, MSG, The Scorpions, Ozzy, Quiet Riot, and Iron Maiden, even though "Pyromania" hadn't done storming business in that market. Only Iron Maiden and Judas Priest played on the final date (Dec. 18).
(Screen captures from the Westfalenhalle broadcast)
Part of the Leppard set at Westfalenhalle (along with the rest of the bands) was broadcast on TV on February 4, 1984. While the television broadcast of Def Leppard's performance is only a partial archive of the event, it is one of the better early performances to have made it into fan circles. It almost seems odd to call a "Pyromania" show an "early" performance, but there is sadly so little quality live video from 1979-81 to have reached the public domain. That final night's set included: "Rock! Rock! Till You Drop," "Billy's Got A Gun," "Foolin'," "Rock Of Ages," "Let It Go," and "Wasted." No doubt Krokus and Leppard had a warm reunion! This was the band's final live shows in Europe until 1986.
"Hot Summer Rock" Radio Show Notes:
United Stations Radio (USA, 1983)
Track(s):
A1. Rock Brigade
A2. It Don't Matter
A3. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
A4. Let It Go
B1. Too Late For Love
B2. Photograph
B3. Foolin'
B4. Rock! Rock! Till You Drop
B5. Die Hard The Hunter
B6. Rock Of Ages
Produced by Ed Salamon. Edited by Susan Berg. Engineered by Rich Sutton. Presented by Laurie Pinkerton. Radio show from the time when Def Leppard made it big featuring songs interspaced with interview segments where the band discuss their history to that point.
"Off The Record Special - Def Leppard" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Westwood One 83-22 (USA, 1983)
Executive producer: Norm Pattiz. Presented by Mary Turner. Written and produced by Marsha Richardson. Production and engineering by Ron Harris. First broadcast the week of May 30, 1983 just as the "Pyromania" era was really taking off. Featuring interview segments, primarily with Joe and Sav, along with numerous tracks and clips including: "Let It Go," "Rock Brigade," "Rocks Off," "Wasted," "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night),' "Stagefright," "Bringing On The Heartbreak," "Hello America," "Billy's Got A Gun," "Rock Of Ages," "Mirror, Mirror," "Die Hard The Hunter," and "Photograph." Includes cue sheets and housed in the generic "Westwood One Off The Record Specials with Mary Turner" sleeve.
January 24, 1984 -- Shibuya Kokai-Do, Tokyo, Japan
January 25 -- Kosei Nenkin Hall, Osaka, Japan
January 26 -- Nakana Sun Plaza, Tokyo, Japan
\*\*An exclusive 36-page 12x12" tour book was printed for the three Japanese concerts. The first two of the Japanese dates circulate in collector's circles as audience audio recordings, though the set list hadn't changed from late-1983 shows: "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)," "Rock Brigade," "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)," "Another Hit And Run," "Billy's Got A Gun," "Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)," "Foolin'," "Photograph," "Rock Of Ages," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Switch 625," "Let It Go," "Wasted," "Stagefright," and "Travellin' Band."
January 28 -- Salinas Club, Sydney, Australia
January 29 -- Narara Music Festival, Somersby, Australia
\*\*The band played this show to over 30,000 during a massive downpour. Other bands playing the festival that ran from January 27-30 included The Pretenders, Simple Minds, and Talking Heads.
February 2 -- Earl's Court The Venue, Melbourne, Australia
February 7 -- Hua Mark Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand
The "Pyromania" world tour ended in Bangkok, Thailand on February 7, 1984. The band were more than ready to take a break following the success of their major breakthrough album, though little did they know that they wouldn't play live again for nearly two and a half years. "Pyromania" had sold over 6 million copies in the United States by October 1984, and over 8 million worldwide. The success of the album had also pushed "On Through The Night" and "High 'N' Dry" to Gold and Platinum certification, respectively, on November 18, 1983. The album also netted the band the "Most Popular Group" award in the Gallup Youth Poll in the US in early 1984. Regardless of the tour and the band's successes, they quickly reconvened in the studio with Mutt Lange to remix "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" and "Me & My Wine" in an attempt to capitalize on the band's popularity and help increase sales of the earlier albums.
VII
Re-entry
High 'N' Reissued
"High 'N' Dry" was reissued to capitalize on the popularity the band had gained through the success of "Pyromania." It was simple: "In 1983 Def Leppard sold more than ten million records and tapes, the number one selling Rock album in America. They played to full houses across America to well over one million fans. While the group was on tour 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak' consistently brought the house down. Due to tremendous demand, Robert John "Mutt" Lange remixed 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak' along with a previously unreleased rocker, 'Me And My Wine'" (PR). The re-released album reached #72 on the US charts. However, since the album had already been certified Platinum in November 1983, and didn't reach Double Platinum until 1992, it appears to have not been a particularly successful reissue campaign in the United States.
"Bringin' On The Heartbreak" (Remix) Single Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 818 779-7 (USA, 5/8/1984)
Mercury/PolyGram 818 779-7DJ (USA, 1984 -- Promo, A1/A1)
Mercury/PolyGram PRO 273-1 (USA, 1984 -- Promo 12" Single)
Vertigo/PolyGram SOV-2340 (Canada, 1984)
Track(s):
A1. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Remix)
[4:33] Steve Clark Pete Willis Joe Elliott
B1. Me & My Wine (Remix)
[3:38] Rick Savage Steve Clark Joe Elliott
The remix of "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" charted for 8 weeks, reaching a high position on Cashbox of #70 on July 7. The single had entered the charts at #89 on June 16, 1984. The single reached a more respectable #61 on the Billboard charts, but was certainly not a hit. It was backed with a remix of "Me & My Wine," that had originally been included as a non-album B-side on the original single release in 1981. The "High 'N' Dry" album was reissued at the time and included both of these new remixes, however, in the years since the extra tracks have been removed from the US version of the album. Concept videos for both songs were filmed in Ireland with David Mallet directing. Filming of both videos took two days and "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" premiered on MTV on May 11, 1984. "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" was a particularly brutal video for the band, being filmed in freezing conditions and in the Jacob's Biscuit factory in Dublin.
The video for "Me & My Wine" was a spoof of the "Young Ones," a (now cult) British TV comedy program that was popular at the time. In that series four absolutely dysfunctional, apathetic, and incompatible students share a house and spend their time sadistically torturing themselves and each other. Hilariously, Rick's bass drum featured "Deaf Leppard" as the band name.
"High 'N' Dry" Reissue Album Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram 25PP-132 (Japan, 1984)
Vertigo/Phonogram 28PD-524 (Japan, 1988 -- CD Reissue)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-6005 (Japan, 1992)
Universal Music Group UICY-2426 (Japan, 11/21/03)
Universal Music Group UICY-6385 (Japan, 8/30/06)
Universal Music Group UICR-93451 (Japan, 4/30/08 -- Mini LP)
Mercury/PolyGram 818 836-1/2/4 (USA, 5/15/84)
Vertigo/PolyGram VOG-13315 (Canada, 1984)
Track(s):
A1. Let It Go
[4:43] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
A2. Another Hit And Run
[4:58] Joe Elliott / Rick Savage
A3. High 'N Dry (Saturday Night)
[3:26] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
A4. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
[4:33] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
A5. Switch 625
[3:03] Steve Clark
A6. Me & My Wine (Remix)
[3:40] Rick Savage Steve Clark Joe Elliott
B1. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Remix)
[4:33] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
B2. You Got Me Runnin'
[4:22] Steve Clark / Joe Elliott / Pete Willis
B3. Lady Strange
[4:38] Rick Savage / Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
B4. On Through The Night
[5:06] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
B5. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)
[4:07] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
B6. No No No
[3:13] Joe Elliott Rick Savage Pete Willis
Both of the remix tracks later added to the album were remixed by "Mutt" in London during February 1984. These resulted in additional keyboards/synthesizers accents and vocals parts to make the material even more commercially appealing. The drums also have more in common with "Pyromania" than the original "High 'N' Dry" sound and have been softened, suggesting that electronic drums may have been used. After being included on various formats of the album, these tracks were eventually removed from the North American version of the album. After re-charting during the "Pyromania" product cycle, the album, in its original form had finally fallen out of the charts in March, but the reissue re-charted in June.
First Strike... Strike Out!
"First Strike" Album Notes:
Flash 843 007-1/2 (Holland, 1985)
Track(s):
A2. Answer To The Master
[3:25] Pete Willis Steve Clark Rick Savage
A3. See The Lights
[3:46] Joe Elliott / Steve Clark
A4. When The Walls Come Tumbling Down
[3:49] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Andy Smith
B1. Wasted
[3:31] Steve Clark / Joe Elliott
B2. Sorrow Is A Woman
[3:37] Rick Savage Pete Willis Steve Clark
B3. Glad I'm Alive
[4:08] Joe Elliott / Pete Willis
Produced by Frank Stuart Brown and Peter Martin. Recorded at Fairview Studios, Hull in April 1979. Engineered by Roy Neave. Tracks remixed at Hank's Basement Lodge Studios in Cologne, Germany by Alex Geitz. Assorted early recordings issued by Leppard's former managers. Because of legal action by Phonogram, resulting in an injunction, this unofficial and unsanctioned release was withdrawn, though not before many copies made it into circulation. Because of this technicality, the album is not part of the band's official discography even though it is the source for studio recordings of three early songs that never made the first album. Joe was erroneously left off the credits for tracks A2 and B2.
The band allegedly found the release of this album embarrassing because the material was from early during their recording career and they really didn't know what they were doing. They also felt that the remixing wasn't as good as the original versions. That the former managers were attempting to cash in on the post-"Pyromania" success of the band was probably not appealing to the band either -- the band were very savvy concerning the possibility of a limited earning period for a musician's career. The album liner notes offer a hint at the reason for release: "This collection of early tapes proves the talent of five teenagers who took Sheffield and the rest of the UK by storm during 1979. These tracks established them as clear leaders in the resurgence of heavy metal rock that was taking place and let to a first rate record deal which they are still currently enjoying. This album is dedicated to the band and to the many fans that have made them the big stars they are today" (Liner Notes).
The album is usually referred to as a Belgian release. The cover simply notes that it was printed in Belgium by Druco Halle. The cassette notes that it was manufactured in Holland. SACEM is the French/Belgian music publisher, so while it was probably a Belgian product, it's probably just as valid to call this a European release.
Intermission 1984-1986
Following the success of "Pyromania" the band discovered a new predicament: Taxes. In short, the British tax system made tax exiles of those who became successful and could afford to escape the 60% tax bracket. Like so many bands before themselves, Def Leppard opted for exile to protect their earnings. Exile in Dublin, Eire was planned; it was close enough to England for visits and similar socially, though somewhat more quiet. The band's lighting engineer, Shay McMahon, had told them, "It's like being in Liverpool" (Irish Independent). While the band had worked so hard for nearly two years, they were also keen and motivated to get moving on album number four. Dublin was to serve as the staging ground for the writing of material for that album. The band rented a six-bedroom house in the suburbs and got to work utilizing a rehearsal studio in central Dublin. The time in Ireland had been productive for the band and when they had finished writing, they had over twenty songs for the album sessions. Creativity had not been an issue, though the next stage in the process would be...
To build on the foundations that Mutt had been an integral part creating on the previous album, the band had wanted to continue the development of the relationship. Mutt had injected a lot of himself into the band's studio development as they progressed from "High 'N' Dry" to "Pyromania." The band found out that Mutt Lange would not be available to produce the new album, though he was willing to assist during pre-production. He spent a month in Dublin helping the band with the arrangements of the material and refining it to a level that would be recordable without him. Mutt had completed work on The Cars' album "Heartbeat City" in January (released in March 1984), even before the band had finished their tour. As a result, the legend that Mutt couldn't work with Def Leppard because he was working with The Cars is incorrect. His efforts would pay dividends for that band. The album was their first band effort in several years which also became their most successful album (at the time) scoring five top-40 hits in the US. Unfortunately, he was reportedly exhausted from the effort and considering that the album he had worked on prior to that was "Pyromania," he was probably well overdue for a break (or breakdown!).
Perhaps in working with the band in Dublin, Mutt got a feel for just how much work the album with Leppard was going to be. Regardless, the band was left with little notice that Mutt was not going to be available to work with them. With the short time available before the band hit the studio there wasn't much time for them to find a producer. Many top producers need to be booked years in advance, due to the length of time it takes to make a record. This left the band in something of a bind. They'd pinned their hopes on the assumption that Mutt was going to be available and now they had no producer. They and their management quickly started working on enlisting a suitable candidate.
The band started looking at top producers including Ted Templeman (Van Halen) and Mike Stone (Queen). Ted was quickly out of the picture. According to Joe, "I don't think he was too keen to do it; he put in such a ridiculous money offer that no band in the World would have accepted it" (Kerrang #90). The band decided not to pursue Stone because they wanted to take their sound in a different direction than the traditional big rock band sound. Others including the legendary Bob Ezrin were considered and discarded, possibly for the same reason. Another possibility, Alex Sadkin, was busy working with Foreigner. Phil Collins, of Genesis, was also approached for the project. Unfortunately, he was too busy working on Eric Clapton's "Behind the Sun" album even though he was interested in the project.
Some producers were willing to work with the band, but there were constraints that could not be resolved. Trevor Horn would only work with the band in England, and option that was no longer available due to their tax exile status. While tax exiles were allowed 60 days in country, that certainly would not have been enough for the band to complete the recording of an album. Chris Thomas, famed for his work with the Sex Pistols and Roxy Music, was invited, but turned the band down. Joe thought at the time that he simply didn't like them. Then up-and-coming producers/engineers were considered including Steve Lillywhite and Terry Manning. While it was felt that they could make great rock albums they didn't yet have track records, and the band members were unable to reach a consensus.
With what can only be described as a process of elimination mixed with a pinch of desperation left the band looking at Jim Steinman. Important to them, a result of their relationship with Mutt, was the musical input of a producer. As a result, Jim Steinman's name appeared to be the best of the lot and he came with a recommendation by manager Cliff Burnstein. With his work on the classic "Bat Out Of Hell" album it was obvious that he had suitable songwriting and arranging skills, similar to what Mutt had brought to Def Leppard in the studio. Jim was also highly motivated to be working with a band, rather than session musicians, and wanted to make the "ultimate heavy metal album." Jim also had the requisite pop-pretensions having worked with Air Supply. Jim had responded positively to the demos the band had sent to him. Nevertheless, the band also didn't have much choice if they wanted to record with a recognized producer.
In August 1984 the band convened with Jim Steinman (with Neil Dorfsman engineering) at de Wisseloord Studios in Holland to commence the serious work of recording the album. By October, Joe was reporting that the band, "Just about got the backing tracks down. Everybody's happy with the songs we've written for the album and all the arrangements have been sorted out; we're just getting to the meat of it gradually" (Kerrang #79). At that point, there was no apparent problem working with Steinman, at least publicly. Joe commented, "Our input at this stage is double what it would have been with Mutt. Jim won't really come into his own until the material has reached the mix-down stage, where he can add all those special touches of his to help us make a good song sound that much more special... With Jim, however, we're definitely not going for 'Pyromania 2.' The sound is bigger, massive in fact, but after all our experience with Mutt, we're now much more self-sufficient" (Kerrang #79). For all intents, the band appeared to be enjoying working with Jim since the experience was a new challenge for them.
However, soon after the positive comments, and after completing eight or nine backing tracks, the collaboration with Jim was apparently not working and the work was discarded. According to Phil, the collaboration with Jim provided more than a culture shock to working with Mutt: "He was more interested in the color of the control room carpet than he was with the music going on tape... He didn't contribute anything and I was glad when he left. We recorded nine backing tracks with him and ended up scrapping the lot" (Guitarist, 1991). Joe was equally direct in his criticism of Steinman: "The guy just sat there reading 'Country Life' all day and going, 'Yeah, yeah, that sounds good,' when it plainly wasn't. He's simply not used to recording the way we record" (Kerrang #90). Nor perhaps were Leppard used to recording the way Steinman recorded.
Moreover, that perhaps is the crux of the whole problem Def Leppard faced with Jim Steinman. It probably would have been the same problem with any producer apart from Mutt. They had become used to working one very specific way in the studio and expected a producer to work their way. This negates any suggestion of the band wanting to find a new direction to work and smacks of certain inflexibility at the time. According to Joe, "When we said, 'Listen, this is the way we work, you'd better get used to it,' he tried and he couldn't. He just could not hear if something was wrong" (Kerrang #90). The fall-out from the aborted work with Steinman lasted for years with him eventually accusing the band of being shallow Mutt Lange creations: "They're just like Spinal Tap. It's really all the producer -- a Mutt Lange creation. They come out as great records, beautifully layered technically, but so empty" (Shaun Phillips, 1988).
Joe suggests that Steinman was busy working on songs for his next project at the same time. This indicates that it was perhaps felt that Jim wasn't giving 100% to a project for which he was being paid. Regardless, Steinman and the band were obviously mismatched and had different ideas about the recording of the album. Jim also seems to have had issues taking the band seriously, commenting: "I asked who wrote each song on the demos, who played what guitar solo, and no one had the slightest idea" (Melody Maker). The pairing was culture shock, even if it had looked good on paper. Def Leppard were not ready for how Jim Steinman worked, and vice-versa. Jim stuck around enough to make sure that he was paid: "If I quit then I wouldn't get paid any money... So I held out until they canned me! That was the best thing for them. It was clear that Mutt was gonna end up doing the record. It was a four year project, costing a million and a half pounds, and I couldn't accept that" (Kerrang). Four months of effort wasted.
There was little doubt that Def Leppard would have been more comfortable working with Mutt again, but with him continuing to be unavailable, they continued working, though with Mutt's engineer, Neil Dorfsman and themselves producing. According to Jim, "Mutt Lange is totally insane. He has nervous breakdowns as part of his process of making records! He mixes, remixes and has a nervous breakdown. That's why they're always finished up by his engineers, Nigel Green or Mike Shipley... I went to Dublin to meet the band, where they were living in tax exile. They're great kids, but they were like little boys lost" (Kerrang, 1989).
In the aftermath of Jim's departure Def Leppard scrapped the work that they had done with him and started again, self-producing with Dorfsman engineering and co-producing. The band had thought about restarting the search for a producer and Mike Shipley was considered, but like so many others, he was already committed elsewhere and was busy working on a project. According to Joe, "We send Mutt the odd tape now and then and he sends it back saying, 'It sounds brilliant to me,' which shows that we can do it, so we are" (Kerrang #90). Perhaps Mutt simply wasn't ready to get dragged into the project, though the band still hoped that he would be available when the time came to mix the album.
Rock in Rio '85 Notes:
January 11-20, 1985 -- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Def Leppard were invited to play at the first ever "Rock In Rio," but had to cancel in late 1984, due to the problems they were facing in the studio. Their inclusion was mentioned in November 1984: "The show will mark the Lep's first emergence in ten months from the recording studio - and the group's management has already made sure that the band will be able to leave Brazil with the money owed it" (Rolling Stone #435). Over 1.5 million attended the ten-day festival with AC/DC playing to the single largest crowd (342,000 on January 19), though Queen stole the show with their performance and other Brazilian shows during the period. Def Leppard were replaced by Whitesnake, but "Rock Of Ages" was included on the Brazilian compilation "Rock In Rio Festival" (Som Livre Records 404 722-2) released featuring songs from many of the acts that did appear.
Meanwhile... As if the crisis with producers and recording wasn't enough, greater challenges were coming at the band head on. Near midnight on New Year's eve 1984/5 Rick Allen was involved in a horrific automobile accident. Rick lost control while trying to overtake an Alfa Romeo, resulting in his Corvette hitting a brick wall and flipping over repeatedly at Moscar on the A57 near Sheffield. Thrown from the car, Rick's left arm was severed just below the shoulder. His girlfriend, Miriam Barendsen, was not as severely injured. Treated at Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield doctors were initially able to reattach Rick's arm. Unfortunately, a few days later infection set in and the decision was taken to amputate the arm.
Rick was hospitalized for most of January. The band had reconvened in Holland and was working with engineer Nigel Green, self-producing the album. Tracks that had been worked on included "Ring Of Fire," "Armageddon It," and "Excitable." By early 1985 the band had added "Love Bites," "Gods Of War," "Fractured Love," "Don't Shoot Shotgun," "Animal," "Women," and "Run Riot" to their self-produced effort. Rick rejoined the band in February determined to drum again, regardless of a doctor having suggested that his drumming days were over. With the band's support Rick started work on creating a custom drum kit that would utilize electronics and his left-leg to replicate what he had once done with his left arm. In essence, he had to retrain his body and mind to the new configuration (not just in terms of balance) and learn drumming in a completely new way.
Rick was adamant that he was going to be successful in remaining a drummer -- Def Leppard's drummer. According to Joe, "We'd never even discussed whether or not Rick would stay in the band. That was always going to be Rick's decision. And his first words to us were that he thought he would, eventually, still be able to do it" (Kerrang #150). And "do it" he did. With determination supplemented with technology provided by Simmons, purveyors of electronic drums, Rick attacked his problem with tenacity. Rick's ultimate ability was proven when he played the whole of Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" in the studio. There was still much work to be done, but it was clear that the main battle, for his continuation in the band, was well on its way to being won.
In terms of recording, after working with Steinman, those sessions had been scrapped. After working with Nigel Green, with he and the band producing, those sessions were also mostly scrapped. By mid-1985 the band had essentially were starting over, though at least Mutt was back on board. It would not be fair to suggest that the band had time-warped back to early 1984 when pre-production had started. With seemingly back on track, little did they know that it would be a further two years of work to see the album materialize. In addition, the trials facing the band weren't over.
To break the monotony of the studio the band were booked on several festival appearances in the summer of 1986 preceded by a series of warm-up club gigs. For Rick his real time of reckoning had arrived. Jeff Rich, a talented session musician who had then recently joined Status Quo from the Climax Blues Band, was brought in to supplement him on acoustic drums, becoming the band's "stunt drummer." No matter how well he was doing in rehearsals, live performances including the stress and physical challenges were another matter.
Rick quickly proved that he was up to the task and another issue was behind them. At one show Jeff was late for a gig and Rick took to the stage by himself. The rest of the band didn't notice any difference when Jeff joined the band during the middle of the set. On August 11, 1986 Rick played his first show totally on his own at The Bridge, in Waterford, Eire. Described by Rick as a "horrible little pub" it really wasn't the sort of venue suitable for two drum kits. Jeff remained in the audience listening with a drummer ear for any sign of major problems. There weren't any, so he returned home the next day, consigned to an important page in Def Leppard's history.
"Live Rehearsals" / Monstrous Festivals Tour Notes:
August 5, 1986 -- Connolly Hall, County Cork, Eire
\*\*There was a certain amount of excitement, at least in the press, about the Irish shows: "The Defs originally wanted to charge the princely sum of £1 (Yes, ONE POUND) into every date of their August Irish tour, but insurance costs prevented this fine gesture from taking place" (Irish Independent, 7/31/86).
August 6 -- Leisureland, Galway, Eire
August 7 -- Savoy, Limerick, Eire
\*\*The band had only sold 185 tickets by the night of the gig, so they did the rounds in local pubs handing out free tickets to anyone who'd take 'em. They ended up with an audience of around 350.
August 10 -- Atlantic Hotel, Ballybunion, Eire
August 11 -- Katie Reillys, Waterford, Eire w/ TASC
August 13 -- SFX Hall, Dublin, Eire
August 16 -- Castle Donnington, England (MOR)
\*\*The band received a reception unlike any they'd had in their home country, but nothing like that given to Rick Allen. Even though the performance was anything but stunning, the band must have hoped that there was hope for England following the response given their appearance! The show was promoted with "They're Back" ads in print magazines. Other acts playing the 1986 Donnington MOR festival included Scorpions, Motorhead, Warlock, and Bad News. Ozzy Osbourne headlined.
August 23 -- Rasunda Fotbollsstadion, Stockholm, Sweden (MOR)
August 30 -- Zeppelin Field, Nuremburg, Germany (MOR)
August 31 -- Maimarkgelände, Mannheim, Germany (MOR)
Two new songs were performed during the Monsters of Rock festivals, "Run Riot" (Donnington) and "Love And Affection" (all shows). The band was also featured on a special radio show following the Castle Donnington concert:
"Donnington '86" Radio Broadcast Notes:
This show included interviews with Def Leppard and other acts appearing at the 1986 UK Monsters Of Rock festival. The one-hour special was originally broadcast by Signal Radio (Stoke-on-Trent) in September 1986.
Rejuvenated from getting out on the road, even for a brief period, the band returned to the studios to finish the album with Mutt, who had rejoined the band in August 1985. The band really only had six fully realized tracks at the time Mutt returned, so not all of the effort with Steinman and later Nigel Green was wasted. However, considering the total number of tracks involved there was still a long way to go. Trying to come up with a balanced album beset by problems was more than enough for the band to deal with. If producers and drummers were not enough of a challenge Joe lost his voice for six weeks, then got mumps (again), and Mutt was involved in a car accident in December resulting in further delays.
As work progressed on the album an inevitable narrowing-down of the material for the album took place. Newer songs started to take precedence over older songs, since they seemed to become dated as the long recording process dragged on. Work on the album didn't prevent the band members from getting out and having fun. Phil jammed on "The Boys Are Back In Town" at Bon Jovi's Le Zenith show in Paris on November 28.
VIII
Rocket!
Hysterical Paranoia
In 1978 Def Leppard played gigs with the electro-pop band Human League, who also hailed from Sheffield. In May 1984, the Human League released "Hysteria," while Def Leppard started work on their album that eventually shared the same title... The Human League were only slightly ahead of Def Leppard, having made their live debut on June 12, 1978 at the Wham Bar, just slightly more than a month before Def Leppard made theirs.
"A Selection From Hysteria" Sampler Notes:
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola (UK, 1987)
Track(s):
A1. Pour Some Sugar On Me
A2. Women
A3. Love Bites
A4. Animal
A5. Hysteria
Promotional sampler cassette featuring excerpts from the album. Because of the amount of time and money invested in the recording of the album, many were not able to obtain full promotional copies of the album for fears of bootlegging, in an era long before the MP3 revolution. Promotional copies included varying numbers of tracks.
"Biography" Promotional Cassette Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury No Release Code (Japan, 1987)
Track(s):
A1. Stagefright
A2. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
A3. Women
A4. Another Hit & Run
A5. Too Late For Love
A6. Hysteria
A7. Gods Of War
A8. Diehard The Hunter
A9. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
A10. Foolin'
B1. Animal
B2 Pour Some Sugar On Me
B3. Let It Go
B4. Rock Of Ages
B5. Photograph
B6. Hysteria
Tracks are clips that accompany the "Biography" which is basically interview clips on a variety of subjects. Some parts are in Japanese, though obviously the band's answers are in English. A very cool promo radio show that even includes a quick drumming lesson from Rick!
"The British quintet's follow-up, 'Hysteria,' is a pleasant record, much more consistent and polished. In other words, considering the kind of music they're supposed to be creating, it's a disappointment" (People, 9/28/87).
"Hysteria" Album Notes:
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola HYSLP/MC-1 (UK, 1987)
Simply Vinyl SVLP-095 (UK, 2000 -- White Vinyl Promo LP)
Mercury/PolyGram 830 675-1/2/4 (USA, 1987)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola HYSPD1 (UK, 1988 -- Picture Disc)
Mercury/PolyGram 832 962-1 (USA, 1988 -- Picture Disc)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCW-2002 (Japan, 1987)
Mercury/Mobile Fidelity UDCD-580-2 (USA, 5/11/90 -- Ultradisc II)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-1144 (Japan, 1992)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCW-2002 (Japan, 9/15/99)
Universal Music Group UICY-2428 (Japan, 11/21/03)
Universal Music Group UICY-95006 (Japan, 7/21/05 -- Cardboard sleeve)
Universal Music Group UICY-6387 (Japan, 8/30/06)
Track(s):
01. Women
[5:41] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Single #1, which bombed in the US only reaching #80 on the Billboard singles charts (it also failed to chart on Cashbox.). The single totally failed to chart in the UK, though that was more disappointing than surprising. As the band hit the road in support of the album, this song would be the first of several performed in the set. One line in this song references the album's original title with the "And in the garden, lust began / The animal instinct, the wanton man" lyric. The subject matter was simple according to Joe: "People have been singing about women for thousands of years. And they will carry on for thousands of years singing about women 'cause it is a fascinating subject. I don't think anybody, any male person, has ever figured them out. They are a breed amongst themselves, can't live with them, can't live without them" (Westwood One).
Directors Jean Pellerin and Doug Freel filmed a loosely conceptual video for the song. So-called "The Company," Pellerin/Freel were in demand as music videos continued to develop into more storylined affairs with mini-plots. In this case the story somewhat revolved around the pseudo-comic "Def Leppard and the Women of Doom." During the filming of this and "Animal" no special treatment was given to Rick -- he was just to be treated as the drummer. The video was shot the day after the "Animal" shoot...
02. Rocket
[6:34] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Single #7, the final one, and sixth released in the UK. When issued in February 1989 this single managed to reach #12 and #15 in the US and UK (released January 30), respectively, and essentially marked the end of the "Hysteria" era. The band made their third and final UK "Top Of The Pops" appearance for the album filming their "performance" on February 13, directed by Paul Ciani. The show aired February 16, 1989.
This song was initially inspired by Joe hearing a Burundi Black song, creating a loop from the tribal drum rhythm, and layering some guitars on top. Lyrically, the song contains numerous references to musical influences, including: Velvet Underground/Lou Reed (White Light/Satellite Of Love), the Rolling Stones (Jack Flash), the Beatles (Sergeant Pepper, Dizzy Lizzie), Elton John (Rocket Man, Benny And The Jets), David Bowie (Ziggy, Jean Genie, and Major Tom), and Queen (Killer Queen). The complex song also includes the vocal line from "Gods of War" backwards masked, and plenty of sequencing.
Though the "Hysteria" tour had already concluded, a promotional video was issued for this song, directed by Nigel Dick. In some ways it was fitting that this video was filmed in Holland, where the first video had been filmed nearly 18 months earlier (right down to using the same warehouse for parts). Joe though, after not drinking during the tour, had gone on a bit of a bender and had a raging hangover. The band members and Malvin are featured in the TV scene sequences as a fictitious 1970s glam band, Studly Grange, whose name was inspired by the Headly Grange Studio in Hampshire where Zeppelin often recorded. Joe plays the drummer.
In keeping as many singles out as possible to support the album, "Rocket" entered the Cashbox charts on March 4, 1989, at position #62. The single stalled at #11 on May 6, and had dropped out of the charts, after 18 weeks, by early July. This was one of only two songs from the album never performed live during the "Hysteria" tour. The promotional 12" single in the United States (Mercury PRO 705-1) included a sticker on the die-cut sleeve that commented on the number of singles: "Oh My God! Not Another Def Leppard Track!"
The "mission control" sample in 'Rocket' comes from Lunar-Earth communications during the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 23, 1969: "OK, all flight-controllers. GO/NO-GO for landing. Retro? Go! FIDO? Go! Guidance? Go! Control? Go! Tel-COM? Go! GNC? Go! EE-COM? Go! Surgeon? Go! Cap-CCOM, we are 'Go' for landing. Eagle, Houston. You are 'Go' for landing. Over."
03. Animal
[4:02] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Single #2 from the album. According to Joe, this was one of the tracks that had been written in 1984, and he wasn't particularly amused as it being described as a Bon Jovi clone by some critics (Metal Hammer, 9/87). The song tied in with the album's original title of "Animal Instinct," and was reflective of the band's energy with coming off tour in 1984 and their excitement of putting new material together. Joe is not sure what the song is about: "I often write lyrics that just sound good. They don't necessarily mean anything. In fact more often than not they mean absolutely nothing" (Biography, 1987).
Released in September 1987 (in the US, August in the UK) the single made it to the respectable #19 on the charts. In the UK, the single was the band's highest charting to that point, reaching an impressive (in UK Leppard terms) #6. It was an important step for the band to take in their domestic rehabilitation. Even after selling millions of copies of "Pyromania," the band could finally feel successful at home!
The single's performance allowed the band to be invited to the so-called "Top Of The Pops" where they filmed a lip-synched (as was the common format for that music show) performance on August 11. Produced by Brian Whitehouse, the show was broadcast on August 13. This appearance neatly tied in with the start of the "Hysteria" tour. This song was actually the first video filmed from the album, with a traveling circus, directed by Jean Pellerin and Doug Freel. Basic trick photography on the knife throwing getting an angle that made the knives appear much closer to Joe than they actually were. Malvin Mortimer gets a cameo in the video, balancing a guitar...
In the US, the single debuted on the Cashbox charts at #88 on October 10, 1987. It stalled at #28 on December 26, and dropped out of the charts in February (23) after 19 weeks. The band also appeared on the US version of "Top Of The Pops" supporting the song on December 4. Had the band had full control over their destiny then this would have been the first single released off the album.
04. Love Bites
[5:46] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Initially developed out of a Lange country song that took a lot of effort to Leppardize! The song became single #5, which proudly boasted "It's about f\*cking time" on the sticker on the die-cut sleeve of the US promotional 12" single (Mercury PRO 623-1), a cryptic reference to the success of the previous single finally bringing the expensive album more than a chance of repeating the success of "Pyromania." Def Leppard finally got their coveted #1 hit in the US after just missing with the previous single, "Pour Some Sugar On Me."
The single hit #11 in the UK. "Love Bites" debuted on the Cashbox charts at position #66 on August 13, 1988. It attained #1 on October 8, while "Pour Some Sugar On Me" was still in the Top-100 at #74. A special promotional version of the single was issued in France (870 147-7) simply advertising the March 14 shot at the Bercy in Paris. Its Mutt muttering, "Yes it does, bloody Hell," with a fake English accent, through a vocoder at the end of the song, nothing else...
Directed by Jean Pellerin and Doug Freel, the performance sections of the video for this song were filmed in a location the band were intimately familiar: Wisseloord Studios! The video was extremely scripted/storyboarded. Amusingly, Joe is wearing a T-shirt that he traded John Deacon (Queen) his "Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster" T-shirt at Donnington in 1986...
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me
[4:25] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
The last song recorded for the "Hysteria" album based on an acoustic idea that Joe had come up with while taking a break from the final vocal work on "Armageddon It." The title and line was borrowed from inspired by the Archie's hit "Sugar, Sugar" which appealed to Joe. The song was intended to be a stylized 80s version of the Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman" that was sexy rather than vulgar, but also had more than a little of a hint of "New York Groove." This song was inspired by Run DMC's rap/rock-hybrid coupling with Aerosmith that resulted in the resurrection of the latter band's fortunes. Even though the album was already completed, Mutt insisted on recording the track. The decision turned out to be a wise one. 
The first three singles issued in America hadn't resulted in a major hit, this song proved to be the album's savior, reaching #2 and extending the life of the album. It was held out of the #1 spot by Richard Marx's "Hold On To The Nights." This track is currently Def Leppard's only Gold certified digital single in the US, having been certified on May 25, 2005. The single charted at #18 in the UK and earned the band a return visit to "Top Of The Pops." Produced by Stanley Appel, this lip-synched performance was filmed on September 15, 1987 and broadcast two days later.
"Pour Some Sugar On Me" held the #1 spot on the US Cashbox charts July 23-30, 1988 and charted for 25 weeks. The single had debuted at #87 on April 30. At the time this single was released the band hadn't yet recouped the cost of recording and releasing the album, so in a way the ironic "sugar" was indeed a financial savior.
The first video, a concept piece that was a close relative of "Me & My Wine" featuring the band playing in the living room of a house and having it torn down around them during their performance. Shot mainly for the British market this video was essentially based on the "Demolition Woman" lyrical theme. Directed by Danny Kleinman, the band have since essentially disowned the video. It was nominated for "Best Heavy Metal Video" and "Best Stage" at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards. A new video for the song was later created with Wayne Isham directing. This live version was essentially a clone of the format used on the "Armageddon It" video. It was, however, for the band a more exciting representation of the song.
06. Armageddon It
[5:21] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Single #6. Another top hit reaching # 3 in the US, though somewhat languishing at #20 in the UK. "Armageddon It" entered the Cashbox charts on November 19, at position #65, while "Love Bites" was charting its final of 15 weeks on the charts. The single hit a high position of #2 on January 28, 1989, and ended up charting for 20 weeks. A special UK 12" pack, limited to 5,000 copies, included an enamel pin and poster. This caveman two-chord song was nothing more than a tongue-in-cheek play on words that was more than a little influenced by T-Rex. It started out life in Dublin in 1984 based on a Savage idea.
This was the first purely performance video from the album, directed by Wayne Isham, which would show those in Europe exactly what they were missing with the American "full" stage and light show. Wayne was well known as an expert in filming live, and it would be he that suggest that the band not only make a video, but a full concert video. That video became the "In The Round" video release. The format was also convenient for a band that was continuously on the road. They had the footage, so use it!
07. Gods Of War
[6:32] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Musically, this song is based on strong riff ideas from Steve Clark. Sound bites from US President Ronald Reagan (1981-89) and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979-90) feature in the closing of this song. Reagan's "Message to terrorists everywhere, you can run but you can't hide" came from the Presidents October 11, 1985 statement concerning the hijacking of the Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean and the American response in capturing the terrorists.
"Today we have done what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong." This statement came from President Reagan's April 14, 1986 address to the nation following US air strikes against the then terrorist-state Libya. "We're not going to tolerate these attacks by outlaw states" comes from President Reagan's speech to the American Bar Association on July 8, 1985, but excludes the more amusing conclusion: "...run by the strangest collection of misfits, loony tunes, and squalid criminals since the advent of the Third Reich." The "We will not cave in" ending of that sentence is used. Thatcher is included with her "We're determined to stand together, and we're determined to take action" comment.
08. Don't Shoot Shotgun
[4:10] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Performed early during the "Hysteria" tour. Steve and Phil were particularly involved in the lyrics for this song.
09. Run Riot
[4:38] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
First performed during the 1986 "Monsters Of Rock" tour, this was one of the first two songs from the album performed live, though it wouldn't get a regular set-spot during the next two years. Joe has made the analogy that this song is essentially "Summertime Blues." Rick Allen can be heard exclaiming during one sound-check that he hated the song.
10. Hysteria
[5:49] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Single #3 provided the first real signs of life on the US charts hitting #10 on the Billboard charts. The band appeared on the US version of "Top Of The Pops," on CBS, to perform the song on February 12, 1988. In the UK the single only managed a still respectable #26. "Hysteria" debuted at #87 on the Cashbox charts on January 23, 1988 and reached a high of #11 on March 26. It charted for 17 weeks. This song also started out life in Dublin in 1985 based around a Savage riff. Sav and Phil wrote the lyrics of first verse up to the bridge. The title didn't come until Rick Allen came up with the title for the album. Fortunately, according to Joe, this song was vague enough that they could simply drop "Hysteria" into it, and voila! The band reunited with Jean Pellerin and Doug Freel for the video for this song that was filmed in New Jersey.
11. Excitable
[4:19] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
One of only two songs from the album never performed live during the "Hysteria" tour.
12. Love And Affection
[4:35] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
First performed during the 1986 "Monsters Of Rock" tour, this was one of the first two songs from the album performed live.
13. Love And Affection (Live)
[4:52] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
A bonus track included on the Japanese release of the album that was recorded live at the Noorderligt Club, Tilburg, Holland on June 25, 1987. It was also used as a bonus track on some "Hysteria" 12" single versions in other markets.
Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange; Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Holland, Studio des Dames in Paris, France, and Windmill Studios II, Dublin, Eire. Additional background vocals by Rocky Newton (bassist with MSG/Lionheart). Released August 3, 1987 it entered the US album charts at #36. Some worldwide chartings included Norway (#1), and Sweden and Switzerland (#2).
One title that was considered for the Leppard "come-back" album was "Animal Instinct," though the amusing "Paranoia" may have been a working-title. One of Sav's mates sarcastically suggested in a pub that the album should be called "Halley's Comet" since Def Leppard albums seemed to be released on a schedule comparable with the comet's return, every 75 years or so. Unfortunately, at that time the comet had already visited and Def Leppard were still recording (Rolling Stone #492).
After such a long absence, it wasn't too surprising that the band presented 63 minutes of music, though it has been suggested that this was Mutt's idea due to the emerging CD format. By the time the last single was released in early 1989, "Hysteria" had sold nearly 9 million albums in the US alone and something close to 15 million copies worldwide. Last certified on August 17, 1998 for sales of 12 million copies. Joe felt that "Hysteria" was really their fifth album, with the fourth having not been released during the 1984-6 period. The album was planned to be debuted over the PA at the 1987 Texxas Jam in Dallas, TX on July 20, though apparently, "Peter Mensch couldn't get a written undertaking from the Q107 boys that they'd refrain from taping it and broadcasting the damn thing over the coming weeks" (Kerrang #151).
European "Hysteria" Tour Round I Notes:
No pun intended. After several warm-up gigs in Holland in June, and two months of rehearsals, the first leg of the tour commenced with Tesla in the support role. A year earlier "Love And Affection" and "Run Riot" had debuted, in June 1987 they were joined by "Women," "Armageddon It," "Animal," "Hysteria," and "Pour Some Sugar On Me" (though "Run Riot" was soon dropped). Note, regardless of the success of "Pyromania" and the hype of their return to action, Leppard still weren't playing the larger venues in Britain. It is also a slight stretch of the imagination to call this a "European" tour when only two non-UK countries were visited. Even at this early stage of a tour that would encompass over 250 shows, "Tear It Down" featured as an encore in the set.
June 24, 1987 -- Noorderligt Club, Tilburg, Holland
\*\*After all of the recording that had been done in Holland it was suitable that the first warm-up gig for the "Hysteria" tour was performed in that country. The fact that "Pyromania" had sold less than 700 copies in Holland also made it an ideal location for a low-key warm-up. The band borrowed lighting and sound engineers from Metallica for the gig and dusted off the cobwebs. Appropriately, "Stagefright" remained the set opener, as it had been at the MOR shows in 1986.
June 25 -- Noorderligt Club, Tilburg, Holland
\*\*This show was recorded and material such as "Love And Affection," "Billy's Got A Gun," "Rock Of Ages," and "Elected" were later used as B-sides. Both "Tear It Down" and "Wasted" were also in the set list.
June 28 -- Zuiderpark, Den Haag, Holland
\*\*Final warm-up show prior to production rehearsals for the tour. Following rehearsals, the band members took a break to prepare for the road. Joe and Sav attended David Bowie's July 11 concert at Slane Castle. Their attendance was noted in the Irish Independent (7/17/87), but seems to be more an opportunity for reviewer James Mulcahy to use an obnoxious quote: "Def Leppard would go to the opening of a telephone booth in Dublin."
August 27 -- SFX Hall, Dublin, Eire
\*\*This show marked the official start of the "Hysteria" tour and it was appropriate for the tour to begin in a city that had been so important to the band during the previous three years...
August 28 -- Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
\*\*Joe trapped a nerve in his back after jumping from the drum riser during this show. It affected him for weeks. Manager Peter Mensch apparently threatened a couple of French journalists with a cricket bat during this show (Kerrang #155)!
August 29 -- Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
August 31 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England w/ Tesla
\*\*Phil thought it would be a cool idea to get Pete Willis on stage with the band to jam "Rocks Off," though Pete was apparently unwilling to do so.
September 1 -- Royal Center, Nottingham, England
\*\*The smallest venue played on the UK tour, with a capacity of just 500!
September 2 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
September 4 -- Apollo, Manchester, England
September 6 -- The Center, Newport, Wales
September 7 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, London, England
September 8 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, London, England
September 9 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, London, England
\*\*Brian May jammed with the band at this show playing "Now I'm Here." After the three sold-out gigs in Hammersmith, Def Leppard threw a party at the fashionable Drone's in Knightsbridge. Other attendees included Brian May, Tesla, Iron Maiden, Zodiac Mindwarp, members of WASP and Frankie Goes To Hollywood.
September 11 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England
\*\*While the other UK venues were relatively small, this arena had a capacity of around 11,000, depending on staging, and was the largest venue of its type, in the UK, at the time.
September 12 -- Mayflower, Southampton, England
September 13 -- Hippodrome, Bristol, England
September 15 -- De Montfort Hall, Leicester, England
September 16 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
September 17 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
\*\*Pete Willis attended both the Sheffield shows on the UK tour. The capacity of most of the venues on the UK tour varied from approx. 2,000 to 5,000.
Following a short break after the inaugural part of the tour, the band departed for the United States for production rehearsals where they would be performing "in the round." While the concept was nothing new, it was not something that had been done by a major rock act. The idea was apparently inspired by Peter Mensch having seen Frank Sinatra perform in that format. However, it was nearly impossible to stage the band this way in many of the venues in Europe.
The band was almost apologetic in their 1988 European tour book: "Our US stage show is based in the middle of the Arena -- you know, midfield. We take a 21.9 metre by 14.6 metre stage and stick it in the middle. We then take 50,000 plus pounds of lights and sound and hang it above the stage. Consequently, all of our live shots come from this stage... You can see that this particular show is different, so different that no one else has ever done it before... The next question you might ask is why can't we see this show over here" ('88 Tour Book)?
The reasons given were that essentially the venues (in many cases with fixed seating) being played in Europe were too old and small to compare with their modern US equivalents. There was also the matter of cost of bringing the stage-set over from the US for use in what would have been very few venues, thus it would have been pointless, particularly comparing the number of sales of the albums in Europe versus America. As a business endeavor, it was clear where investment would bear the most fruit.
North America "In The Round" Tour '87/8 Part I Notes:
October 1, 1987 -- Civic Center, Glens Falls, NY
\*\*Sadly, this show is better known for what occurred prior to it. Steve Clark was apparently so panicked by the prospect of the tour that he started smashing his hands against the bathroom wall of his hotel room. The US tour was originally scheduled to start on September 26. The band also did their final tour/production rehearsals at this venue in late September.
October 2 -- Cumberland Civic Center, Portland, ME
October 3 -- Olympic Center, Lake Placid, NY
October 5 -- Civic Center Coliseum, Charleston, WV
October 7 -- The Coliseum, Hampton, VA
October 9 -- Civic Center, Baltimore, MD
October 11 -- Civic Center, Hartford, CT
October 12 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
October 13 -- The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
October 15 -- Erie Civic Center, Erie, PA
October 17 -- Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
\*\*18,500 tickets sold grossing $284,217.
October 18 -- Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
October 20 -- University Arena, Dayton, OH
October 21 -- Roberts Stadium, Evansville, IN
October 22 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
October 23 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
October 24 -- SIU Arena, Carbondale, IL
October 26 -- Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
October 27 -- ACC Arena, South Bend, IN
October 29 -- Civic Center, Peoria, IL
October 30 -- Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
October 31 -- Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
November 2 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
November 3 -- Kellogg Arena, Battle Creek, MI
November 5 -- The Mecca, Milwaukee, WI
November 7 -- Hilton Coliseum @ ISU, Ames, IA
November 8 -- Dane County Arena, Madison, WI
November 9 -- Five Seasons Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
November 10 -- Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
November 11 -- Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, KS
November 12 -- Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, OK
November 14 -- Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, Shreveport, LA
November 15 -- Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
November 16 -- Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
November 18 -- Tulsa Arena, Tulsa, OK
November 19 -- America West Arena, Phoenix, AZ
November 20 -- Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
November 22 -- LA Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA
\*\*14,666 tickets sold with a $256,655 gross...
November 23 -- Selland Arena, Fresno, California
November 25 -- Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
November 27 -- Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA w/ Tesla
November 28 -- Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
November 29 -- Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
\*\*Combined 23,316 tickets sold with a $411,344 gross...
December 1 -- Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
December 2 -- Beasely Coliseum, Pullman, WA
December 3 -- Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR
December 4 -- BSU Pavilion, Boise, ID
December 5 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
December 6 -- Casper Events Center, Casper, WY
December 8 -- Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
December 9 -- Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, KS
December 10 -- Kemper Arena, Kansas City, MO
December 12 -- The Summit, Houston, TX
\*\*15,254 tickets sold with a $245,321 gross...
December 13 -- Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
December 15 -- UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
December 16 -- Jefferson Memorial Coliseum, Birmingham, AL
December 18 -- Omni, Atlanta, GA
December 19 -- The Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
\*\*14,009 tickets sold with a $225,423 gross...
December 20 -- Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
December 27 -- Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL
December 29 -- Sportatorium, Hollywood, FL
\*\*13,285 tickets sold with a $205,918 gross...
December 30 -- Civic Center, Orlando, FL
December 31 -- The Sundome, Tampa, FL
\*\*Def Leppard rang in the New Year and then took a well-deserved break.
North America "In The Round" Tour '87/8 Part II Notes:
January 16, 1988 -- Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
\*\*Just two days before the restart of the tour "Hysteria" was certified triple-platinum, which was pretty much the break-even point for the recording costs of the album.
January 17 -- Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
January 18 -- War Memorial, Rochester, NY
January 20 -- Civic Center, Roanoke, VA
January 21 -- Capital Center, Landover, MD
January 22 -- Freedom Hall, Johnson City, TN
January 24 -- Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC
January 25 -- Carolina Coliseum, Columbia, SC
January 26 -- William Neal Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh, NC
January 25 -- Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
January 29 -- Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
January 30 -- Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
February 1 -- Wendler Arena, Saginaw, MI
February 2 -- Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, OH
\*\*18,784 tickets sold with a $301,048 gross...
February 3 -- Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
February 5 -- Thompson-Boiling Arena, Knoxville, TN
February 6 -- Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, AL
February 7 -- Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
February 9 -- Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AR
February 10 -- St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, MO
February 12 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
February 13 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
\*\*Combined 31,105 tickets sold with a $542,812 gross...
February 14 -- Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, NM
February 15 -- UT SEC, El Paso, TX \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*The "greasy Mexican" incident refused to pass into history no matter how many times Joe apologized. The mayor of El Paso continued to urge a boycott of all things Def, so perhaps it is not surprising that this show was eventually cancelled (on Jan. 22) following death threats towards the band. Some 4,000 of 8,500 tickets for the show had been sold by the time the show was cancelled.
February 16 -- Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
February 19 -- Coliseo Roberto Clemente, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Hysterically B-sides themselves!
According to Joe around eight extra songs were in varying stages of completion following the album sessions, which is essentially enough to have filled a second album or EP. Sav expands, "We had a lot of songs left over from the 'Hysteria' sessions and we thought instead of just wasting them, let's get them recorded and give people who do buy singles extra tracks. It basically meant that we didn't have to put out on B-sides songs off the album" (Rockline). The distinction between these tracks and the album can be made that the album took three years to record and the B-sides were recorded in less than a month with no fuss or trauma! Several of these tracks were essentially completed versions of tracks that had been intended for the album at varying stages.
01. I Wanna Be Your Hero
[4:36] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
This song was originally titled "Love Bites," though it got a new name after the band swiped the chorus and title for use on a Mutt Lange song that became the band's first number one hit. The original song then got a new chorus and intro during the B-side sessions and was thus recycled. Make sense? This B-side was released on the North American/Japan "Animal" singles and "Hysteria" in Europe.
02. Tear It Down
[3:27] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage
Written in January-February 1987, prior to the B-side sessions at Wisseloord, making it somewhat representative of where Leppard were "at" at the time. Issued as the B-side of the "Women" single in North America/Japan and "Animal" in Europe. The song was such a regular part of the set that it seems that the band may have regretted not including the song on the album!
03. Ring Of Fire
[4:41] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Intended to be included on the album until "Armageddon It" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me" came along bumping it from inclusion. According to Joe, "We then just couldn't find the room for it. It was just such a vastly different sounding kind of song to the rest of the album. It was then decided to user it as one of the B-sides" (PR). Released as the B-side of the "Armageddon It" single, which is certainly somewhat ironic.
This song entered Leppard-lore for being inspired by the after-effects of a bad curry, rather than having anything to do with the Johnny Cash ditty (written by June Carter-Cash) with the same title. According to Joe, much of the song came from Rick Savage, who "Just never writes like the people he listens to" (Kerrang #90). At the time those bands, again according to Joe, included the more melodic Journey and Bryan Adams.
01. Armageddon It (Remix) [7:40]
Mixes engineered by Mike Shipley and Nigel Green. The so-called "Nuclear Mix." The single version was referred to as the "Atomic Mix." Extended remixes of songs became popular in the late 1980s so every band and their dog were offering numerous remixes.
02. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Remix) [5:35]
More of a guitars and chorus remix. Generally first released on versions of the 12" single (LEP-X2).
05. Ride Into The Sun '87
[3:09] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage
While the copyright records for this new version add Phil and Rick to the credits, the labels and liner notes on singles containing the track often cite the original Elliott/Savage credit even though some of the lyrics had been rewritten. Leppard legend suggests that Rick Savage was playing the riff on a guitar in the control room and Phil heard it and loved it, suggesting that the band re-record it. Since neither he nor Rick Allen had played on the original, it made sense to update the song, especially with the plans to record B-side material. This new version ends with an amusing spoken part: "Or sumthin' like that!"
06. Swing 625 (Unreleased)
An alternative version of Steve Clark's instrumental that had originally appeared on the "High 'N Dry" album. It apparently had a different rhythm, arrangement, and effects. Played in 3/4 time signature this song was worked on during the "Hysteria" B-side sessions, but unlike "Ride Into The Sun '87," it remains unreleased, and possibly an incomplete idea.
07. Love And Affection (Live) [4:52]
Produced by Ronald Prent. Recorded live Tilburg, Holland on June 25, 1987. Initially, this track was an exclusive live bonus track from the Japanese version of "Hysteria" (PHCW-2002) which was particularly interesting because it was recorded before the album was even released.
08. Rocket (The Lunar Mix) [7:09]
There were two versions of this remix; this shorter version was generally used on vinyl formats.
09. Rocket (The Extended Lunar Mix) [8:57]
The longer remix that was generally used on CD-single formats.
10. Billy's Got A Gun (Live)
[5:09] Steve Clark Rick Savage Pete Willis Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
Produced by Ronald Prent. Recorded live Tilburg, Holland on June 25, 1987. Released as a B-side on "Love Bites" in most markets.
11. Excitable (The Orgasmic Mix) [6:26]
Originally released as a B-side of the "Love Bites" 12" single (LEP-X5).
12. Women (Live) [6:32]
Recorded live at McNichols Arena, Denver, CO on February 12/13, 1988. This show comprises the majority of the performance on the "Live... In The Round" video. Another recording, "Too Late For Love" was featured on the "Let's Get Rocked" single.
13. Release Me
[3:31] Eddie Miller Dub Williams Robert Yount
Originally a hit for Englebert Humperdinck (though he wasn't the first to record it as it had regularly charted on the Country/Western charts in the 1940s and 50s) this song was credited to Stumpus Maximus and the Good 'Ol Boys. "Release Me" is more notable in pop history for having been the single that prevented The Beatles' historic "Penny Lane" / "Strawberry Fields Forever" single from reaching the number one position. Malvin Mortimer, Steve's guitar tech and band assistant at the time, recorded this song with Def Leppard as the backing band as a joke song. The key of the song keeps increasing until Malvin simply cannot take it any more.
14. Rock Of Ages (Live Medley)
[9:14] Steve Clark Rick Savage Pete Willis Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
Includes part of "Not Fade Away" (Petty/Hardin), "My Generation" (Townshend), "Radar Love" (Kooymans/Hay), "Come Together" (Lennon/McCartney), and "Whole Lotta Love" (Page/Plant/Jones/Bonham). Recorded live Tilburg, Holland on June 25, 1987. Using "Rock Of Ages" as a medley vehicle was hardly something new to the band in 1987. Only the "Radar Love" section is substantial enough to have warranted copyright/publishing notification.
15. Rocket (Radio Edit) [4:38]
The master tape for this version of the single was onboard Pan-Am flight 103 that exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland on December 21, 1988. The tape was eventually found embedded in the side of a building. By the time it was returned to the band the single had already been released and become a hit (Phonogram LEP-6).
16. Animal (Radio Edit) [3:00]
Released in Mexico as a mono-stereo promo (PolyGram S/N-723).
17. Armageddon It (Radio Edit) [4:05]
Released Phonogram LEPDJ-4. A 3:23 mono-stereo edit was released in Mexico (PolyGram S/N-780). The "You flash your bedroom eyes like a jumpin' jack / Then play it pretty with a pat on the back" lyric is omitted, and the fade-out of the song starts substantially earlier...
18. Love Bites (Radio Edit) [4:48]
Released on Phonogram LEPDJ-5. A 3:35 mono-stereo edit was released in Mexico (PolyGram S/N-811). The shortening on the "Radio Edit" is nothing particularly special. The electronic voice introduction and outro is removed, and the fade-out of the song begins after the end of the "Love lives, love dies" on what would be the third full repetition of the chorus.
19. Animal (Extended Version) [4:55]
Initially issued on Phonogram LEP-X1 and many international versions of the 12" single for the song. One of the most interesting 12" versions is the UK red vinyl promotional release (LEP-C1).
The second leg of the "Hysteria" tour commenced on March 2, 1988, in Helsinki, Finland. Def Leppard returned to the UK, as something of conquering heroes, for another tour, supported by Loverboy (for the UK dates). February "Hysteria" stood at triple-platinum in America having been certified at that sales plateau on January 14. The "Hysteria" picture disc was released in the UK to coincide with the tour. Housed in a die-cut sleeve, the disc featured photos taken during the US tour. The rear sleeve listed the then planned touring schedule.
Europe 'Hysteria' Tour Round II Notes:
March 2, 1988 -- Icehalle, Helsinki, Finland
March 4 -- Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden
March 5 -- Scandanavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
March 7 -- Skedsmohallen, Oslo, Norway
March 8 -- Skedsmohallen, Oslo, Norway
March 10 -- K.B. Halle, Copenhagen, Denmark
March 11 -- Stadhalle, Bremen, Germany
March 12 -- Sporthalle, Koln, Germany
March 14 -- Palais Omnisport, Bercy, Paris, France w/ Poison
March 15 -- Schleyer Hall, Stuttgart, Germany
March 16 -- Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany
March 18 -- Rudi-Sedlmayer Halle, Munich, Germany
March 19 -- Carl-Diem-Halle, Wuerzburg, Germany
March 20 -- Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
March 22 -- Palatrussardi, Milan, Italy w/ M.S.G.
March 23 -- Sportpalace, Florence, Italy
March 25 -- Salle Des Fetes, Lausanne, Switzerland
March 26 -- Ferrand Maison Des Sports, Clermont, France
March 28 -- Palaise Des Sports, Toulouse, France
March 29 -- Palaise Des Sports, Lyon, France
March 30 -- Stadhalle, Freiberg, Germany
April 1 -- Jaap Edenhal, Amsterdam, Holland w/ MSG.
April 3 -- Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
April 4 -- Velodromo Anoeta, San Sebastian, Spain w/ MSG
April 5 -- Pabellon Real Madrid, Madrid, Spain
April 6 -- Sports Palace, Barcelona, Spain
April 8 -- Bourges Festival, Bourges, France
April 10 -- International Center, Bournmouth, England w/ Loverboy
April 11 -- Wembley Arena, London, England w/ Poison
\*\*This show was sold-out.
April 12 -- Wembley Arena, London, England w/ Poison
April 14 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
April 15 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
April 16 -- Ice Rink, Whitley Bay, England
April 18 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England w/ Poison
April 19 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England w/ Poison
April 20 -- Queen's Hall, Leeds, England w/ Loverboy
April 22 -- King's Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
There was still much more touring to support the album. By the time the North American touring cycle concluded October 27, 1988 in Tacoma, WA some 7.5 million copies of the album had been sold in the US. By early 1989 (January 4) the album was certified 9X platinum after which sales finally started dropping off...
Regularly performed during the latter stages of the "Hysteria" tour were "Women," "Hysteria," "Gods Of War," "Animal," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Love Bites," with "Run Riot" returning to the set and sometimes being used as the opener. Considering that "Love And Affection," "Don't Shoot Shotgun," "Armageddon It," and even B-side "Tear It Down" had been performed during the tour, leaving only "Excitable" and "Rocket" (added to the set during the "Adrenalize" tour) as the exclusions.
Japanese "Hysteria" Tour Notes:
May 17, 1988 -- Yoyogi Olympic Pool, Tokyo, Japan
May 19 -- Bunka Taikukan, Yokohama, Japan
May 21 -- Castle Hall, Osaka, Japan
May 22 -- Castle Hall, Osaka, Japan
May 24 -- Century Hall, Nagoya, Japan
North America "In The Round" Tour '87/8 Part III Notes:
Hitting North America for another round of touring "Hysteria" was still flying high on the Rolling Stone album charts: #9 after 40 weeks in early June! By early August the album was #6 and the "Pour Some Sugar On Me" single was nearing the culmination of its long climb to #1 (on Billboard). Supporting the band were stalwarts Tesla until the middle of July when Scandinavian rockers Europe took over.
May 27, 1988 -- Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, AK
May 28 -- Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, AK
June 2 -- Capitol Theater, Passaic, NJ
\*\* The so-called "secret" show, for which the cover medley was noted in Rolling Stone as having included parts of CCR's "Travellin' Band," Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly," T Rex's "Jeepster," and the ever-present "Radar Love."
June 6 -- Coliseum, Moncton, NB, Canada
June 7 -- Metro Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
June 9 -- Le Colisée, Quebec City, QC, Canada
June 11 -- CNE Grandstand, Toronto, ON, Canada
June 12 -- Le Forum, Montreal, QC, Canada
June 13 -- Civic Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
June 17 -- Winnipeg Arena, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
June 18 -- Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
June 20 -- Olympic Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
June 21 -- Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada
June 23 -- PNE Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, Canada
July 1 -- Coliseum, Spokane, WA
July 2 -- BSU Pavilion, Boise, ID
July 4 -- Events Center, Casper, WY
July 5 -- MetraPark Arena, Billings, MT
July 6 -- Civic Center, Rapid City, SD
July 8 -- Met Center, Bloomington, MN
July 9 -- Met Center, Bloomington, MN
July 10 -- Met Center, Bloomington, MN
July 12 -- La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
July 13 -- Prairie Center, Springfield, IL
July 14 -- Brown County Arena, Green Bay, WI
July 16 -- Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI
July 17 -- Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI
July 18 -- Indiana State Fair Coliseum, Indianapolis, IN
July 20 -- Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls (Cleveland), OH
July 22 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
July 23 -- Cayuga County Fair, Weedsport, NY w/ Europe
\*\*Sold-out show of with 12,300 attending this show, though 18 ended up in local hospitals following crowd surges.
July 25 -- Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
July 26 -- Orange County Fair, Middletown, NY
July 27 -- Great Allentown Fair, Allentown, PA
July 29 -- The Ball Park, Old Orchard, ME
July 30 -- Great Woods Amphitheatre, Mansfield, MA
August 2 -- Free Fair, Ionia, MI
August 3 -- Castle Farms Music Theatre, Charlevoix, MI
August 5 -- Starwood Amphitheatre, Nashville, TN
August 6 -- Buckeye Lake Music Center, Legend Valley, OH
August 7 -- Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
August 9 -- Sandstone Amphitheatre, Bonner Springs, KS
August 10 -- Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK
August 11 -- Starplex Amphitheatre, Dallas, TX w/ Europe
August 12 -- Starplex Amphitheatre, Dallas, TX \*\*HOLD DATE
\*\*This date appears on some itineraries as a possible "Hold Date." However, it seems unlikely that Joe would have wanted (or been able) to sing six days in a row!
August 13 -- Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
August 14 -- Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
August 16 -- CAL Expo Amphitheatre, Sacramento, CA
August 17 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
\*\*"Love Bites" was added to the set at some of these final shows, since it was the active single at the time. It's not clear when the first live performance of the track took place, but it appears that it wasn't regularly performed. "Run Riot" also got a few performances during the latter part of the tour.
August 19 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills, CA
\*\*Set list: Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) Run Riot Women Too Late For Love Hysteria Gods Of War Die Hard The Hunter Bringin' On The Heartbreak Foolin' Animal Pour Some Sugar On Me Rock Of Ages Love Bites / Photograph.
August 20 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills, CA
August 21 -- Compton Terrace, Phoenix, AZ
North America "In The Round" Tour '87/8 Part IV Notes:
Even at the start of this tour "Hysteria" was still at #3 on the Rolling Stone Top-50, 54 weeks after release. The final leg of the "Hysteria" tour had Queensrÿche in support through Wheeling, IL, and then LA Guns for the final few dates.
September 7, 1988 -- Fairgrounds Coliseum, Jackson, MS
September 8 -- LSU Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA
September 9 -- Gulf Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS
September 11 -- County Civic Center, Tallahassee, FL
September 12 -- Civic Center, Lakeland, FL
September 13 -- Civic Center, Lakeland, FL
September 15 -- UTC Arena, Chattanooga, TN
September 17 -- The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
September 18 -- The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
September 19 -- Sports Arena, Toledo, OH
September 21 -- Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
September 22 -- Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
September 23 -- Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
September 25 -- The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
September 26 -- The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
September 28 -- The Centrum, Worcester, MA
September 29 -- The Centrum, Worcester, MA
October 1 -- Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, Canada
October 2 -- Wheeling Civic Center, Wheeling, IL
October 3 -- Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
October 5 -- Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
October 7 -- The Omni, Atlanta, GA
October 8 -- The Omni, Atlanta, GA
October 9 -- The Omni, Atlanta, GA
\*\*Additional filming and recording were done at these shows for the "In The Round" video.
October 10 -- Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC
October 12 -- The Arena, St. Louis, MO
October 13 -- Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL
October 14 -- Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL
October 16 -- Assembly Hall, Champaign, IL
October 18 -- Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IA
October 19 -- Bob Devaney Arena, Lincoln, NE
October 20 -- Bramledge Coliseum, Manhattan, KS
October 22 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
October 23 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
October 24 -- Reno, NV \*\*CANCELLED
October 25 -- Coliseum, Portland, OR
October 26 -- Coliseum, Portland, OR
October 27 -- Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
\*\* This show not only marked the end of the "Hysteria" tour, it also sadly marked Steve Clark's final full concert appearance with Def Leppard.
"Off The Record Special - Def Leppard" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Westwood One 87-40 (USA, 1987)
Executive producer: Norm Pattiz. Presented by Mary Turner. First broadcast the week of September 28, 1987. Featuring interview segments with 14 tracks including "Rocket," "Hysteria," "Photograph," "Animal," and "Bringin' On The Heartbreak." Includes cue sheets and housed in "Westwood One Off The Record Specials with Mary Turner" sleeve.
"Off The Record Special - Def Leppard" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Westwood One 88-02 (USA, 1988)
Tracks:
01. Gods Of War
02. Pour Some Sugar On Me
03. Rocket
04. Hello America
05. Hysteria
06. Run Riot
07. Stagefright
08. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
09. Foolin'
10. Women
11. Photograph
12. Love Bites
13. Animal
14. Rock Of Ages
Executive producer: Norm Pattiz. Presented by Mary Turner. First broadcast the week of January 4, 1988. A mix of tracks, clips, and interview segments with background music. The one-hour radio catches the band early in the "Hysteria" era, following the start of the US tour.
"Off The Record Special - Def Leppard" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Westwood One 89-05 (USA, 1989)
Tracks:
01. Rocket
02. Stagefright
03. Rock Of Ages
04. Hello America
05. Hysteria
06. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
07. Pour Some Sugar On Me
08. Love Bites
09. Women
10. Photograph
11. Animal
12. Foolin'
13. Armageddon It
Executive producer: Norm Pattiz. Presented by Mary Turner. First broadcast the week of January 23, 1989. A mix of tracks, clips, and interview segments with background music. The one-hour radio uses many of the same interview bits as the previous two radio shows.
"The Def Leppard Story: Rock Of Ages" TV Broadcast Notes:
Broadcast BBC2 (UK, 8/1989)
Executive Producer: Nick Ryle. Directed by John Wilford. Filmed in August 1988 this one-hour BBC program was first broadcast on BBC2 on August 26, 1989 at a somewhat unfriendly 11pm. It featured a condensed story of the rise of the band, "The story of Sheffield rock band Def Leppard -- how they came to conquer the United States and sell over 12 million copies of their most recent album" (PR). The second broadcast of the documentary, January 3, 1990, was supported with a promotional CD sampler release and a limited edition collector's "4" CD box featuring the first four albums (kinda makes sense, right?).
"Rock Of Ages" CD-Sampler Notes:
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola DL-1989 (UK, 1989)
Track(s):
01. Hello America [3:29]
02. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [4:29]
03. Rock Of Ages [4:12]
04. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Edit) [4:25]
The shortened video edit of the song.
Classic Albums "Def Leppard: Hysteria" Radio Broadcast Notes:
BBC Transcription CD0513001 (UK, 5/1990)
Produced by S. Grundy. Recorded on April 25, 1990 and broadcast BBC Radio 1 first broadcast on May 12, 1990. This one-hour featured Joe Elliott being interviewed by Roger Scott about Def Leppard's "Hysteria" album. Classic Albums was a regular Radio 1 series.
"Hysteria (Deluxe Edition)" Album Notes:
UMG/Bludgeon-Riffola 06-02498-43047-7 (UK, 10/16/2006)
UMG/Bludgeon-Riffola 06-02498-43047-7 (Germany, 10/20/2006)
UMG/Bludgeon-Riffola 06-02498-43047-7 (USA, 10/24/2006)
UMG/Bludgeon-Riffola UICY-7311/2 (Japan, 12/6/2006)
Track(s): Disc 1 --
01. Women [5:41]
02. Rocket [6:34]
03. Animal [4:02]
04. Love Bites [5:46]
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:25]
06. Armageddon It [5:21]
07. Gods Of War [6:32]
08. Don't Shoot Shotgun [4:10]
09. Run Riot [4:38]
10. Hysteria [5:49]
11. Excitable [4:19]
12. Love And Affection [4:35]
13. Tear It Down [3:27]
"Tear It Down" has some introduction effects not present on the original version.
14. Ride Into The Sun '87 [3:09]
15. I Wanna Be Your Hero [4:36]
16. Ring Of Fire [4:41]
DISC 2 --
01. Elected (Live) [4:18]
"Elected" was never released as a "Hysteria" B-side, it followed in 1993, but the recording was contemporary with other live songs used during the "Hysteria" era.
02. Love And Affection (Live) [4:50]
03. Billy's Got A Gun (Live) [5:21]
04. Rock Of Ages (Live Medley) [8:42]
05. Women (Live) [6:32]
06. Animal (Extended Version) [4:40]
This extended version of "Animal" is not quite the same as the version issued in 1987, cutting 15 seconds sooner.
07. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Extended Version) [5:37]
08. Armageddon It (Remix) [7:41]
09. Excitable (The Orgasmic Mix) [6:26]
10. Rocket (The Lunar Mix) [8:42]
11. Release Me [3:31]
Compilation produced by Bill Levenson and Silvia Montella. Tape transfers by Tibor Pesci at Universal Mastering Studios, London, and Ellen Fitton at Universal Mastering Studios East, New York City. Tape research by Zoe Roberts at Universal Tape Facility, London.
A repackaging of the classic album including some of the B-sides, well parts of some and some that weren't B-sides at the time. In digipak packaging with 32 page booklet including an essay by David Fricke, author of excellent "Animal Instinct." Of the B-sides there is little of note, not previously mentioned. This release scanned a paltry 2,100 copies sold in its first week (in the US), though more than 13 million copies of the album have already been sold with any fans having worn through various formats previously.
One of the biggest differences in the remastering process is a change in the "loudness" of the tracks. The original 1987 version of "Ride Into The Sun" had a RMS (a measurement unit) power level of -7.8Db while the new master is an utterly staggering -14.68Db (-14 is louder than -8). While "louder is better" has become the mantra of album mastering since the early 1990s, many will find the original versions of the album and bonus tracks more listenable in their original format (or somewhat bastardized "Retroactive" format). From that point-of-view, bootleg collections of this material certainly will not be disappearing any time soon.
IX
Dublin... We have a problem!Intermission 1989-1991
Intermission 1989-1991
On January 30, 1989 the 16th American Music Awards were held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. Leppard, who had four nominations (Favorite Heavy Metal Artist, Favorite PopRock Group, Favorite PopRock Album, and Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album) walked away with two awards with "Hysteria" winning the "Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album." The band beat out Guns 'N' Roses' "Appetite for Destruction" and Van Halen's "OU812" for the honors. They also won "Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist" beating the same groups.
The final live performance of Def Leppard Mk. III took place on September 6, 1989 at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, CA. The event was that year's MTV Music Awards, hosted by Arsenio Hall, and the band performed "Tear It Down." However, their video for "Pour Some Sugar On Me" lost out to Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" for the Best Heavy Metal Video award. Even as they came off the road in support of "Hysteria" the band knew that they weren't going to be working with Mutt Lange on the next album. Mike Shipley, the band's longtime engineer, and themselves would handle the task.
The "Hysteria" tour had finally came to an end on October 27, 1988 at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. By the end of November, work had commenced on a new album back at Wisseloord. According to Joe the band were driven to record a new album much more quickly than had been the case with the previous one. It was also, perhaps, following the blueprint of label-mates Bon Jovi, who had rapidly turned around "New Jersey" following the breakthrough of their mega-successful "Slippery When Wet." Following a six-week stint at Wisseloord, the band moved to another studio in Amsterdam. The band also served time at Chas Sandford's Secret Sound studios in Los Angeles, CA during this period, but it is not clear what they recorded there. Regardless, by mid-1989 only bits of "Tear It Down" and "Tonight" were deemed usable from all of the work that had been done.
The band were rumored to be back in Dublin during mid-September putting "the finishing touches to their latest album" (Irish Independent) at Windmill Studios with a then expected release in early 1990. Nevertheless, the time wasn't all about work. Joe married Karla Ramdhanie on October 4. In December 1989 the band were essentially reduced to being a four-piece. Steve's condition had rapidly deteriorated following the end of the tour, and he ended up in a psychiatric hospital in Minnesota during December, after being found unconscious in a gutter following a drinking session. His blood alcohol level at that time was a reported staggering 0.59. According to Joe, the number didn't mean much until it was explained that Led Zeppelin's drummer had been killed by a 0.41 (Rolling Stone). Even a 0.30 was supposedly coma inducing (Kerrang #382). Unfortunately, Steve was proud that he had survived a "double-coma."
In essence, the path Steve was following was the one he'd been walking all of his adult life. Even when Phil, Joe, and Mutt flew to Minneapolis to try to support Steve in a final effort to try to save him. Uncomfortable with the process they'd become involved in, they did at least try to help, even if it ended up being a failure. According to Joe, "through 1989-90, Clark was in rehab as least half a dozen times" (Kerrang #382). During other rehab sessions, Steve opted not to involve his family, instead requesting that Joe act as surrogate.
The band suggested that Steve take an unconditional six-month sabbatical from the band in September 1990, but insist that they weren't throwing him out of the band at the time. The results of Steve's antics at the time were taking a toll on the rest of the band and there wasn't much progress being made on the new album. Joe commented, "We'd said to ourselves that if he came back in the same state, he'd obviously be no good, but I'd much rather have had a live Steve Clark fired, than a dead one" (Kerrang #382). Even with Steve's problems, there were two Leppards in crisis during this time. Rick Allen was fighting his own demons, echoing back to the period in 1979/80 when he took things to excess.
Rick's battles may have been something of a culmination to the 1985-9 period. In that time he had gone from being an able-bodied drummer, to losing his arm and having to re-teach himself everything he knew in a new way to compensate for his lose of a limb. It is likely that he somewhat overcompensated for his loss, using the focus of remaining the band's drummer to the detriment of his psychological recovery. Regardless of being able to drum again, he still had a disability to learn to cope and live with, something that considering his age is perhaps all the more impressive.
Like Steve, the end of the "Hysteria" tour was the end of an extended chapter in his life. There was at that point nothing particularly daunting to focus on in regards to the band's business. Rick had also developed issues with drugs and alcohol (Rolling Stone, 4/30/92) which he needed to deal with, though in dealing with his own issues he ended up being divorced from the problems with Steve.
Stephen Maynard Clark
As if everything Def Leppard had already been through had not been enough, on January 8, 1991 Steve Clark died at his London home following a night of heavy drinking. The band had done what they could for him, and any ultimate resolution of the issue had to come from Steve. Sadly, in a way, he did... The Westminster coroner's report into Steve's death was issued on February 27 and reported that he had died as a result of respiratory failure. The cause of death cited excess alcohol mixed with antidepressants and painkillers. Steve's blood alcohol level was noted as being three times the legal limit for driving. He was buried at Wisewood Cemetery in a private family ceremony.
In the immediate aftermath of Steve's death, it wasn't clear whether the band would continue. Joe commented that he wasn't sure what the band were going to do and that they needed to get the remaining members together to discuss their options. However, he felt that the band still had plenty to offer and that Steve would have wanted them to continue. If they did continue, Phil wasn't sure if he wanted a second guitarist, though it was clear that the band had always had a twin guitar attack and would need to continue with that format.
If nothing else Def Leppard had to prove that they could surmount this new hurdle and that they could continue in the face of tragedy: "The finality of Steve's death, the end of something that was a part of all of us forever, was in a way our starting point for this record. It cleared our heads, it woke us up, we knew we had to finish the record to prove that Def Leppard could survive. And you know what? We did. We've put down on tape some of the best music we think we've ever written. The fun is back" ("Adrenalize" liners).
In February 1992, while the finishing touches were being put on the "Adrenalize" album, the band were holding something akin to auditions at Mates Rehearsal in North Hollywood. While names such as the aforementioned John Sykes, Gerry Laffy, and even Jake E. Lee were mentioned in conjunction with the spot, the band's choices were essentially down to two serious candidates: Hewey Lucas and Vivian Campbell, a case of the unknown versus a road-tested veteran. Hewey had sent his demo package to Leppard's management company and was invited to attend auditions with the band proper.
Vivian, on the other hand, came from a similar background to the band having originally hailed from the industrial Belfast in Northern Ireland. His early band, Sweet Savage, had recorded an independent single "Killing Time," though the band had never really broken. Recruited by Ronnie James Dio for his post-Black Sabbath project Vivian had toured the world before splitting from Dio. Vivian had also worked with major act Whitesnake that also featured a two-guitar configuration. More importantly, perhaps, Vivian shared many of the same influences as the members of Def Leppard, but had never found long-term comfort in his previous projects.
What is clear is that the "auditions" were not really about seeing if the person could play, but more about seeing how they fit in with the band: Their personality, sound, style, vocals, etc. The major issue was Vivian's track record. Having been fired from Dio and Whitesnake made him appear something of a challenge regardless of any "specifics" in those situations. According to Vivian, Joe, who he had known socially from Ireland, lobbied strenuously for him to the other band members, though Viv also eventually won them over.
December 8, 1991 -- Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Eire
\*\*Part of the Christmas Rocks for Children charity, Joe had announced the intention to put together a glam cover band featuring Rick Savage, Connor Goff, Angeline Ball, Keith Donald, and Ray Fean (Irish Independent).
Adrenalized4
"Adrenalize" Album Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 512 185-1/2/4 (USA, 3/31/92)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola 510 978-1/2/4 (Europe, 3/30/1992)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola 514 256-1/2 (UK, 12/92 -- Picture Disc)
Simply Vinyl SVLP-148 (UK, 2000 -- 180g LP)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-1161 (Japan, 1992)
Mercury/PolyGram K.K. PHCR-16001/2 (Japan, 1992 w/ Live EP)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCW-2003 (9/15/99, Japan)
Universal Music Group UICY-2429 (11/21/03, Japan)
Universal Music Group UICY-6388 (8/30/06, Japan)
Universal Music Group UICR-93454 (Japan, 4/30/08 -- Mini LP)
One must wonder whether this album's title was inspired by Kerrang scribe Dante Bonutto who wrote in early 1985, "I can see Dirk, Joe Elliott's treasured Renault, basking quietly in the hazy sunlight... shaded only by the distant foghorn fuming of an adrenalised Peter Mensch" (Kerrang #90).
Track(s):
01. Let's Get Rocked
[4:56] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
"Let's Get Rocked" was the last song recorded for the "Adrenalize" album and was inspired by cartoon character Bart Simpson. Because of boredom during the long sessions, cartoons were often enjoyed, but this song was also inspired by the humor that bands like Queen had often used in their material. Written in about two and a half days this song only took ten days to record.
It was also the first single from the album and debuted on the Cashbox charts on April 4, 1992 at position #76. It reached a high position of #7 on May 31 during a chart run of 22 weeks. On Billboard, the single reached #15, while in the UK the single was a major hit reaching #2 after being released on March 16. It just missed the coveted #1 spot by 146 copies.
The band filmed a lip-synched performance for "Top Of The Pops" on March 17, which was broadcast two days later. The video was nominated for the 1992 Best Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards, losing to Van Halen's "Right Now" (the band also lost out to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" for the Best Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Video and U2's "Even Better Than The Real Thing" for Best Special Effects awards).
The band filmed what was then a (then) cutting-edge video for the song with director Steve Barron. Steve had been responsible for the visually striking "Take On Me" (A-Ha) and "Money For Nothing" (Dire Straits) videos that started combining computer technology with the traditional media. Filmed over two days the animation took five weeks to complete. The character in the video was nicknamed Flynn. This video is also noted for being the band's only video as a four-piece.
02. Heaven Is
[3:37] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Joe felt the song was highly commercial in a Beach Boys meets Slade sort of way. The band had had the riff for years, but had never been able to work it into a song. Background vocals by the "Sideways Mob" who included John Sykes and David Steel. Rumors of Sykes being in the studio during the recording of the album would lead some to assume that Steve was being replaced at the time... The band filmed their third and final "performance" for "Top Of The Pops" with this song on January 19, 1993. It was broadcast two days later.
03. Make Love Like A Man
[4:13] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
The second single off the album didn't repeat the success of the first, hitting #12 (still successful) in the UK, but only reaching #36 on the US Billboard charts. The single did marginally better on Cashbox reaching #28 on August 1, during 15 weeks on the charts. However, the band filmed a 4:12 "performance" for "Top Of The Pops" on June 16, directed by Arch Dyson. It was broadcast two days later. This song provided Vivian's debut with the band in a video and was filmed the day after the Freddy Mercury concert.
The song was tongue-in-cheek, rather than presenting a serious statement, and was based on a Phil Collen idea. According to Joe, "If some... woman in her dungarees and crew-cut starts having a go, she's not listening to it properly. It's not a chest-beating macho '70s bullshit, it's just totally taking the piss" (Kerrang #383). It's more about putting a woman on a pedestal rather than anything else.
04. Tonight
[4:03] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Originally demoed in 1985, but didn't make the "Hysteria" album due to "Love Bites" being felt to be the superior ballad at the time. Featuring acoustic guitar performed by Rick Savage, this song was the final single issued off the album. It only reached #62 in the US (It did hit #13 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks) and #34 in the UK. On Cashbox, the single did slightly better reaching #59 on May 8. It was also one of the first songs mentioned for use on the album and was one of the first songs that the band worked on for the album. Phil executed the solo for this song (and "Tear It Down") using a cheapo $300 Charvel guitar.
05. White Lightning
[7:03] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
According to Phil, this song was partially inspired by Steve Clark and how he whirled around the stage with his white Les Paul and hair appearing white under the bright stage lights. Musically, the song was predominantly written by Phil during the "Hysteria" tour. "White Lightning" was the penultimate song recorded for the album. Phil recalled, "It was a great song to solo over. Part of my solo was improvised, and some of it was worked out. Although Steve didn't play on 'Adrenalize,' he demoed some of it just before he died. So I ended up learning a lot of his parts because we'd always do at least two guitar parts on every song" (Guitar World, 1996).
It's pretty clear that the lyrics of the song could touch on Steve's (and other musicians) addictions, since they were written in November 1991, and specifically allude to Steve (Kerrang #383): "You wanna leave but you can't let go You wanna stop but you can't say no You'll never laugh about it You just can't live without it You had enough but you just want more / You never get what you're lookin' for." However, the song could be about anyone, not just Steve.
06. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)
[4:31] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
The first song written specifically for the album, featured during the "Rock Of Ages" documentary in 1989. The song apparently dates from 1987 according to copyright documentation, which fits with Phil working on the riff during the "Hysteria" tour. However, the song was abandoned at the time because it sounded too similar to the eventual title track of that album.
Released as single #4 in the United States and select other markets providing a marginal hit reaching #35 on Cashbox on February 6, 1993. It also reached #34 on Billboard, but then stalled. This single wasn't released in the UK. A music video was filmed on October 26, 1992. The video featured band managers Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein and was directed by Matt Mahurin.
07. Personal Property
[4:20] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
According to Joe, this is another song "putting a woman on a pedestal" (Kerrang, #427). Nothing more, "look but don't touch." More importantly, it and the other three songs written without Steve's input were a statement that the band weren't going to use his ideas, particularly with the plan to recruit a new guitarist for the band once the album was completed.
Even without Steve, Phil still felt his presence: "There's a solo on a song called 'Personal Property,' and after I played it, it was like 'F\*\*\*... that really sounds like Steve,' and I actually got goose bumps. Then Sav (bassist Rick Savage) walked in and went, 'F\*\*\*... that really sounds like Steve.' It wasn't intentional; it just went that way. I used the same vibrato that he used to use, with the whammy bar" (Guitarist, 6/92).
08. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
[5:25] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
A power ballad that allowed Joe to sing rather than screech. "Have You Ever Needed Somebody So Bad" entered the Cashbox charts on #88 on August 29. The single reached #11 on October 11. The single hung around in the charts for 24 weeks improving on the performance of the second single. On Billboard the single hit #12 and in the UK the single managed an admirable #16. Regardless, this single was the band's most successful in the United States in terms of sales. The video, directed by Wayne Isham, was filmed in a derelict building in London.
09. I Wanna Touch U
[3:38] Rick Allen Steve Clark Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
A performance video for this song, directed by Tuckett, was included on the "Visualize" video collection. It has been used singularly for promotional purposes since. A rare contribution by Rick Allen who came up with the hook for the song. The verse was originally the chorus to a Joe song idea called "High On You." This song was issued promotionally to radio in the United States (CDP-938).
10. Tear It Down
[3:38] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage
This song was regularly a set-closer during the "Hysteria" tour and had been released as a B-side on the "Animal" single in 1987. The band had performed it at the MTV Video Music Awards (1989), and the response had been such that the band decided to include the song properly on the new album: "Much to our surprise, [it] had gotten a load of radio airplay, so we decided to put on album 5" ("Adrenalize" liners). More importantly, with some of the highly commercial material on the album, this song helped provide sonic balance.
It is not surprising that this was one of the first songs that the band started work on for the new album, though it is perhaps shocking that between November 1988 and mid-1989 all that was considered useable from the recording sessions was the guitar solo. According to Joe, "We had hundreds of letters to the fan club saying it was brilliant, and we sorta twigged that 15 million people had bought the album and only 200,000 had bought the single, so there's 14 million people that had never heard it" (Kerrang #383).
11. Miss You In A Heartbeat
[5:06] Phil Collen
Initially included on the "Adrenalize" album in Japan as a bonus track, though it wasn't used elsewhere because the band didn't want to "to over-saturate the album with too many ballads" (Guitar World, 1996). The song was also released in the rest of the world as a B-side on versions of the "Make Love Like A Man" single. This electric version came about from Joe goofing around in the studio. He recalled, "I just sat down at the piano for a giggle, and started playing. I was playing 'Let It Be' actually and then I went onto 'Miss You...' Phil came running out of the kitchen and said, 'that's brilliant! You should record that properly. Why don't you go and record it, just you and Pete (Woodroffe)" (PR). They did, on April 22, 1992.
Both tracks 11 & 12 were included on the special edition picture CD released in the UK in December 1992. That special reissue had the album housed in a foldout digipak featuring live pictures from the tour (including one of Vivian). The booklet incorporated into the package was the same as on the original issue with no additional mention of Vivian's addition to the band.
12. She's Too Tough
[3:41] Joe Elliott
This song was also initially only included on the Japanese version of the "Adrenalize" album as a bonus track. Joe originally recorded this song as a demo on a 4-track Fostex in 1985. During the B-side sessions the guitars, bass, and drum machine were replaced with performances by Phil, Sav, and Rick, respectively, with only the original vocal being retained.
Executive producer: Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Produced by Mike Shipley and Def Leppard, except tracks 11 & 12 produced by Def Leppard. Engineered and mixed by Mike Shipley. Additional engineering, programming, and sequencing by Pete Woodroffe. Tracks 11 and 12 were bonus tracks from the Japanese release that eventually turned up elsewhere.
Mutt's "executive producer" title was pretty much ceremonial. While he had co-written much of the material with the band, he was busy recording Bryan Adams while they worked on the album. He did assist the band via phone when they called for his input or had other musical issues. Mutt was about to make a change in his life, and would work with rock bands less and less as his relationship with country star Shania Twain blossomed. The pair, who had fallen in love while working on "The Woman In Me," married on December 28, 1993. That album elevated Mutt's production track record to another level. It sold in excess of 12 million copies in the US alone. The follow-up albums "Come on Over" (1997) and "Up!" (2002) have been certified by the RIAA in the US for sales of 20 and 11 million copies respectively bringing Mutt's US Shania aggregate to over 43 million albums!
Joe's tongue-in-cheek working title for the album was "Dementia." According to Phil, "We wanted 'Adrenalize' to sound more aggressive and up-front than 'Hysteria,' but we didn't want offensive sounds, like some of the earlier Def Leppard things" (Guitarist, 6/92). Released March 30, 1992 "Adrenalize" debuted on both the US and UK charts at #1. It was the first album in the United States to debut and hold the #1 position for five weeks following the change in how the chart was compiled (Billboard switched to using Nielsen SoundScan™ sales figures as the basis of their sales charts in early 1991). It was also the longest rock album run at #1 since "Hysteria" (6 weeks) and Guns 'N' Roses' "Appetite For Destruction" (5 weeks), both in 1988. Some worldwide chartings included Switzerland (#1), Norway (#2), Sweden (#5), and Austria (#11). In the US it shifted a then-impressive 380,000 copies its first week (261,000 units the second week) and by late 1993 had sold nearly six-million worldwide.
The band, then still in four-piece mode, celebrated the release of the album at Lillie's Bordello Bar in Dublin. Guests included Niall Stokes, Ossie Kilkenny, Peter Sarsted, and a couple of members of the Hothouse Flowers. The album was certified by the RIAA for Gold, Platinum, and Triple-Platinum sales on May 29, 1992, months before the US tour had even commenced! The album was reissued in the UK in December 1992 as a 10-track picture disc, in a limited edition of 5,000 copies, housed in a die-cut sleeve with cover artwork different to the original version. The reissue also came as a 12-track picture CD in 8-page digipak that included the two Japanese version bonus tracks.
Vivian made his live debut with Def Leppard at a low-key performance at McGonagles Club in Dublin on April 15. The show even included a performance of the obscure "Die Hard The Hunter." Days later Vivian was on stage at Wembley Stadium in front of 72,000 for the "Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness." At that performance, the band performed "Animal," "Let's Get Rocked," and "Now I'm Here" (with Queen's Brian May). Joe also sang with the surviving members of Queen on "Tie Your Mother Down."
A year to the day later the concert was released on video and laserdisc, though both of Def Leppard's original songs (and Extreme's last two songs) were supposedly cut due to time limitations. When reissued on DVD in 2002, only Joe's vocal performance with Queen remained. The following month the band took a brief club tour to break in Vivian on stage, though he quickly fit in and seemed to have been comfortable from the first gig.
"In The Clubs... In Your Face" Tour Notes:
May 19, 1992 -- Sala Canciller, Madrid, Spain
May 21 -- Elysée Monmartre, Paris, France
May 22 -- Transbordeur, Lyon, France
May 24 -- Theaterfabrik, Munich, Germany
May 25 -- Rolling Stone, Milan, Italy
May 27 -- Music Hall, Frankfurt, Germany
May 29 -- Bisquithalle, Bonn, Germany
\*\*This show was professionally recorded (well, at least part of the show was). The set, which was pretty standard during this part of the tour, consisted of: Stagefright Tear It Down Women Too Late For Love Hysteria Make Love Like A Man White Lightning Foolin' Animal Gods Of War Rocket Bringin' On The Heartbreak Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad Photograph Pour Some Sugar On Me Armageddon It Let's Get Rocked Love Bites Rock Of Ages. An audience shot video also circulates.
May 30 -- Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium
\*\*Originally scheduled for May 13. Promo flyers list Ugly Kid Joe as the opening act and note that this was called "The 7-Day Weekend" tour.
May 31 -- Docks, Hamburg, Germany
June 3 -- Melody Club, Stockholm, Sweden
June 4 -- Rockefeller, Oslo, Norway
June 5 -- Pumphuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
June 7 -- Paradiso, Amsterdam, Holland
"Seven Day Weekend" Eire/UK Tour Notes:
June 19, 1992 -- The Point Depot, Dublin, Eire
\*\*Originally scheduled for June 18, though MCD promoter Dennis Desmond was thrilled at the band's return to Ireland.
June 21 -- SE&CC, Glasgow, Scotland
June 23 -- Arena, Sheffield, England
\*\*This show was "In The Round," but was plagued by sound and other technical issues. Still, the set included Joe performing "From The Inside" as an acoustic solo.
June 24 -- Arena, Sheffield, England
\*\*Without the issues affecting the first night, the set was the standard one, but an excellent soundboard recording from this show is available featuring: Stagefright Tear It Down Women Too Late For Love Hysteria Make Love Like A Man White Lightning Foolin' Animal Gods Of War Rocket SMC-Bringin' On The Heartbreak Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad Photograph Armageddon It Pour Some Sugar On Me Let's Get Rocked Love Bites Rock Of Ages. Originally, only two nights were booked at one venue: NEC. The rest were added due to demand.
June 26 -- Earls Court Olympia, London, England
June 27 -- Earls Court Olympia, London, England
\*\* Capital Radio Music Festival...
June 29 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England
June 30 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England
July 1 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England
July 3 -- King's Hall, Belfast, North Ireland
Leppard's so-called "Seven-Day Weekend" tour, with Scottish group Gun opening. After the short series of dates, the band flew to Australia for a series of dates there and in New Zealand.
"7 Day Weekend" Antipodean Tour Notes:
July 11, 1992 -- Entertainment Centre, Perth, Australia
July 14 -- Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, Australia
July 17 -- Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
July 19 -- National Tennis Centre, Melbourne, Australia
July 20 -- National Tennis Centre, Melbourne, Australia
July 22 -- Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia
July 23 -- Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia
July 25 -- The Supertop, Auckland, New Zealand
July 26 -- The Supertop, Auckland, New Zealand
\*\*These would be the band's last antipodean dates until 2008.
"Seven Day Weekend" North American Tour Notes:
August 13, 1992 -- The Scope, Norfolk, VA
August 14 -- The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
\*\*The tour was off to an inauspicious start. Joe was suffering from a severe cold and his voice told the story. The show was delayed due to technical issues, but the band still gave it their best, and Joe didn't make excuses instead rousing the audience to sing-along and help him out.
August 15 -- The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
August 19 -- The Forum, Montreal, QC, Canada
August 20 -- Colisée, Quebec City, QC, Canada
August 22 -- Savage Hall, Toledo, OH
August 23 -- Savage Hall, Toledo, OH
August 25 -- Wendler Arena, Saginaw, MI
August 26 -- War Memorial Coliseum, Ft. Wayne, IN
August 28 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
August 29 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
August 30 -- Civic Center, La Crosse, WI
September 1 -- Five Seasons Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
September 2 -- Coliseum, Manhattan, KS
September 4 -- Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
September 5 -- Civic Center Arena, Bismarck, ND
1992 MTV Video Music Awards Notes:
The year that Howard Stern's "Fartman" (in)famously took to the stage. Broadcast on September 9, 1992 from UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Hosted by Dana Carvey. "Let's Get Rocked" was nominated for Video of the Year, Best Metal/Hard Rock Video, Best Special Effects in a Video, and Viewer's Choice Award, winning none. However, the band did appear on the show performing the song, hence the resulting break in their touring schedule since rehearsals for the show commenced on September 6 (not that the band would have been required at every session). The mixing console used by Thom Wilson for the performance was the (then) impressive Euphonix Digital Console that allowed each performer's specific mix settings to be captured during rehearsals and exactly replicated for the broadcast.
"Seven Day Weekend" North American Tour Notes (Cont):
September 11, 1992 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
September 12 -- Civic Center, Boise, ID
September 13 -- Sundome, Yakima, WA
September 15 -- Metro Park Arena, Casper, WY
September 16 -- Events Center, Billings, MT
September 18 -- Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
September 19 -- Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
September 20 -- Selland Arena, Fresno, CA
September 21 -- NMSU Pan American Center, Las Cruces, NM
September 25 -- Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
September 27 -- Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA
September 29 -- Portland Coliseum, Portland, OR
September 30 -- WSU Performing Arts Coliseum, Pullman, WA
October 2 -- Coliseum, Seattle, WA
October 3 -- Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, Canada
October 5 -- Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
October 7 -- Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada
October 8 -- Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
October 10 -- Arena, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
October 21 -- Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON, Canada
October 22 -- Broome County Arena, Binghamton, NY
October 24 -- Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland, OH
October 27 -- Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
October 28 -- Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY
October 30 -- The Palace, Detroit, MI
October 31 -- War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY
November 1 -- Civic Center, Erie, PA
November 3 -- Capital Center, Landover, MD
November 4 -- Civic Center, Roanoke, VA
November 6 -- Coliseum, Richmond, VA
November 7 -- Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
November 8 -- Hershey Park Arena, Hershey, PA
November 10 -- Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
November 11 -- Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI
November 13 -- Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
November 14 -- Arena, Duluth, MN
November 16 -- Mecca Auditorium, Milwaukee, WI
November 17 -- Norte Dame University, South Bend, IN
November 20 -- Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
November 21 -- Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
November 22 -- Coliseum, Birmingham, AL
November 24 -- The Omni, Atlanta, GA
November 25 -- Freedom Hall, Johnson City, TN
November 27 -- Murphy Center, Murfeesboro, TN
November 28 -- Thompson-Bolling Arena, Knoxville, TN
November 29 -- Civic Center, Charleston, WV
December 1 -- Kellogg Center Arena, Battle Creek, MI
December 2 -- Events Center, East Lansing, MI
December 4 -- UIC Arena, Chattanooga, TN
December 5 -- Roberts Stadium, Evansville, IN
December 6 -- Assembly Hall, Champaign, IL
\*\*Suffering from a sore throat, the band shortens the set to help give Joe time to recover. Joe, regardless, wasn't impressed by his performance.
December 8 -- Brown County Arena, Green Bay, WI
December 9 -- Brown County Arena, Green Bay, WI
December 11 -- Civic Center Arena, Huntsville, AL
December 12 -- SIU Arena, Carbondale, IL
December 13 -- Metrocenter, Rockford, IL
December 15 -- Memorial Auditorium, Des Moines, IA
December 16 -- Arena, St. Louis, MO
December 18 -- Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AR
December 19 -- Kemper Arena, Kansas City, MO
December 20 -- Arena, Tulsa, OK
December 22 -- Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
December 23 -- Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, KS
December 26 -- TCC Arena, Tucson, AZ
December 28 -- Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, NM
December 30 -- The Forum, Los Angeles, CA
December 31 -- America West Arena, Phoenix, AZ
\*\*Following this show the band took a month off before resuming the tour.
"Seven Day Weekend" North American Tour Notes (Cont):
January 29, 1993 -- Bayfront Center Arena, St. Petersburg, FL
January 30 -- Lee County Arena, Ft. Myers, FL
February 2 -- Arena, Miami, FL
February 3 -- Arena, Orlando, FL
February 5 -- Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL
February 6 -- Civic Center, Pensacola, FL
February 7 -- Civic Center, Tallahassee, FL
February 9 -- Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
February 10 -- Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, MO
February 12 -- Lloyd Noble Center Arena, Norman, OK
February 13 -- Frank Erwin, Austin, TX
February 14 -- Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
February 16 -- Memorial Coliseum, Shreveport, LA
February 17 -- Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
February 19 -- Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
February 20 -- The Summit, Houston, TX
February 21 -- SACC, San Antonio, TX
February 23 -- Municipal Coliseum, Lubbock, TX
February 24 -- Civic Center Arena, Amarillo, TX
February 26 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
February 27 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
February 28 -- Civic Center, Rapid City, SD
March 8 -- Pershing Auditorium, Lincoln, NE
March 10 -- Civic Center, Peoria, IL
March 12 -- Memorial Auditorium, Greenville, SC
March 13 -- Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC
March 15 -- Coliseum Arena, Charlotte, NC
March 16 -- Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
March 18 -- Arena, Baltimore, MD
March 19 -- Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
March 20 -- Irwin J. Nutter Center, Dayton, OH
March 23 -- Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
March 24 -- Civic Center Arena, Wheeling, WV
March 26 -- Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
March 27 -- Civic Center, Hartford, CT
March 28 -- The Centrum, Worcester, MA
March 30 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
March 31 -- Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME
April 3 -- Civic Center Arena, Ottawa, ON, Canada
April 5 -- Coliseum, Moncton, NB, Canada
April 6 -- Metro Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
"Interview with Joe Elliott of Def Leppard" Promo Notes:
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola DLINT-1 (UK, 1992)
Tracks:
Q1. What have Def Leppard been doing since the release of "Hysteria?"
Q2. How did you deal with the loss of Steve Clark?
Q3. Was there ever any chance of Def Leppard disbanding?
Q4. Do you ever feel that there is a jinx on Def Leppard?
Q5. Why is the album called "Adrenalize?"
Q6. What was Mutt Lange's involvement on the album?
Q7. You all seem to know what to do and what you want in the studio...
Q8. Can you talk us through the album Track-by-Track: "Let's Get Rocked?"
Q9. "Heaven Is?"
Q10. "Make Love Like A Man?"
Q11. "Tonight?"
Q12. "White Lightning?"
Q13. "Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)?"
Q14. "Personal Property?"
Q15. "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad?"
Q16. "I Wanna Touch You?"
Q17. "Tear It Down?"
Q18. Tell us about the video for "Let's Get Rocked."
Q19. Do you have any plans to tour?
Q20. What do you think of the current rock scene/Do you follow the current rock scene?
Q21. Will there be a fifth member of Def Leppard?
A promotional Q&A CD that allowed radio stations to perform pseudo interviews with Joe Elliott about the "Adrenalize" album.
Adrenalize "B-sides" Notes:
With five singles released from the album in most markets, there was once again the opportunity for plenty of extra material from the band. They didn't disappoint.
01. Only After Dark
[4:02] Mick Ronson
Produced by Def Leppard. Mixed by Pete Woodroffe. First released on the "Let's Get Rocked" single in March 1992. Mick was yet another of the band's major influences. The song was recorded because the band wanted to acknowledge his importance to them at a time when he was ill. According to Joe, the song "Is one of my favorite Mick Ronson songs from a longtime ago. It is not surprising that when I got wind that Mick was struggling with cancer that I was asked by Ian Hunter if there was anything I could do to help him because he was in a bit of a financial predicament. His chemo treatment was just so expensive. I suggested to the band, that we do a Mick Ronson song for a B-side and let him have the royalties. The band agreed" (PR). Mick originally recorded this song for his 1974 "Slaughter On 10th Avenue" album. Originally recorded in January 1992 at Joe's Garage, Dublin. This track was included on "Retroactive" in a modified form.
02. Women (Live) [6:32]
03. Too Late For Love [5:41]
Tracks 02 & 03 produced by Def Leppard. Engineered and mixed by Robert Allen Scovill. Recorded at McNichol's Arena in Denver, CO on February 12/13, 1988. This live recording is from the "Live... In The Round" video. Both released on the "Let's Get Rocked" CD-single.
04. Miss You In A Heartbeat
[4:58] Phil Collen
Both this and track 05 were released on the "Make Love Like A Man" CD-single (LEP-7). It is identical to the version included as a bonus track on the Japanese version of "Adrenalize." In the liner notes of the single the band noted that Paul Rodger's band, The Law, had previously recorded a version of the song.
05. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic Version)
[4:16] Joe Elliott
"Un-produced" by Peter Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Originally recorded at Joe's Garage in April 1992, according to Joe the band were simply desperate for additional material and Phil suggested that they record an acoustic version of the song. This original B-Side version would later have strings added for inclusion on the "Last Action Hero" soundtrack and "Retroactive" albums.
06. Action
[3:41] Andrew Scott Brian Connolly Steve Priest / Mick Tucker
Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Recorded at Joe's Garage in Dublin as a B-side for "Adrenalize" in April 1992, this track features PJ Smith on backing vocals. This track was included on "Retroactive" in a modified form. This song was originally recorded by The Sweet in 1974.
07. From The Inside (Acoustic)
[4:13] Joe Elliott
Originally written in 1988. Inspired by a walk over O'Connell Bridge in Dublin where Joe witnessed a bunch of very young drug addicts at a time when Dublin was a drug abuse capital of Europe. The song's subject matter "Tackles addiction from the drugs' point of view" (Retroactive Liner Notes), because Joe didn't want to write what might be considered a "preachy" song. Joe was involved with "Friday At The Dome," a television program that wanted him to team musically with someone from another genre of music.
As a result, he called Hothouse Flower Liam Ó Maonlaí. The two appeared on the show, first broadcast on June 14, 1991, with Joe on acoustic guitar and Liam on piano. Glyn Edwards produced that television performance version, just over a month into the run of the show on UK's Channel 4. This song was first included as the B-side on versions of the "Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)" single.
08. You Can't Always Get What You Want (Acoustic)
[7:33] Mick Jagger / Keith Richards
Originally recorded by the Rolling Stones and released on their 1969 album "Let It Bleed."
09. Little Wing (Acoustic)
[3:41] Jimi Hendrix
Originally recorded by Jimi Hendrix on his seminal "Axis: Bold as Love" album in 1967.
Tracks 07-09 produced by Pete Woodroffe and the "Hippies From Hell." Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Recorded at Joe's Garage in March 1992 during a three-hour session. First released as a B-side on the "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad" single in 1992. The recording features the "Acoustic Hippies From Hell," members of the Hothouse Flowers, Fiachna O'Braondin (tin whistle), Liam Ó Maonlaí (piano), and Peter O'Toole (mandolin).
10. Elected (Live) [4:24]
Produced by Def Leppard. Recorded live in Tilburg, Holland on June 25, 1987. Originally recorded by Alice Cooper and released on his "Billion Dollar Babies" album in early 1973. The song had been a top 10 hit in the UK during 1972.
10. Let's Get Rocked (Live) [5:48]
11. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live) [5:11]
12. Photograph (Live) [4:45]
13. Hysteria (Live) [6:59]
Tracks 10-13 recorded live at the Bisquithalle Club in Bonn, Germany on May 29, 1992. Studio mix-down and production by Pete Woodroffe. Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Released as various "Adrenalize" single B-sides and together as the "In The Clubs... In Your Face" EP.
14. Now I'm Here (Live)
[6:05] Brian May
Mixed by Pete Woodroffe. Recorded at Wembley Stadium, London on April 20, 1992 during the "Freddie Mercury Tribute: A Concert for AIDS Awareness" (a.k.a. "A Concert for Life"). Features a guest appearance by Brian May This show marked Vivian Campbell's proper public live debut with the band -- in front of some 72,000 people and a worldwide television audience. This also wasn't the first time that the band performed the song live as they had done it during the last of their Hammersmith Odeon shows back in 1983, and also warmed up with it at Viv's Irish pub-gig warm-up on March 15.
15. Tonight (Demo)
[4:24] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Produced by Def Leppard and Mike Shipley. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Holland on May 5, 1988. First released as a B-side on the "Tonight" CD and promotional single (referred to as "Version 2"). This song marked the band's first proper return to the studio with material planned for the follow-up to "Hysteria," and was alluded to (though not mentioned specifically by name) in the 1988 US tour book: "We recorded a new song in 10 days in May. Trust me, for us that's blindingly quick."
16. She's Too Tough [3:41]
Released in the rest of the world as a B-side on versions of the "Heaven Is" single. Refer to album entry for song detail, as the single version is identical to the bonus track on the Japanese album release.
Additional "Adrenalize" Song Notes:
01. Touch The Hand (Not Recorded)
A song written by Mutt Lange that he offered to Def Leppard which he was working with Bryan Adams on his "Waking Up The Neighbors" album (A&M Records 75021-5367-2). According to Joe, "Bryan wasn't too keen on it going on the album... Mutt said if we wanted it we could have it, but as soon as Bryan heard there was a possibility that we might use it, that was it, we couldn't have it" (Kerrang #383). For the version used on the album, Bryan recycled the chorus of an earlier song, "Stand Up," that he had demoed in early 1989 with Jim Vallance. According to Jim, the opening riff and the first line of the second verse originate in this unreleased song.
"Seven Day Weekend" Final Leg Tour Notes:
The final US leg of the "Adrenalize" tour only ended on April 6, 1993, but the band was back in action less than a month later. The 'Retroactive' tour was essentially an extension of the tour, still being billed in many markets as the "Seven Day Weekend" tour.
April 30, 1993 -- Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
\*\*The band played an acoustic version of "Ziggy Stardust" during the set and closed with "Slaughter On 10th Avenue" in honor of Mick Ronson who had died the day before the tour started. Joe later voiced this lament: "He was just a nice guy. I miss him. If there's a God up there, why does he do this? It can only be because He's trying to put together the ultimate band" (Rolling Stone #659).
May 1 -- Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
May 2 -- Spectrum, Oslo, Norway
May 4 -- Icehalle, Helsinki, Finland
May 6 -- Forum, Copenhagen, Denmark
May 7 -- Sportshalle, Hamburg, Germany
May 9 -- Carl-Diem Halle, Wurzburg, Germany
May 10 -- Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
May 11 -- Patinoire, Lausanne, Switzerland
May 13 -- Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
May 14 -- Le Zénith, Paris, France
May 15 -- Le Zénith, Paris, France
\*\*Bryan Adams jammed with the band for a cover of Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" as the final encore.
May 16 -- Palais des Sports, Toulouse, France
May 17 -- Palacia de los Deportes, Barcelona, Spain
May 20 -- Cascais Pavilion, Lisbon, Portugal
May 22 -- Velodromo, San Sebastian, Italy
May 24 -- Le Zénith, Grenoble, France
May 25 -- Palesesto, Milan, Italy
May 27 -- Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
May 29 -- Rock auf der Donauinsel Festival, Vienna, Austria
May 30 -- MTV Rock Am Ring Festival, Nurbergring, Germany
June 6 -- Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England
\*\*With Thunder, Ugly Kid Joe, and Terrorvision to a crowd of around 30,000. This was Def Leppard's only UK gig of that year, though they turned down the Monsters of Rock festival at Donnington. The show had also originally been scheduled for September, though climate concerns forced the change. During the downtime between the end of the European gigs and the Japanese tour, the band did the final work on material for the "Retroactive" album...
June 15 -- Sun Plaza, Sendai, Japan
June 16 -- Bunka Gymnasium, Yokohama, Japan
June 18 -- Castle Hall, Osaka, Japan
June 19 -- Kosei-Nenkin Hall, Hiroshima, Japan
June 21 -- Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
June 22 -- Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
June 23 -- Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
\*\*This show (finally) marks the official end of the "Seven Day Weekend" tour.
"In The Club... In Your Face" EP Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Phonogram PHCR-16002 (Japan, 1993)
Track(s):
01. Hysteria (Live)
[6:59] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
02. Photograph (Live)
[4:45] Steve Clark Pete Willis Rick Savage Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live)
[5:11] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
04. Let's Get Rocked (Live)
[5:48] Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Studio mix-down and production by Pete Woodroffe. Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Tracks 01-04 recorded live at the Bisquithalle Club in Bonn, Germany on May 29, 1992. Released as a special edition EP in Japan, paired with the "Adrenalize" mega-edition (PHCR-16001, 1993). These tracks were also issued as B-sides in other markets.
"The Def Leppard Story" Radio Show Notes:
Unistar H3EX0100C (USA, 1992)
AFRTS RM 22-3 (USA, 1993)
Track(s):
01. Photograph
02. Rock Of Ages
03. Animal
04. Hysteria
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me
06. Love Bites
07. Armageddon It
08. Rocket
09. Let's Get Rocked
Executive producer: Ed Salamon. Written and directed by George Costantino. Hosted by Patty Steele. First broadcast June 5-7, 1992 as part of the "Weekly Specials" series. Music is interspaced with biography and interview clips with Phil. Another 55:00 version of this radio show was broadcast on US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in 1993 and was distributed on two 12" LPs.
Various Artists "The Last Action Hero" Soundtrack Notes:
Columbia CK-57127 (USA, 1993)
SONY/ Columbia 473990-2 (UK, 7/93)
SONY/ Columbia 473990-2 (UK, 5/24/2004 -- Reissue)
Columbia MHCP-579 (Japan, 2005)
05. Two Steps Behind (Orchestral Version)
[4:20] Joe Elliott
Executive Producer: Donny Ienner. Un-Produced by Woodroffe, Collen, Elliott, Savage, and the new guy -- Campbell. Strings added by Michael Kamen and mixed by Mike Shipley in Los Angeles, CA. Early on, it was decided that the soundtrack was going to be hard rock biased, simply a result of the nature of Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in the movie. An impressive list of artists was gathered to participate including AC/DC, Queensrÿche, Alice in Chains, and Megadeth. In addition, that was the order in which singles were issued in support of the album.
The producers of the "Last Action Hero" also wanted a Def Leppard song on their soundtrack. The band did not want to give them something off the "Adrenalize" album, so they sent off a selection of material that had already been recorded for prospective use. They liked this song, but Michael Kaman wanted to overdub the strings -- The band didn't have a problem with that, but initially weren't too sure about it. Mike Shipley, who happened to be in Los Angeles, went over to the studio to assist in the mixing of the song.
Other big-name rock artists such as AC/DC, Tesla, Aerosmith, Megadeth, and Queensrÿche appear on the soundtrack album that was released in June 1993. Def Leppard obviously planned to support the song fully as they filmed live footage for a video for it at their show at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on June 10. This orchestral version was released as the first single from "Retroactive," though several film-soundtrack specific promos were also issued. Refer to the next section for further details.
X
Into The Vaults...
Retroactive Odds 'N' Sodz...
"Retroactive" Album Notes:
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 518 305-1/2/4 (USA, 10/5/93)
Vertigo/Bludgeon-Riffola 518 305-1/2/4 (Europe, 10/4/93)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-1221 (Japan, 1993)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCW-2004 (Japan, 9/15/99)
Universal Music Group UICY-2430 (Japan, 11/21/03)
Track(s):
01. Desert Song
[5:19] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
Engineered by Ronald Prent and Albert Boekholt. Additional guitar overdubs were recorded May 20, 1993 at Rainbow Studios in Munich, Germany. Additional vocals and drums recorded June 2/9 at Bow Lane Studios in Dublin, Eire. This song was released as a promotional single to rock radio in the US in October 1993 with "Fractured Love" and "Ride Into The Sun '87" (Mercury CDP-1055) and as a single-track promo (Mercury CDP-1059). The song charted on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks reaching #12.
This song was born around 1982 centralized on Steve's guitar riff, but really worked on during the "Hysteria" writing sessions in 1984. Never happy with lyrical attempts or vocal melody the song stayed an instrumental for a long time, since it sounded complete as an instrumental. Recorded during the 1987 B-side sessions . Joe finally wrote lyrics for the song during the 1993 "7 Day Weekend Tour." The song has also been referred to as "Steve's 'Zep Riff' Song" and "Into The Light." Some of the lyrics were inspired by Mick Ronson's battle with cancer, and the, "Isolation, individual isolation, that people can suffer for whatever different reasons" (PR). Thus, the song is an analogy of a personal "desert." According to Joe, even though everyone was very supportive of Mick, he knew he was one his own with his illness. As a result, Joe's perception was that even "in a field with 400,000 people and he's still on his own" (PR). There are also similarities with Steve's battles.
02. Fractured Love
[5:08] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage
Engineered by Nigel Green, Albert Boekholt, and Janfred Arendsen. According to Joe, "One of the real important songs on this album" (PR). The first song written during the "Hysteria" sessions with lyrics by Sav and Joe around February 1984. Like "Desert Song," the song wasn't fully completed until 1993 in order for it to be included on the album. At one point, the song was listed in a prospective track listing for "Hysteria," even though the band had never settled on the final arrangement of the song.
The band felt that this song was sonically too related to "Pyromania" and was eventually superseded by other material for the "Hysteria" album ("Fractured Love" and "Ring Of Fire" basically lost out to "Rocket" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me"). Regardless, they also felt that the song was too good to waste as a B-side, but also weren't happy with the original intro that has been removed from this version.
Additional guitar overdubs were recorded May 26, 1993 at Rainbow Studios in Munich. Additional vocals, the jungle orchestra, and drums recorded June 2-12 at Bow Lane Studios. Joe created the new intro to the song hitting wood baffles in the studio, working on the piece right up to departing for the Japanese tour on June 12. He also re-sang the introduction. According to Joe, "Everything from when the song gets heavy, right through to the end, is the original backing track and recording. The vocal and everything, from December 1984 in Holland" (PR).
03. Action
[3:41] Andrew Scott Brian Connolly Steve Priest / Mick Tucker
Originally recorded as a B-side for "Adrenalize" simply as homage to a band that the Leppard members had all been fans of in their youth. It is interesting to note that this song was written by the Sweet, rather than the more common songwriting team of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. The snare drum was re-recorded on June 1, 1993 at Bow Lane Studios. The backing vocals were also worked on because the original recording was felt to have sounded too rushed. A 3:07 video edit of this song was broadcast on "Top Of The Pops" on January 20, 1994 in support of the single that had been released days earlier. The single managed to reach #14 on the UK singles charts, bettering by one position the performance of the original single in 1975.
04. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic Version)
[4:16] Joe Elliott
Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Remixed by Mike Shipley. Strings arranged by Michael Kamen. Originally recorded at Joe's Garage in April 1992. This song had been excluded from "Adrenalize" simply because it was felt that it was the wrong sort of material for the album and no one really pushed for its inclusion at the time. Strings were overdubbed in April 1993 for the song's inclusion on the "Last Action Hero" movie soundtrack (see above).
This was the first song that Vivian recorded with the band after joining in April 1992 and was also included as a B-side on the "Make Love Like A Man" single. It was Phil's idea to record the song acoustically and they worked the song out quickly, recording it in a couple of hours. It was mixed the following day. Released as a single on September 6, 1993, Joe was somewhat bemused to score a #12 US hit on the Billboard charts (The single peaked at #10 on October 30 on the Cashbox charts, but also went to #5 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart), with a song that had already essentially been out for 11 months. The single managed to reach #32 in the UK.
Directed by Wayne Isham, the highly artistic video shot for the song was impacted by Joe who had injured his back the day before shooting. He looks visibly uncomfortable and limps in some scenes. Joe also had to practice mouthing the song backwards to facilitate the filming of him walking backwards and the extras forwards at the same time. Complex! Little of the footage was used in the end. Live portions of the video were filmed at Irvine Meadows, CA.
05. She's Too Tough
[3:41] Joe Elliott
Engineered by Albert Boekholt and Feenstra Freek. The original track dated from the "Hysteria" sessions in 1987, while the song had been written in 1985. According to Joe, the song was written in some 15 minutes and Phil had told him that it sounded like it had! Because the band didn't do anything with the song at the time Joe sent it off to the publishing company for possible placement. As a result it was picked up by the Canadian band Helix who recorded it for their "Wild In The Streets" album (1987).
The drums were re-recorded on June 7, 1993 at Bow Lane Studios. This is the same version as that included as a bonus track on the Japanese version of "Adrenalize." However, this song along with "Ring Of Fire" and "Action" also went out to radio in the United States as a promotional single (Mercury CDP-1098).
06. Miss You In A Heartbeat (Acoustic Version)
[4:04] Phil Collen
Engineered by Pete Woodroffe, who's also on piano on the backing track. Recorded June 1-11, 1993 at Bow Lane Studios. The original piano and vocal version of this track was recorded at Joe's Garage on April 22, 1992, though this recording was a completely new recording. Released as a single (Mercury/PolyGram 858 080-7 backed with a live version of "Let's Get Rocked") in the US in late 1993 this song reached #39 on the US Billboard charts (also reaching #17 on the Top 40 Mainstream Chart) and #37 on Cashbox. This song had already been recorded by Paul Rodgers and Kenney Jones' project "The Law" in 1991 prior to Leppard using the song as a B-side. Def Leppard's recording started off basic (see the hidden track #14), but grew in scale as more and more layers were added to it.
07. Only After Dark
[3:52] Mick Ronson
Originally released as an "Adrenalize" B-side. A cover of material by yet another of the band's idols/influences, particularly poignant in conjunction with "Desert Song" (Into The Light -- Only After Dark). Phil's original rhythm guitar track had been accidentally erased, so a result a new rhythm guitar track and Vivian's lead "vibes" were recorded backstage at the Olympiahalle in Munich on May 27, 1993. Additional acoustic guitar recorded at Rainbow Studios on May 26, 1993. This version has a slightly tempo faster than the original.
08. Ride Into The Sun '87
[3:12] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage
Engineered by Ronald Prent. Originally recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Holland, in 1987. The drums were re-recorded at Bow Lane Studios on June 4, 1993. The writing credit on this revamped version of the EP track changed from the original Savage/Elliott. Unlike the original "Hysteria" B-side this version of the track features Ian Hunter on piano on the intro, though it also has additional guitar overdubs.
09. From The Inside
[4:13] Joe Elliott
Recorded at Joe's Garage in March 1992, "during a late-night three hour session." First released as a B-side on the "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad" single in 1992. The recording features the "Acoustic Hippies From Hell," members of the Hothouse Flowers, Fiachna O'Braondin (tin whistle), Liam Ó Maonlaí (piano), and Peter O'Toole (mandolin). Refer to the "Adrenalize" section for further information. This song was the final track issued promotionally in the United States, as a single track CD-single, with fantastic cover artwork (Mercury CDP-1111) that one would definitely expect more on a Megadeth release than a Def Leppard one!
10. Ring Of Fire
[4:42] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Robert John "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Engineered by Ronald Prent and Nigel Green. Originally recorded at Wisseloord Studios in 1987. Mutt Lange features on backing vocals. The guitars were recorded on May 26, 1993 at Rainbow Studios. Drums re-recorded on June 7, 1993 at Bow Lane Studios. Originally released as the B-Side on the "Pour Some Sugar On Me" single in 1988. Refer to the "Hysteria" section for further information.
11. I Wanna Be Your Hero
[4:29] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Robert John "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Engineered by Ronald Prent. Originally recorded at Wisseloord Studio in 1987 and released as the B-side on the "Animal" single. Drums re-recorded on June 7, 1993 at Bow Lane Studios. Refer to the "Hysteria" section for further information.
12. Miss You In A Heartbeat (Electric Version)
[4:58] Phil Collen
Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. This track was based on Phil's original demo, rather than Joe's version. It was later completed with Rick, Joe, and Sav adding their respective parts to replace Phil's original self-performed parts. The band referred to this version as the "Guitarfest Mix" due to the "cranked" guitars. The guitar focus of the track presents a song strikingly different to the acoustic version, something that the band enjoyed highlighting by including both on the album.
13. Two Steps Behind (Electric Version)
[4:25] Joe Elliott
Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Originally recorded in April 1992 at Joe's Garage. Additional overdubs recorded June 7-11, 1993 at Bow Lane Studios. According to Joe, the song really demanded the full Leppard treatment so they recorded it during a break in touring using the original guitar solo by Vivian from 1992. Like the two versions of "Miss You In A Heartbeat," the two versions of "Two Steps Behind" provide stylistic contrast.
14. Miss You In A Heartbeat (Acoustic Acoustic Version)
[4:07] Phil Collen
A hidden track starting 26 seconds following the end of "Two Steps Behind (Electric Version)," thus a song essentially making its third appearance on the album. This is Joe and Pete's original piano and vocal version with no overdubs.
Produced by Def Leppard. Released October 4, 1993. The album cover is striking, created by art director Hugh Syme, who had also done the equally disturbing cover illustration for Megadeth's "Youthanasia." Most recently, Aerosmith has used a cover with a similar illustration for their recent "Devil's Got A New Disguise" compilation. "Retroactive" reached #6 and #9 in the UK and US respectively. Some worldwide chartings included Switzerland (#7) and Sweden (#12). In the United States the album was certified both Gold and Platinum by the RIAA on December 21, 1993. Def Leppard, perhaps, is one of the few bands that could release this sort of collection supported by four singles.
Def Leppard's version of "The Basement Tapes," a collection of bits and pieces, "Songs that have appeared in hard to find places or, in certain cases, never made it out of the studio until now" (PR). This album included out-takes from the "Hysteria" recording sessions, B-sides from that album, plus a few new tracks for good measure. The B-sides were updated with various overdubs. Joe had defined the blueprint for this album early 1988: "It's going to be a bit of an odds 'n' sods collection of things. There might be a couple of B-sides resurrected with new customized versions, different mixes, different recordings. Plus, I would think seven or eight new songs nobody will have heard before... The sleeve will give you all the information on where and when each track was recorded and so forth. Every background detail we can" (Kerrang #182).
That album never materialized in mid-1989 as conceived due to the continued success of "Hysteria." The band also worked on the material for a reason: While many fans would have had many of the tracks from B-sides, the work on the songs, and remixing, provided value for money, in addition to creating a quality piece of product. Less produced than the previous two albums, it was a challenge to make a diverse body of material sound unified and consistent, something that the band felt they accomplished. While not a tribute to Steve Clark, "Retroactive" essentially clears out the remaining material from Steve's Leppard era and allowed the band to start fresh with Vivian Campbell.
"Talking About the 'Retroactive' Album" Promo CD Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Phonogram DLINT-2 (UK, 1993)
Track(s):
1. Music Intro [0:41]
2. Why are you releasing "Retroactive?" [2:22]
3. When listening back to some of the older tracks, did you find that you wanted to change them in any way? [1:57]
4. Please could you talk us through some of your favorite tracks on the album: "Two Steps Behind?" [1:29]
5. "Desert Song?" [3:29]
6. "Ride Into The Sun?" [1:53]
For those offended by Joe's use of the idiom "Spanish Archer" (el-bow; Elbow, to be pushed to the side, for non-English readers) to describe getting rid of Pete Willis during the VH-1 "Behind The Music" episode, relax: He used it here to describe Tony Kenning's departure too!
7. "Miss You In A Heartbeat?" [1:11]
8. "Fractured Love?" [2:20]
9. What are your plans for the future? [2:31]
Issued promotionally, this CD features the band talking about many of the album tracks with plenty of samples. Like many of the other Q&A releases, it would allow radio stations to use sound bites or conduct pseudo-interviews. This is one of the more difficult of the Leppard interview CDs to obtain.
"Retroactive" Bonus EP Notes:
Mercury/Phonogram 5763-2 (France, 1993)
Track(s):
01. Elected (Live)
[4:29] Alice Cooper Michael Bruce Glenn Buxton Denis Dunnaway Smith
02. Let's Get Rocked (Live) [5:48]
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live) [5:11]
04. Tonight (Demo) [4:26]
05. Now I'm Here (Live)
[6:05] Brian May
06. Photograph (Live)
[4:45] Steve Clark Pete Willis Rick Savage Joe Elliott Robert John "Mutt" Lange
Produced by Pete Woodroffe, Def Leppard, Mike Shipley. Track 1 recorded live in Tilburg in 1987. Tracks 2, 3, and 5 recorded live in Bonn in 1992. The original demo version of Track 4 was recorded in 1988. Track 5 was recorded with Brian May at Wembley in 1992. All of the tracks have been previously detailed as "Adrenalize" B-sides. This is a special edition French bonus EP that was included with select copies of the "Retroactive" album.
Retroactive "B-sides" Notes:
01. Tonight (Acoustic, Acoustic Version)
[4:17] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Robert John "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
Produced by Def Leppard. Engineered by Gary Hardy. Mixed by Liz Stroka. Recorded at Sun Studios, Nashville, TN on February 10, 1993. The so-called "Warts And All" acoustic version that differs from other versions ever so slightly.
02. SMC
[1:15] Phil Collen
Produced by Def Leppard. Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Phil's tribute to Stephen Maynard Clark, hence the name of the track, though it had originally been written as a nursery rhyme for Phil's son Rory. Joe suggested that the piece be recorded and titled SMC to see if anyone would figure out the title. Both tracks 1 & 2 were initially released on the UK "Two Steps Behind" CD-single (LEPCD-12).
03. Message From Joe, Phil, and Rick
[0:58] Joe Elliott Phil Collen Rick Allen
A special "thank you" and Christmas/New Year's wishes from the band members to Japanese fans. Included on the Japanese "Two Steps Behind" CD-Single (PHCR-8040).
04. She's Too Tough (Joe's Demo)
[3:41] Joe Elliott
Joe's enhanced demo from 1985. Joe had originally demoed this song while the rest of the band was working on guitar tracks for the "Hysteria" album.
05. Miss You In A Heartbeat (Phil's Demo)
[5:55] Phil Collen
With Phil on lead vocals, the arrangement and phrasing are the same as on the Def'd version. Phil throws in a few extra "baby" lyrics, and is very much laid back. Both tracks 4 and 5 were released on the UK regular "Action" CD-single (LEPCD-13), as well as being sourced separately on other singles.
06. Two Steps Behind (Joe's Demo)
[4:59] Joe Elliott
Joe's somewhat plodding demo has no major arrangement or lyrical differences to the Def'd version. The demo trinity of tracks 4-6 can notably be found on the German "Miss You In A Heartbeat" CD-single (858 253-2).
07. Love Bites (Live) [7:28]
Recorded live at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium on June 6, 1993. This recording starts with Joe exclaiming, "I thought he might, so I did," which if one recalls the "Visualize" video is because of Sav coming on stage wearing a Sheffield United shirt. Joe responded by wearing a Sheffield Wednesday shirt, hence the comment. Both tracks 6 and 7 were released on the on the UK "Action!" CD/Discography Box (LEPCX-13), as well as being sourced separately on other singles.
08. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live) [4:25]
09. Let's Get Rocked (Live) [4:56]
10. Photograph (Live) [4:12]
11. Women (Live) [5:41]
Tracks 08-11 released on the limited edition "Two Steps Behind" and "Miss You In A Heartbeat" double-CD sets; all previously released as album tracks. Refer to the "Adrenalize" section for further information.
12. Two Steps Behind (Radio Acoustic)
[4:43] Joe Elliott
Recorded live at the studios of 40 Principales, Madrid, Spain on January 21, 1993. Released on the Spanish "Conciertos Básicos" promotional single (Bludgeon-Riffola 677 740-2) that also included the regular orchestral version of the song. This radio station regularly had artists appear and perform in an acoustic format.
The Missing Song(s):
01. Bad For Me, Baby
Originally planned to be included on "Retroactive," this song was a half-finished demo dating from the "Hysteria" period by Steve Clark and Joe Elliott. However, it was found to be missing as the band started to assemble the material for the album. It's not clear if the song still exists anywhere or is being "hoarded" by a third party.
"Rock Till You Drop: A Def Leppard Documentary" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Broadcast BBC Radio1 (UK, 6/1993)
Produced by J. Pidgeon. Recorded on May 22, 1993 and first broadcast on BBC Radio1 on June 5, 1993. Presented by Claire Sturgess, this documentary featured John Peel, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Rick Savage, and Peter Mensch. This two-hour show was split into two parts with the second installment being first broadcast on June 12.
BBC In Concert "Def Leppard: By Public Demand" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Broadcast BBC Radio1 (UK, 7/1993)
Set list:
01. Let's Get Rocked\*\*/+ [5:25]
02. Tear It Down [4:00]
03. Women [6:19]
04. Another Hit And Run [6:44]
05. Too Late For Love [5:32]
06. Hysteria [7:00]
07. Make Love Like A Man [6:19]
08. Foolin'\*\*/+ [5:18]
09. Animal [4:12]
10. Rocket\*\*/+ [11:08]
11. Two Steps Behind\*/\*\*/+ [5:11]
12. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad [5:42]
13. Medley Black Betty Armageddon It\*\*/+ [6:55]
14. Pour Some Sugar On Me\*\*/+ [5:26]
15. Rock Of Ages\*\*/+ [6:18]
16. Love Bites\*/\*\*/+ [7:41]
17. Photograph\*/+ [5:19]
Produced by Jeff Griffin. Recorded at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, on June 6, 1993 as the band performed in front of 40,000 fans. Def Leppard was the first band to perform at the then newly built stadium and this show was their only UK appearance that year. Broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on July 17, 1993. A 1.5-hour live radio show. Parts of this show have been released in audio and video format on the "Vault" bonus audio EP and "Video Archive" respectively.
This recording, naturally, has been heavily bootlegged, but since it is a soundboard recording the quality is excellent. Parts of the show were filmed and later included on the "Visualize" and "Video Archives" video products in addition to the FM broadcast. Frank Noon, who had drummed on the EP, was on stage with Def Leppard during this show... Taking photographs! Tracks marked Released on "Visualize" (1993); \* Released on "Video Archive" (1995); + Released on "Live In Sheffield" Bonus CD (1995). Refer to the "Vault" section for further details on the live bonus CD.
"The Never-Ending Weekend" Tour Notes:
This tour was more than just another extension to the "Adrenalize" tours, though gone were the laser show and "In The Round" staging, perhaps appropriately to mark a decade since the band had stormed America with "Pyromania."
July 1, 1993 -- Exhibition Grounds, Camrose, AB, Canada
\*\*One tour itinerary indicates a cancelled show in Craven, Saskatchewan on this date, some 425 miles away.
July 3 -- Seabird Island, Stein Valley, BC, Canada
July 4 -- The George, Quincy, WA
July 6 -- CAL Expo Amphitheater, Sacramento, CA w/ Ugly Kid Joe
July 7 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA w/ Ugly Kid Joe, Poison
July 9 -- Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion, San Bernardino, CA
July 10 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills, CA
July 11 -- Desert Sky Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
July 13 -- Park West, Park City, UT
July 14 -- Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, Englewood, CO
July 16 -- The Mark of the Quad Cities, Moline, IL
July 17 -- Swiss Villa Amphitheatre, Lampe, MO
July 18 -- Sandstone Amphitheatre, Bonner Springs, KS
July 20 -- Riverbend Music Centre, Cincinnati, OH
July 21 -- Blossom Music Centre, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
July 23 -- Pine Knob Music Theater, Clarkston, MI
July 24 -- Castle Farms, Charlevoix, MI
July 25 -- Alpine Valley Music Theater, East Troy, WI
July 30 -- Orange County Fairgrounds, Middletown, NY
July 31 -- Cayuga County Fairgrounds, Weedsport, NY
\*\*With Ugly Kid Joe, though Bone China and Bleed Christine played the parking lot. Around 8,000 attended this show
August 1 -- Harvey's Lake Amphitheatre, Harvey's Lake, PA
\*\*Near Wilkes-Barre, which is listed at the venue city on some itineraries...
August 3 -- Allentown Fair, Allentown, PA
August 4 -- Thames River Pavilion, Groton, CT
August 6 -- Great Woods Pavilion, Mansfield, MA
August 7 -- Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain, VT
August 8 -- Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
August 10 -- Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
August 11 -- Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, PA
August 13 -- Jones Beach Amphitheatre, Wantagh, NY
August 14 -- Jones Beach Amphitheatre, Wantagh, NY
August 15 -- Darien Lake Amphitheatre, Darien Center, NY
August 20 -- Quidi Vidi Park, St. Johns, NL, Canada
August 22 -- Parlee Beach, Shediac, NB, Canada
August 24 -- CCEC, Ottawa, ON, Canada
August 25 -- CNE Grandstand, Toronto, ON, Canada
August 27 -- Cooper Stadium, Columbus, OH
\*\*The lead singer of Ugly Kid Joe was fined $100 and pleaded no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly encouraging the crowd to attack security guards during their set.
August 28 -- World Music Theater, Tinley Park, IL
August 29 -- Riverport PAC, Maryland Heights, MO
August 31 -- Fargo Dome, Fargo, ND
September 1 -- State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul, MN
September 3 -- Deep Creek Music Center, Noblesville, IN
September 4 -- Star Lake Amphitheatre, Burgettstown, PA
September 5 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
September 7 -- Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, Raleigh, NC
September 8 -- Blockbuster Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
September 10 -- Starwood Amphitheatre, Antioch, TN
September 11 -- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
September 12 -- Jackson Coliseum, Jackson, MS
September 14 -- Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS
September 15 -- LSU Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA
September 17 -- Starplex Amphitheatre, Dallas, TX
September 18 -- Woodlands Pavilion, Houston, TX
September 20 -- State Fairgrounds Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
September 25 -- Auditorio Coca Cola, Monterrey, Mexico
September 26 -- Guadalajara, Mexico
September 28 -- Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Mexico
September 29 -- Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Mexico
"Vault" Album Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 818 826-1/2/4 (USA, 10/31/95)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 528 656-1/2/4 (Europe, 10/23/95)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 528 657-2 (Europe, 10/23/95 -- Bonus "Live")
UMG/Bludgeon-Riffola 06024-9812128 (Germany, 9/30/2003 -- Bonus CD)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-3035 (Japan, 10/13/95 -- "Megabook" Version)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-5002/3 (Japan, 10/13/95 -- Bonus "Live")
Universal Music Group UICY-2563 (Japan, 10/20/95)
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-1380 (Japan, 3/16/96 -- Reissue)
UMG UICY-2563 (Japan, 9/21/02 -- Reissue)
UMG UICY-9395 (Japan, 1/28/04 -- Bonus "Live")
UMG UICY-6039 (Japan, 1/25/06 -- Reissue)
UMG UICY-6039 (Japan, 3/7/07 -- "Limited" Reissue)
UMG UICM-9009 (Japan, 12/5/07 -- "¥1680" Reissue)
Track(s): (USA) --
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Video Edit)
[4:53] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
02. Photograph
03. Love Bites
04. Let's Get Rocked
05. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic Version)
06. Animal
07. Foolin'
08. Rocket (Video Edit)
[4:07] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
09. When Love & Hate Collide
[4:17] Joe Elliott / Rick Savage
Originally written, but not recorded, for the "Adrenalize" album. At the time, the song was simply rejected for that album because there were already two ballads. When the band were compiling their compilation they wanted to include a new recording, however the material being recorded for "Slang" didn't provide a unity of sound and style with the other material so they turned to older unused songs, though a couple of other songs were considered. They were reminded of this song by someone at the record label who had heard the demo. As a result, they recorded it in August 1995.
Produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Strings arranged by Michael Kamen with additional vocals by Stevie Vann and piano by Randy Kerber. Released as a single (Mercury/PolyGram 852 424-7 backed with "Can't Keep Away From The Flame") it debuted in the US on the Cashbox charts at #67 on December 9, 1995. It reached a high position of #56 on December 30, and charted for 14 weeks, though it only made it to #58 on Billboard's "Hot 100." However, the single did better on the Top 40 Mainstream and Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks charts, reaching #29 and #39 respectively.
"Vault" was not the band's idea, nor was the title their idea. However, when the idea for the album was presented to the band in July 1995 it made sense to release the collection then, rather than wait for the completion of another studio album. Especially important was not mixing the legacy material with the drastic change the band's sound was going through. With the band working on their new album there was only time for "Vault" during a short window of time. It did formerly close out the pre-Vivian era of the band, even though he participated on post-1992 material. The promotional tour in support of the album also gave the band a break from the material on the new album, and a new perspective on it when they returned to work.
Not liking any of the scripts directors were proposing, the band decided to get a hold of their favorite video directors, who had fallen out and not worked together for several years. They agreed. Jean Pellerin and Doug Freel, who had worked with the band directing the "Hysteria" video, created two videos for the song: One a performance piece, the other the "epic 8 minute version," both of which were included on the "Video Archive" package released in late-1995.
10. Armageddon It
11. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
12. Rock Of Ages
13. Hysteria
14. Miss You In A Heartbeat
15. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
The album reached #15 on the Billboard album charts. The lack of a hit single didn't make "Vault" unattractive in the United States. It was certified by the RIAA for Gold sales on January 5, 1996. Platinum followed on May 22; Double-platinum on May 26, 1999; Triple-platinum on August 31, 2001; and quadruple-platinum on June 20, 2005. As a result it is the band's third most successful album in the US behind "Hysteria" and "Pyromania," and by early 1997 had sold 3.5 million copies worldwide.
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Video Edit)
02. Photograph
03. Love Bites
04. Let's Get Rocked
05. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic Version)
06. Animal
07. Action
08. Rocket (Video Edit)
09. When Love & Hate Collide
10. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
11. Armageddon It
12. Foolin'
13. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
14. Rock Of Ages
15. Hysteria
16. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
17. Can't Keep Away From The Flame
[2:37] Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
Produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Written on the last night of recording of "Retroactive" in June 1993 with the working title "It's Going To Be A Long Night." Since it was a bonus track on the Japanese version of the album the band performed it acoustically in Tokyo during their November 11 promo visit. This song was also used as a B-side on some "Slang" singles.
The differences between the two versions released in Japan are as follow: The "Megabook Edition" (PHCR-3035) Comes in an oversized CD jewel case that is 1/16" thicker than a standard CD Case. This is to house a thick bio/lyric booklet included in the package, along with an insert "thank you" note. For the double-CD version (PHCR-5002), which includes the Live EP, it comes with a separate thick booklet with everything housed in a slipcase. It also uses the alternate cover. The CD has been reissued in Japan numerous times since 1995.
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Video Edit)
02. Photograph
03. Love Bites
04. Let's Get Rocked
05. Two Steps behind (Acoustic Version)
06. Animal
07. Heaven Is
08. Rocket (Video Edit)
09. When Love & Hate Collide
Released as a single in September 1995. Made it to #2 on the UK singles charts providing the band with their biggest single in their homeland. The band returned to "Top Of The Pops" in the UK "performing" the song on October 12, 1995, directed by Claire Winyard.
10. Action
11. Make Love like A Man
12. Armageddon it
13. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
14. Rock Of Ages
15. Hysteria
16. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
Debuted at #3 on the UK album charts. The album also reached #10 in Sweden, #7 in Finland, #7 in Switzerland, and #7 in Norway. Many European countries and Japan included a special edition "Live in Sheffield" bonus CD that was a partial show. In Europe, the album was packaged with the "combination lock" artwork, though in Japan the CD with that same art was enclosed in a slipcase featuring the regular "Vault" art. The show was originally broadcast on BBC In Concert -- "Def Leppard: By Public Demand" on June 7, 1993.
"Live In Sheffield" Bonus CD Notes:
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-5003 (Japan, 10/13/95)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 528 657-2 (Europe, 10/23/95)
Track(s):
01. Let's Get Rocked [4:59]
02. Armageddon It [6:12]
03. Foolin' [4:52]
04. Rocket [9:28]
05. Two Steps Behind [5:01]
06. Pour Some Sugar On Me [5:00]
07. Rock Of Ages [5:55]
08. Love Bites [7:37]
The copyright for this song is listed individually on the album packaging as it had been used in 1995 as a B-side for the "Action" single. The rest of the songs were not released in audio format until 1995 (even though some appeared on the "Visualize" video).
09. Photograph [7:09]
Produced by Def Leppard. Mixed by Pete Woodroffe. Engineered by Dave Dade and Jeff Griffin on BBC Mobile. Recorded live at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, UK on June 6, 1993.
"Vault Sampler" Notes:
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 4421-2 (France, 1995 -- Promo)
Track(s):
01. When Love & Hate Collide
02. Let's Get Rocked
03. Two Steps Behind
04. Photograph
05. Love Bites
Promotional sampler in slip-sleeve released in France.
"Vault: An Interview with Joe Elliott and Rick Savage" Promotional CD Notes:
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola DL-INT3 (UK, 1995)
Track(s):
01. Why put out a greatest hits album now? [0:46]
02. What do you remember about the band forming in 1977? [3:45]
03. The EP snow-balled quickly in 1979... [0:50]
04. More about the EP... [0:38]
05. You sold-out to America? [0:50]
06. You changed management - was this a boost to Def Leppard? [1:40]
07. Recording the second album, was this the 1st time you met Mutt? [0:38]
08. Pete left the band half way through the recording of "Pyromania"... [1:18]
09. Was Phil an easy choice to replace Pete? [1:40]
10. Did you ever think you'd have an album which would sell 7m copies? [1:06]
11. Was it frustrating that UK success lagged behind America? [0:51]
12. Did Rick's accident nearly end the band? [0:36]
13. "Hysteria" took three years and two producers... [1:08]
14. "Hysteria" sold 15 million copies and brought worldwide fame [1:49]
15. When Steve died, did you think the band was jinxed? [1:09]
16. You decided to continue recording "Adrenalize" as a four-piece... [1:13]
17. How did you choose Vivian Campbell? [1:23]
18. What are the highs and lows of Def's career? [1:58]
19. Are you the same people you were in 1978? [0:51]
20. Are there compensations for having spent time away from home? [0:44]
21. How do you pick "The Best" of Def Leppard? [0:49]
22. Discuss "Pour Some Sugar On Me." [1:28]
23. Discuss "Photograph." [0:36]
24. Discuss "Love Bites." [0:44]
25. Discuss "Let's Get Rocked." [0:36]
26. Discuss "Two Steps Behind." [2:23]
27. Discuss "Animal." [0:36]
28. Discuss "Heaven Is." [1:24]
29. Discuss "Rocket." [0:26]
30. Discuss "When Love & Hate Collide." [1:00]
31. Discuss "Action." [1:29]
32. Discuss "Make Love Like A Man." [0:33]
33. "Armageddon It" -- Is there a message? [1:04]
34. Discuss "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad." [0:28]
35. Discuss "Rock Of Ages." [0:59]
36. Discuss "Hysteria." [1:16]
37. Discuss "Bringin' On The Heartbreak." [1:34]
38. Discuss "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)." [0:35]
39. Discuss "It's Gonna Be A Long Night." [0:38]
A promotional radio Q&A that has Joe and Rick responding to a variety of questions about the band, the songs on the compilation, the history of the band, etc. Allowed radio stations to perform pseudo-interviews with the band around the time of the album's release...
Vault "B-sides" Notes:
01. Can't Keep Away From The Flame
[2:38] Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
Originally, this song had been a bonus track on the Japanese version of "Vault." it was also released in 1995 as the flip side on the US "When Love & Hate Collide" single (852 424-1/2), and the following year on the UK "Slang" souvenir pack (LEPDD-15).
02. When Love & Hate Collide (Demo)
[5:57] Joe Elliott / Rick Savage
Original demo version, released on the "When Love & Hate Collide" UK CD Single (LEPCD-14), featuring a Steve Clark guitar solo. The 'Hysteria' remixes were given an additional outing on the "When Love & Hate Collide" CD single with "Rocket" and "Armageddon It" being included. Little of what Steve had recorded during the 1989-91 period was deemed usable, particularly for what became the "Adrenalize" album, though his songwriting contributions remained very much valid. There were plenty of demo ideas, or simply riffs, that had been committed to tape in some format. This demo was one that Joe thought could be "tarted up" for release at some point.
Vault Promotional Tour Notes:
\*\*Only performance "gigs" are noted here, since the majority of the promo tour consisted of television or radio appearances...
October 5, 1995 -- Wapentake Bar, Sheffield, England
\*\*A return to one of the clubs that the band had played in 1979. The band performed new material at this acoustic show, including "All I Want Is Everything" along with the more predictable "Two Steps Behind," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Rocket," and "Animal." Parts of the performance were included on the "Visual Archive" video.
October 23 -- "3 Concerts 3 Continents 1 Day"
According to Phil, "That was someone at the record label. You know, a bright spark at the label going, 'I've got this great idea for promotion. What about you play through...' And we said, 'Yeah, okay.' It was actually really fun, a very surreal experience" (Don Zulaica - LiveDaily). Commencing at 12:01am on October 23, 1995 the band played three 45 minutes sets in Africa, Europe, and North America in a single day... The reward? Plenty of press, to help promote "Vault," and an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Show #1: Grottes D'Hercule nr. Tangier, Morocco
Also known as the "Cave of Africa" due to the opening appearing as a similar shape, this symbol of Tangier is so 30 minutes from the city. Def Leppard began their Herculean performance with an acoustic set.
Set List:
01. Ziggy Stardust
02. Little Wing
03. You Can't Always Get What You Want
04. Pour Some Sugar On Me
05. Armageddon It
Show #2: Bottom Line, Shepherd's Bush, London, England
By 9am, the entourage is at the club for a lunchtime gig. Attended by 300 radio contest winners, and plenty of press.
Partial Set List:
01. All I Want Is Everything
02. Armageddon It
Show #3: Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The final show of the day, at 9pm, was attended by around 900 radio contest winners. By the end of this show Joe's voice was shot.
Set List:
01. Armageddon It
02. Ziggy Stardust
03. Two Steps Behind
04. From the Inside
05. Little Wing
06. All I Want is Everything
07. Animal
08. When Love & Hate Collide
09. Where Does Love Go When it Dies
10. Can't Always Get What You Want
11. Pour Some Sugar On Me
Joe's idea to mark "Def Leppard Day," the concept was more interesting to him from the challenge perspective than getting in the Guinness Book of World Records, though a bit of press for a band is never a bad thing. Of course, with little rest the band jetted across the Pacific for their next destination: South East Asia.
October 25 -- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
October 26 -- Hard Rock Cafe, Republic of Singapore
\*\*See the "Slang" section for what became the "Live In Singapore" acoustic EP.
October 27 -- Bangkok, Thailand
October 30 -- The Ritz, Melbourne, Australia
\*\*Acoustic performance featuring: Armageddon It Two Steps Behind When Love & Hate Collide Animal All I Want Is Everything Pour Some Sugar On Me Hysteria / Get It On (Bang A Gong)
November 1 -- Sydney, Australia
November 6 -- Paris, France
\*\*Acoustic performance featuring: Two Steps Behind / When Love & Hate Collide Pour Some Sugar On Me Ziggy Stardust / Little Wing / Armageddon It
November 11 -- Tokyo, Japan
\*\*Acoustic performance featuring: Armageddon It / Two Steps Behind Animal When Love & Hate Collide Pour Some Sugar On Me Can't Keep Away From The Flame Hysteria Get It On (Bang A Gong). This set was also broadcast on TV and featured the whole band.
MuchMusic "Intimate & Interactive" TV Broadcast Notes:
MuchMusic TV Special (Canada, 11/25/1995)
Track(s):
01. Armageddon It
02. Two Steps Behind
03. From The Inside
04. Animal
05. Can't Keep Away From The Flame
06. Miss You In A Heartbeat
07. When Love And Hate Collide
08. Foolin'
09. Hysteria
10. Pour Some Sugar On Me
Executive producer: Moses Znaimer. Directed by Tom O'Neill. Music mix by Doug McClement. Presented by Teresa Roncon. Filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on November 25, 1995. This TV special featured an acoustic performance interspaced with questions from the audience and viewers. Show runs 1.5 hours.
XI
Back down to earth...
Turn To Slang
"Slang" Album Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 532 486-2/4 (USA, 5/14/96)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 532 493-2 (Canada, 1996 -- 2CD)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 532 493-2 (UK, 1996 -- 2CD)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-1440 (Japan, 5/10/96)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-16011/2 (Japan, 5/10/96 -- 2CD)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCW-2005 (Japan, 9/15/99 -- Reissue)
Universal Music Group UICY-2431 (Japan, 11/21/03 -- Reissue)
Universal Music Group UICY-6389 (Japan, 8/30/06 -- Reissue)
Track(s):
01. Truth?
[3:00] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage / Vivian Campbell
Drum programming by Hugh Drumm and Ger McDonnell. Phil plays the solo. This was one of the first songs written for the album, but by early 1996 it had been rewritten to update the sound and style. It was recorded during a three-day period. The sample at the beginning of the song was initially only used to set the tone for the song, and wasn't going to be left on. However, the band decided they liked the song less without it so it remained. The drum samples for this track were created in Dublin.
02. Turn To Dust
[4:21] Phil Collen
Indian Bhangra percussionist Av Singh, from the band Dal-Dil-Vog, assisted the band in the studio to help them with this track performing the Dohl. The intro sarangi sample is from an album by Ram Narayan. Outro sarangi sample by Shvam Vatish. Craig Pruess also assisted with the conduction and arrangement of the strings and percussive instruments. The band also had a different mix of this song without drums that was being saved for possible use as a B-side.
03. Slang
[2:37] Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
Joe considered this to be a groove-oriented almost Rolling Stones type track with a Phil title that he felt embodied "Rock 'N' Roll," rather than shagging as has oft been suggested. Programming by Brad Buxer with Bobby Brooks. Spanish voice by Gloria Flores. This track was the first single off the album, which reached #17 in the UK. The band filmed a "performance" on "Top Of The Pops" on May 7, directed by Geoff Miles and produced by Ric Blaxill, which was broadcast two days later.
The title track from the album had had something of an odd genesis. While in a bookstore in Laguna Hills, Phil saw a book with the title "American Slang." According to Phil, "It just seemed (like) a great title -- it was very relevant and it was symbolic of pop music, Jazz, blues, R&B, rock, pop -- anything that's not classical or opera or anything -- is based around slang, more now than ever" (Stars & Stripes, 9/27/96).
04. All I Want Is Everything
[5:20] Joe Elliott
Originally written at the end of 1993 with more of a country feel. The band recorded the track in one take with it being the first recorded song Rick performed real drums on since 1982! That one take provided everything that the song needed and overdubs were kept to a minimum rather than lose the spontaneity. Released as a single in the UK on September 16, 1996 it only reached a disappointing #38 on the charts. Vivian plays the solo and Phil lead on the outro section. Director Matt Mauhurin's video for the song was filmed in August 1996.
Contrary to popular opinion, this song was not about Joe's divorce, but about a man dying from AIDS and wanting to change the past to prevent the present, though there is nothing he can do. The video does a better job of illustrating the song than words can. This song was one of two (the other being "Where Does Love Go When It Dies") debuted during the "Vault" acoustic tour.
05. Work It Out
[4:49] Vivian Campbell
The second single from the album, issued in the UK on June 17. It reached a respectable #22 on the UK charts. The song had been released to radio in the US in late April as the album's first single where it reached #6 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This has invariably been cited as being Vivian's first song written for the band, though more likely it is simply his first solo contribution to have been used. It originally presented Vivian's more pop-oriented style that was roughened up a bit as it was Leppardized.
Joe was inspired by Iggy Pop and David Bowie for the vocals. According to Phil, "The original vocal was very high, which would've been perfect for Joe in the Eighties. But we didn't want that, so he sang it an octave down... It's cool to push the envelope a bit; otherwise, everything can start to sound the same" (Guitar World, 1996).
06. Breathe A Sigh
[4:06] Phil Collen
Written by Phil in 1994. Programming by Brad Buxer with Bobby Brooks. Road manager Malvin Mortimer provided the high harmony, though the entire band sang on the track. The final single released off the album, in November 1996, which charted briefly in the UK at #43 while the band toured. According to Phil, the recording of this song went through numerous versions and took a long time to get right. Both this song and "Blood Runs Cold" were considered for use on "Vault," but were eventually scrapped in favor of keeping all of the material on the compilation more dated than being from the then current era and sound of the band.
07. Deliver Me
[3:04] Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
Another of the tracks essentially recorded live with a minimum of overdubs. The final three lines of lyrics were added during the last week of recording and changed the meaning of the song. Guitar solo by Viv.
08. Gift Of Flesh
[3:48] Phil Collen
Inspired by Rick playing real drums again. According to Phil: "He sounded like someone released from solitary confinement and given total freedom. We said 'Play like Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols on their first album.' So he beat the crap out of his drum kit and it was perfect for this song and others to follow. Lyrically the song is about man taking life for granted or an updated 'Sympathy for the Devil' kind of thing" (Mercury PR). Phil plays the guitar solo. This song was used in conjunction with Queen's "We Are The Champions" to open the band's set during many early dates of the "Slang" tour. It was later dropped as the band reverted to the "Rock! Rock! Till You Drop" opener.
09. Blood Runs Cold
[4:26] Joe Elliott / Phil Collen
Guitar solo and scat vocal by Phil, piano by Pete Woodroffe, and fretless bass by Sav. Sadly inspired by Steve Clark's demise: "I heard this line one time about tryin' to save the world / Have you ever tried to save yourself?" According to Sav, "The lyrics sum up our feelings for Steve Clark more than any other Def Leppard song. It's a culmination of four years of grief since his death, where we could actually analyze it a bit more and come to terms with it better" (Guitar World, 1996).
10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies
[4:04] Joe Elliott / Phil Collen
Featuring instruments new to Def Leppard's arsenal: The dulcimer (played by Viv) and mandolin (played by Phil). Phil and Viv also provide the prominent vocal harmonies on the song. This song was built directly on top of Phil's original demo. Keyboard strings by Pete Woodroffe. This song was one of the more obscure tracks performed during the "Slang" tour.
11. Pearl Of Euphoria
[6:22] Joe Elliott Phil Collen Rick Savage
Joe plays additional guitar and bass on this track since it is essentially built over his original demo and utilized his original guide vocal. Joe wanted to re-record the vocal, but was unable to recapture the original feel that Phil described as "angry Jim Morrison." The band wanted to break away from the usual verse-chorus-verse song structure with this song and give it the freedom to go where it may. While there is a certain sleazy psychedelic feel to the song that questions reality, it is a companion piece to "From The Inside" with the perspective coming from that of a drug dealer.
12. Move With Me Slowly
[6:17] Phil Collen
A bonus track for the Japanese version of the album that was also issued as a B-side. Phil sings the first vocal line on this song.
Produced by Pete Woodroffe & Def Leppard. Recorded and engineered by Pete Woodroffe May 1994 to February 1996. Recorded in a house in Puerto Banus near Marbella, Spain, and Bow Lane Studios, Dublin, Eire. Additional engineering in Dublin by Ger McDonnell. Released in the UK on May 13, 1996.
This album has often been considered to be Def Leppard's "alternative" album. More accurately, the album was a response to the so-called alternative music scene that dominated the period and took the band in a new direction, notably in terms of how they approached the recording sessions. Perhaps it is simply better to say that the album was an alternative to what was expected from the band. The material, also, was diverse and experimental -- a term, perhaps, that might be misleading, so perhaps organic. The material was not the big production sort, but more textured rather being refined repeatedly. The method of recording was also a reaction against the long and painful processes of the previous two studio efforts that had become increasingly negative to Phil and seemingly unnecessary.
In an effort to try to capture a more exciting sound, the band often played together and didn't use the computerized technology, with Rick returning to a real drum kit. The album also saw Joe developing alternatives to his highly obvious vocal delivery and working on different styles. The music, drawing from many styles and influences was highly atmospheric. Public and fan reaction was mixed, but mostly (in the opinion of the author, unfairly) negative. "Slang" eventually attained Gold certification in the United States on July 16, 1996.
As the band toured in support of "Vault" Sav had suggested that while they had 12 tracks in the can they wanted at least one more. Other sources suggest that a total of 16 tracks were recorded for the album. Considering the material used on the B-sides, this seems unlikely, or simply includes material that had been "given up" for use on "Vault." During the tour several tracks were performed from the album, including "Gift Of Flesh" which was initially the set opener: "Slang," "Work It Out," "Deliver Me," "Breathe A Sigh," "All I Want Is Everything," and "Where Does Love Go When It Dies."
Getting Acoustic
"Live In Singapore" Acoustic EP Notes:
Phonogram/Bludgeon-Riffola PHCR-16012 (Japan, 1996)
Track(s):
01. Armageddon It [4:16]
02. Two Steps Behind [4:01]
03. From The Inside [3:28]
04. Animal [3:47]
05. When Love & Hate Collide [4:18]
06. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:08]
Directed by Ranjan Thakre. Line Producer -- Terry Zoakitny. Produced and mixed by Pete Woodroffe. Engineered by Will Shapland. Recorded live at the Hard Rock Cafe, Republic of Singapore, for the V series, on October 26, 1995. Also released as a bonus CD on various international versions of the "Slang" album. This show was a hasty affair that took place directly following the band's grueling "3 Continents" performance, and the band flew from Vancouver to Singapore, generally a very long and exhausting flight. The band ended up recording 14 songs from the show, including "Hysteria," "Ziggy Stardust," "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and "Get It On (Bang A Gong)." Recorded on a 24-track multi-track and filmed with seven cameras.
BBC "Radio One -- Acoustic '95" Session Notes:
BBC Catalogue Number SE0042001 (UK, 1995)
Track(s):
01. Two Steps Behind [3:58]
02. Pour Some Sugar On Me [3:59]
03. Animal [3:45]
04. Armageddon It [4:19]
05. Ziggy Stardust
[3:08] David Bowie
Produced and engineered by Miti at BBC Maida Studios, London in October 1995. Track 1 was not released on some international versions of the "Work It Out" CD-single as detailed on the liner notes (LEPCD16). That's the "Live in Singapore" version! Tracks 2, 3, & 5 released on the UK "Slang" CD-Single (LEPCD-15), and other international releases. Tracks 1-4 were also broadcast on 'The Mix' (#89) with two interview segments:
BBC "Radio One -- The Mix" #89 Notes:
BBC Catalogue Number MI9551001
06. Interview 1 [8:14]
07. Interview 2 [7:40]
Also featured on that episode of the show were C&C Music Factory and a session performance by David Bowie. Track 3 also included on "The Mix" (#109). Track 5 also broadcast as part of the "Who Is That?!" segment on "The Mix" (#94). "The Mix" is BBC Radio's "ultimate weekly compilation of big name interviews, live music and session recordings" (BBC PR).
"Slang" B-Sides & Single Edits:
Those not previously mentioned.
01. All I Want Is Everything (Radio Edit) [4:23]
Shortened version of the song for radio released on September 2, 1996 (LEPDJ18 and LEPDD-17). A US version for this single (MECP-128) includes the full album version, in a stickered CD-single jewel case promoting the tour. To shorten the original version the "And if you could see what's going on Behind these private eyes The truth would look so easy now But I'm running out of lies" lyric section is cut. The outrosecond guitar section also fades-out earlier.
02. When Love & Hate Collide (Strings & Piano) [4:15]
Produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Included on the UK "Slang" souvenir pack (LEPDD-15).
03. Work It Out (Demo) [3:34]
04. Truth? (Original Version) [5:09]
Tracks 3 & 4 are from the UK "Work It Out" CD-Single (LEPDD-16). Track 3 engineered by Vivian Campbell. Track 4 produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard.
06. Rock! Rock! Till You Drop (Live) [3:08]
07. Deliver Me (Live) [2:47]
08. Slang (Live) [2:26]
Tracks 6 & 7 were recorded live at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA on August 31, 1996. Track 8 was recorded live at the Molson Center, Montreal, on September 15, 1996. Tracks 6-8 are from the UK "Breathe A Sigh" UK CD-Single (LEPCD-18).
09. When Saturday Comes
[4:21] Joe Elliott
10. Jimmy's Theme
[3:19] Joe Elliott
Tracks 9 & 10 are from the UK "All I Want Is Everything" CD-Single (LEPCD-17); Produced by Pete Woodroffe. Both of these songs are performed by Joe, Phil, and Sav, and were recorded at Joe's Garage in Dublin in April 1995 and were originally used on the "When Saturday Comes" OST (PolyGram TV 532 307-1/2).
11. 'Cause We Ended As Lovers (Phil Collen)
[6:04] Stevie Wonder
12. Led Boots (Vivian Campbell)
[4:02] Max Middleton
Tracks 13 & 14 are from the UK "All I Want Is Everything" CD-Single (LEPDD-17) and were originally released on the "Jeffology" Jeff Beck Tribute album (Shrapnel SH-1093). Phil and Viv play on the tracks individually. Produced, engineered, and mixed by Billy Sherwood. Recorded at The Office, Van Nuys, CA.
13. Another Hit And Run (Live) [4:54]
14. All I Want Is Everything (Live) [5:18]
15. Work It Out (Live) [4:16]
Tracks 13-15 are from the UK "Breathe A Sigh" CD-Single (LEPCX-18). Track 13 was recorded live at the Molson Center, Montreal, on September 15, 1996. Tracks 14 & 15 were recorded live at Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA, on August 31, 1996.
16. Work It Out (Radio Edit) [3:41]
Released on LEPDJ18 that also included the album version. There are at least two variants of the UK promo CD, both of which come in the usual CD-single jewel case, though one with an insert, the other with an R/D information sticker noting the album charting and world tour. The song was shortened by reducing the instrumental/effects break following the second verse by 30 seconds and starting the fade-out earlier.
17. Breathe A Sigh (Radio Edit) [3:50]
Technically not listed as a "radio edit," the track length is shortened by 14 seconds on LEPDJ19.
UCLA "Slang Premiere" Broadcast Notes:
KLOS/Album Network FM (USA, 1996)
Track(s):
01. Work It Out
02. Rocket
03. Armageddon It
04. Pour Some Sugar On Me
05. Unknown, Not broadcast
Recorded/broadcast live on May 9, 1996 from the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house at UCLA. Some incorrectly identify this performance as the band's first in three years, but it was their first live performance on American radio. Broadcast, in conjunction with KLOS, with interviews on the Album Network who premiered "Truth?," "Turn To Dust," "Work It Out," "Deliver Me," "All I Want Is Everything," and "Gift Of Flesh" from the album during the broadcast. The show's location was a result of the album's sound and was a very obvious calculated effort to reach out to a new audience/demographic, and do something different to promote the new album. The band played their American single and a selection of greatest hits.
"Tonight Show with Jay Leno" TV Broadcast Notes:
NBC Television (USA, 1996)
Track(s):
01. Work It Out
Filmed at NBC Studios in Burbank, CA, this appearance, broadcast on May 16, marked Def Leppard's late-night television debut in the United States.
BBC "In Concert" #695 Concert Notes:
BBC Transcription TCD 1253-001 (UK, 1996)
Track(s):
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [3:01]
02. Foolin' [4:26]
03. Animal [3:42]
This track was also broadcast on BBC's "The Mix" #109.
Action
Make Love Like A Man
04. Work It Out [4: 15]
Deliver Me
Hysteria
When Love & Hate Collide
05. Slang [2:33]
Bringin' On The Heartbreak
Switch 625
Two Steps Behind
Breathe A Sigh
06. Photograph [4:15]
07. Rocket [3:53]
08. Armageddon It [4:48]
09. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:01]
10. Love Bites [7:02]
11. Let's Get Rocked [4:31]
Also broadcast on the BBC's "The Mix" #188.
Honky Tonk Woman Jam
12. Rock Of Ages [4:48]
Recorded at Sheffield Arena on November 14, 1996 this show does not feature the full set but was edited to one-hour. Also broadcast during this radio show were tracks from the 1979 Paris Theatre gig. This was the first night of the UK "Slang" tour. Tracks listed in italics were not broadcast.
Westwood-One Radio Show Notes:
Also (re)broadcast on The Album Network.
Track(s):
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [3:05]
02. Action [3:30]
03. Foolin' [4:29]
04. Animal [3:47]
05. Slang [2:33]
06. Switch 625 (Instrumental) [3:35]
07. Photograph [4:15]
08. Rocket [3:55]
09. Armageddon It [4:50]
10. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:02]
11. Rock Of Ages [4:53]
This show does not feature the full set but is edited to less than one hour to allow more commercials. As the BBC and Westwood One versions are already noted, it should be mentioned that the 1996 show has been broadcast numerous times, in varying formats. One Album Network (re)broadcast (March 2007) the show with a five-song version of the 1979 Paris Theatre show. It adds "Love Bites" and excludes "Slang." A September 2007 digital broadcast by BBC 6 Music "Live at Midnight" series featured the original 'In Concert' #695 set. As such, between the various versions 13 broadcast quality tracks circulate.
"Playing With Fire" Radio Documentary Notes:
BBC Transcription CD1254001 (UK, 1997)
Track(s):
01. Introduction
02. The early days
03. Working with "Mutt" Lange
04. "Pyromania"
05. "Hysteria"
06. Steve Clark's death / "Adrenalize"07. "Slang" sound
08. Outro
A documentary of the band's history up to the recording date of December 16, 1996, this one-hour show tells, "One of the greatest survival stories in modern rock. Def Leppard have suffered everything from bad reviews to death and disfigurement, yet they're still one of the world's biggest bands. Contains full interviews with all the current line up" (BBC). This show was rebroadcast on XM Satellite Radio in May 2003.
"Slang -- None More Black" Tour Notes:
May 28, 1996 -- Hua Mark Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand
\*\*Official start of the "Slang" world tour. Several songs off the album, including "Gift Of Flesh," "Deliver Me," "Work It Out," "Slang," and "All I Want Is Everything" were performed during the tour, which also sometimes included an acoustic performance of "Can't Keep Away From The Flame."
May 30 -- Indoor Stadium, Republic of Singapore
\*\*Oops, erroneously noted as being located in Malaysia in the tour book. Not since 1965...
June 1 -- Plenary Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia
June 4 -- Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
June 6 -- Manila, The Philippines
June 8 -- Olympic Park Gymnasium, Seoul, South Korea
June 11 -- Century Hall, Nagoya, Japan
June 13 -- Koseinenkin Kaikan Hall, Hiroshima, Japan
June 14 -- Fukuoka Sun Palace Hall, Fukoka, Japan
June 17 -- Castle Hall, Osaka, Japan
June 18 -- Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan
June 19 -- Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan
June 21 -- Yokohama Bunka Taiikukan, Kanagawa, Japan
June 22 -- Sendai Sun Plaza, Miyagi, Japan
\*\*Final Asian tour date...
June 28 -- Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
June 29 -- Deer Creek Music Center, Noblesville, IN
June 30 -- Summer Festival Main Stage, Milwaukee, WI
\*\*This festival ran from June 27-July 7. Other acts playing the festival included Alanis Morissette, Violent Femmes, Goo Goo Dolls, Meat Loaf, and Dwight Yoakum.
July 2 -- Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
July 3 -- Polaris Amphitheatre, Columbus, OH
July 5 -- New World Music Theater, Tinley Park (Chicago), IL
July 6 -- Castle Palms Amphitheatre, Charlevoix, MI
July 7 -- Pine Knob Amphitheatre, Clarkston, MI
July 9 -- Star Lake Amphitheatre, Burgettstown, PA
July 10 -- Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON, Canada
July 12 -- Darien Lake Amphitheatre, Buffalo, NY
July 13 -- Meadows Music Theater, Hartford, CT
July 14 -- Blockbuster/Sony Pavilion, Camden, NJ
July 16 -- Great Woods Amphitheatre, Mansfield, MA
July 17 -- Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY
July 19 -- Orange County Fair, Middletown, NY
July 20 -- Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA
\*\*Def Leppard were originally booked at Weedsport Speedway on this date.
July 21 -- Garden States Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
July 23 -- Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA
July 24 -- Virginia Beach Amphitheatre, Virginia Beach, VA
July 26 -- Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, Raleigh, NC
July 27 -- Blockbuster Pavilion, Charlotte, NC
July 28 -- Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Birmingham, AL
July 30 -- Riverport Performing Arts Center, Maryland Heights, MO
July 31 -- Riverfront Amphitheatre, Little Rock, AK
August 2 -- Starplex Amphitheatre, Dallas, TX
August 3 -- South Park Meadows, Austin, TX
August 4 -- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Woodlands, TX
August 14 -- Coral Sky Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL
August 16 -- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
August 17 -- Starwood Amphitheater, Antioch, TN
August 18 -- Black Oak Mountain, Lampe, MO
August 19 -- Little Rock, AK
\*\*This date was probably have been a day off.
August 20 -- Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK
August 21 -- Sandstone Amphitheatre, Bonner Springs, MO
August 23 -- Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
August 24 -- Wolf Mountain Amphitheatre, Park City, UT
August 26 -- Desert Sky Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
August 27 -- SDSU Open Air Theatre, San Diego, CA
August 28 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Irvine Meadows, CA
August 30 -- CAL Expo Amphitheater, Sacramento, CA w/ Tripping Daisy, Tesla
August 31 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
September 1 -- Last Chance Tina Arena, Portland, OR
\*\*Def Leppard were scheduled to participate in KKRZ's (Z100) Last Chance Summer Dance with Gabrielle, KC & the Sunshine Band, Donna Lewis, No Mercy, Quad City DJ's, SWV, and others.
September 2 -- The George Amphitheatre, Quincy, WA
September 3 -- GM Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
September 5 -- Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
September 6 -- Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada
September 7 -- Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada \*\*CANCELLED
September 9 -- Winnipeg Arena, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
September 11 -- Sudbury Arena, Sudbury, ON, Canada
September 13 -- Molson Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
September 14 -- Corel Center, Ottawa, ON, Canada
September 15 -- Colisée Arena, Quebec, QC, Canada
September 17 -- Harbor Station, St. John, NL, Canada
September 19 -- Halifax Metro Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
September 20 -- Coliseum Arena, Moncton, NB, Canada
October 5 -- Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway
October 7 -- Cirkus, Stockholm, Sweden
October 8 -- KB Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark
October 10 -- Grosse Freiheit, Hamburg, Germany
October 11 -- Tempodrom, Berlin, Germany
October 12 -- Music Hall, Hannover, Germany
October 14 -- Sports Hall, Budapest, Hungary
October 15 -- Sports Hall, Zilina, Slovakia
October 16 -- Sports Hall, Prague, Czech Republic
October 19 -- E-Werk, Koln, Germany
October 20 -- Le Zenith, Paris, France
October 22 -- Hugenottenhalle, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
October 23 -- Messe Congresscentrum, Stuttgart, Germany
October 24 -- Arena, Geneva, Switzerland
\*\*Oops, Geneva is listed as being in Austria in the "Slang" tour book...
October 26 -- Polideportivo, San Sebastian, Spain
October 27 -- Zeleste, Barcelona, Spain
October 28 -- Riviera, Madrid, Spain
October 30 -- Pavilion, Cascais, Portugal
November 3 -- Olympiahalle, Innsbruck, Austria
November 4 -- Kurhalle, Vienna, Austria
\*\*Oops, Vienna is listed as being in Switzerland in the "Slang" tour book...
November 5 -- Circus Krone, Munich, Germany
November 7 -- Palalido, Milan, Italy
November 8 -- Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
November 10 -- Centre Sportif de Pétange, Pétange, Luxembourg
November 11 -- Brabatnhall, Leuven, Belgium
November 14 -- Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
November 15 -- NEC, Birmingham, England
November 16 -- NEC, Birmingham, England
November 19 -- King's Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
November 20 -- The Point, Dublin, Eire
November 22 -- Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
November 23 -- Newcastle Arena, Newcastle, England
November 24 -- SE&CC, Glasgow, Scotland
November 26 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
November 27 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
\*\*UK dates with Terrorvision in support.
November 29 -- Cardiff Arena, Cardiff, Wales
November 30 -- BIC, Bournemouth, England
December 1 -- The Centre, Brighton, England
December 5 -- Johannesburg Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
December 7 -- Kings Park Stadium, Durban, South Africa
December 10 -- Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
"Slang" Central/S. American Tour Notes:
April 1, 1997 -- Auditorio Coca Cola, Monterrey, Mexico
\*\*Full rehearsals were held at the facility. The band flew in to Monterrey via Dallas from Los Angeles on March 31 arriving late in the evening.
April 2 -- Auditorio Coca Cola, Monterrey, Mexico
\*\*The day following this show the band were scheduled to take part in a football match against Mexican tournament winners...
April 4 -- Palacio de Deportes, Mexico City, Mexico
April 5 -- Palacio de Deportes, Mexico City, Mexico \*\*HOLD
\*\*This date was a hold date and was not used.
April 6 -- Plaza de Toros, Guatemala City, Guatemala
April 8 -- Gimnascio Nacional, San Salvador, El Salvador
April 10 -- Parqueadero, Panama City, Panama
April 12 -- Paeque Simon Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia
April 15 -- Coliseo Rumihaui, Quito, Ecuador
April 17 -- Teatro Monumental, Santiago, Chile \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*Had the show gone ahead it would have been in the smallest venue on this leg of the tour, with a capacity of only 3,000.
April 19 -- Grand Rex Theatre, Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 20 -- Grand Rex Theatre, Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 22 -- Brazil Metropolitan, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
April 23 -- Olympia, Sao Paulo, Brazil
April 24 -- Olympia, Sao Paulo, Brazil \*\*CANCELLED
April 27 -- Anfiteatro Luis Muñoz Marín, San Juan, Puerto Rico
\*\*Ampage, including Mark Mason, opened this gig and used Def Leppard's equipment for their show.
"KSHE 95" FM Broadcast Notes:
St. Louis, MO
Track(s):
01. Where Does Love Go When It Dies
Broadcast on July 30, 1996.
"KRXQ 93.7" FM Broadcast Notes:
Sacramento, CA
Track(s):
01. Where Does Love Go When It Dies
02. Pour Some Sugar On Me
03. Miss You In A Heartbeat
04. Two Steps Behind
05. Tesla Blues (Acapella)
Originally broadcast on August 29, 1996, this show featured Joe, Phil, and Vivian performing acoustically. The songs were interspaced with interview segments with the band.
XI
Satellite
"Rock Vault" Promo Album Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury MECD-1008-2 (USA, 1999)
Tracks: Disc 1 --
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [3:57]
02. Let It Go [4:43]
03. Too Late For Love [4:28]
04. Women [5:44]
05. Tear It Down [3:39]
06. Another Hit And Run [5:01]
07. High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) [3:28]
08. Run Riot [4:42]
09. Wasted [3:46]
10. Comin' Under Fire [4:16]
11. Stagefright [3:48]
12. Rock Brigade [3:10]
13. Ring Of Fire [4:43]
14. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) [4:11]
15. Switch 625 [3:05]
16. Action [3:40]
Disc 2 --
Vault: 1980 - 1995 (US Version)
Special promotional set issued in advance of the "Euphoria" release including the harder-edged tracks ignored on "Vault." The copy of "Vault" included in the set, complete with booklet, is identical to the one issued in 1995. Harking back to the "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" 12" single from 1981, the simple booklet has radio station programming directors singing Leppard's praise.
"Definitive Leppard" Sampler Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury DEF-1 (UK, 1999)
Tracks:
01. When Love & Hate Collide
02. Rock Of Ages
03. Animal
04. Love Bites
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me
06. Photograph
07. Let's Get Rocked
08. Hysteria
UK promotional compilation. See original albums for track details...
Pyrosteria
"Euphoria" Album Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 546 244-2 (USA, 6/8/1999)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 546 244-2 (Europe, 6/15/99)
Mercury/PolyGram (Australia, 8/18/99)
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury PHCW-1030 (Japan, 1999)
Universal Music Group UICY-2432 (Japan, 11/21/03)
Track(s):
01. Demolition Man
[3:24] Phil Collen Vivian Campbell Joe Elliott
The end guitar solo was performed by Damon "Demon" Hill, the former Formula-One auto-racing champion. Damon was also living in Dublin at the time Rick Allen suggested that he kept bumping into producer Pete Woodroffe at social events so Pete half-jokingly (Edmonton Journal) invited him down to the studio. Damon indeed did show up at the studio with his guitar. Vivian wrote the chorus.
02. Promises
[3:59] Phil Collen / "Mutt" Lange
This track was the first single from the album (May 24) and was supported with a video directed by Wayne Isham. The performance video was filmed at the Observatory in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. Mutt Lange provided additional vocals on this track and helped the band with the lyrics and melodies when they asked for his assistance. In the UK the single was released on June 7, but just failed to reach the Top-40. Even with all of the exposure that the band was receiving in the US at the time it only managed to reach #102 there. However, the single did hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks #1, though it only managed two weeks at #38 in the Mainstream Top-40.
03. Back In Your Face
[3:20] Joe Elliott / Phil Collen
With additional background sounds and effects by Ciaran McGoldrick, Gary Sullivan, and Ricky Warwick, the band paid tribute to their 1970s glam influences on this track. According to Phil, "We always wanted to inject a bit more venom into it. Some of the glam stuff is more poppy. We wanted to be a hard-rock version of that, with a little more oomph" (Def Leppard: Round 2 - Dave Richards).
04. Goodbye
[3:36] Rick Savage
This single bombed in the UK only reaching #54. According to Joe, this song is not about saying "goodbye," but about not having to say "goodbye."
05. All Night
[3:38] Phil Collen / "Mutt" Lange
"Mutt" provided additional vocals and guitars on this track.
06. Paper Sun
[5:27] Phil Collen / Vivian Campbell Joe Elliott Rick Savage / Pete Woodroffe
This song was inspired by the Omagh car bombing of August 15, 1998. During the troubles, this heinous atrocity by a splinter sectarian group claimed the lives of 29 victims injuring over 220 others, both Catholic and Protestant. The tone of the song reflects the band's emotions after the event. The music was supposed to be epic, with the lyrical direction coming later.
According to Vivian, "There had been a successful ceasefire in Northern Ireland for some time, when all of a sudden this fraction group called the Real IRA decided to go and kill a whole bunch of innocent people. There was just so much shock and disbelief all around that this had happened when Ireland was just getting used to the idea of peace that we were moved to write about it. Obviously we didn't intend to write a three minute pop song: It's a dark, dark track and it's meant to be" (Rock Of Ages Liners). The song charted on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks reaching #11 in 1999.
07. It's Only Love
[4:06] Joe Elliott / "Mutt" Lange Rick Savage Vivian Campbell
08. 21st Century Sha La La La Girl
[4:06] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage
Released to radio in the US as a promotional single (Island ISLR15086-2) including a "Call Out Research Hook." This was one of the first songs the band had written for the album and one they played down the phone in enticing Pete Woodroffe into the project.
09. To Be Alive
[3:53] Vivian Campbell / PJ Smith
Originally recorded by Vivian's Clock project this song was Leppardized for use on the album.
10. Disintegrate
[2:51] Phil Collen
The first instrumental to being included on a Def Leppard album since "Switch 625" in 1981.
11. Guilty
[3:47] Phil Collen / Rick Savage Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell / Pete Woodroffe
12. Day After Day
[4:36] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell
Charted on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks in 2000 reaching #22.
13. Kings Of Oblivion
[4:18] Joe Elliott Phil Collen Rick Savage
The title of this song is borrowed from a line in David Bowie's "The Bewlay Brothers" song, which was also the name of his publishing company in the late 1970s and an alias he sometimes used on tour.
14. I Am Your Child
[3:34] Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
Included as a bonus track on the Japanese version of the album.
15. Under My Wheels
[3:21] Michael Bruce Denis Dunaway Bob Ezrin
This version of the recording is remixed from that originally included on the "Humanary Stew" Alice Cooper tribute album. It was the second Alice Cooper song to be covered by Def Leppard, though "Elected" was recorded live in 1987 and included the whole band.
16. Worlds Collide
[3:42] Joe Elliott / Rick Savage
Tracks 15 & 16 bonus tracks for Australian edition of album.
Produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Engineered by Pete Woodroffe, Ronan McHugh, and Ger McDonnell. Mixed by Pete Woodroffe at The Townhouse, London. Recorded at Joe's Garage Studios 1 & 2, Dublin, Eire. Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. The album recording was completed in early March 1999, ending a process that, in terms of Def Leppard, had run quickly from early 1998.
Released June 8, 1999 the album debuted at #11 on both the UK and US Billboard album charts. The album sold a respectable 98,000 copies in the US during its first week. In the UK the album only managed five weeks on the charts, though it lasted 15 weeks in the US. There had been plans for this album to be self-titled.
Bob Rock was initially considered for the producer role for this album, but the band decided on a different path as they moved quickly (by Leppard standards) to follow-up the commercially disappointing "Slang" album. After the response the previous album had received, Joe and Phil had to lobby the other band members and label to use Pete Woodroffe again. It was perhaps a result of that album that the band returned to a more formulaic sound akin to "Hysteria." While there was little experimentation, there were still signs of the growth the band had experienced. As the band started work on the album they planned to make a contemporary album, but friends and the label dissuaded them from that. Early on, the sonic direction the band was taking was being described as "Pyromania" meets "Hysteria."
However, the album later tended closer to the latter than former as the band deliberately tried to record an album that sounded like a classic Def Leppard album. There is little doubt that anything except a return to the band's classic sound would be commercial suicide for the band. The response to "Slang" had proven that it while it had been an artistic success it was a commercial failure, something the band were not used to. "Mutt" Lange was brought back into the fold to work with the band and his contributions on three tracks reminded them about the process they had followed with material in the past: That the material is King and refining it is the key.
The album was certified Gold by the RIAA on July 12, 1999 for shipments of 500,000 copies and had exceeded that figure through SoundScan in early 2006 (meaning that from those stores that report sales of albums "Euphoria" is legitimately Gold). As it stands in mid-2008, this is the most recent Def Leppard studio album to have earned any certification. The "Euphoria" Tour began in Cadott, Wisconsin on July 16.
"Joe's Garage" is a Frank Zappa euphemism for Joe's home studio. The band all lived there during the recording of the album and turned a spare bedroom into "Studio 2." Joe's office became the vocal and guitar solo "booth." Studio 1, which had been used by the band for years comprised the downstairs area.
Japanese "Goodbye" EP Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury PHCR-4086 (Japan, 9/15/1999)
Track(s):
01. Goodbye [3:36]
02. Under Your Wheels
[3:21] Michael Bruce Dennis Dunaway Bob Ezrin
03. Worlds Collide
[3:42] Joe Elliott / Rick Savage
04. Burnout
[4:08] Rick Allen Vivian Campbell Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage
05. Immortal
[3:49] Joe Elliott
These tracks were also released as B-sides in other markets; Tracks 2 & 3 were bonuses on the Australian version of the album.
"Euphoria" B-Sides Notes:
15. Who Do You Love
[3:52] Ian Hunter
The recording of this song as a B-side was widely revealed during an online chat on America Online on 8 June 1999. Def Leppard's version of this song. This song was originally released on Ian's 1975 self-titled album.
16. Joe's Radio Intro for "Promises"
[0:08]
Brief radio spot released on the UK "Goodbye" CD-Single Part 2 (562-288). The CD-Single also includes "Promises" (Video Edit). This does not really count as a B-side, but since it's chucked on a CD we'll mention it.
Additional Songs and Demos:
Euphoria Era 1997-9
Track(s):
According Joe, this song, "Came from the same place as 'Lifeless...' It's a song we may possibly do at some other time' (AOL Chat). It's been described as being a mid-tempo rocker.
02. Space
This song never reached a stage of completion that the band felt comfortable with, so it remained a work in progress at the time.
03. Child
It would be a logical, but probably dangerous, suggestion that this song became "I Am Your Child."
This song developed and became "All Night" on the album.
05. Spanish Sky
Tracks 1-5 were some of the first song titles mentioned in conjunction with the album around 1997.
06. Rebel, Rebel
07. Stay With Me
Both of these covers were recorded during the "Euphoria" era, but wouldn't be used until the following studio album "X" in 2002.
08. Gone
09. Lifeless
10. Candy In Your Hands
Additional songs recorded during the "Euphoria" sessions, the titles of which were revealed during an online chat on America Online with Joe on June 8, 1999 (along with tracks 6 & 7). Also mentioned were the B-sides that were released: "Immortal," "I Am Your Child," "Worlds Collide," and "Burnout."
A second song from Vivian's side project that was demoed by Leppard for possible inclusion on the album. Vivian sang the original version.
12. If The Love Is Real
13. Sweetest Soulful Love
14. I Get So Hot.
15. Crossbones
Assorted demos by Phil from 1997. It is not clear whether these are unique songs or were became other songs on the "Euphoria" album.
VH-1 "Behind The Music #36: Def Leppard" Broadcast Notes:
Produced for Viacom International Inc.
Directed by Michael McNamara. Narrated by Jim Forbes. First broadcast on June 21, 1998 during season one of the VH-1 series. This episode of the popular music documentary series took a bit of heat particularly for the treatment of Pete Willis. Some sources incorrectly list this as episode #34.
Westwood One "Off The Record Special" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Westwood One #99-27 (USA, 1999)
Track(s):
01. Hello America
02. Rock Of Ages
03. Photograph
04. Animal
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me
06. Women
07. Let's Get Rocked
08. Promises
Executive producer Norm Pattiz. Written and produced by Ben Harris. Radio broadcast of album tracks interspaced with interview segments. First broadcast on the weekend of July 3/4, 1999 hosted by Tawn Mastrey. Show opens with a song from Mötley Crüe and closes with one from Simon Says...
VH-1 "Storytellers" Broadcast Notes:
Broadcast on VH-1 (USA, 10/10/99)
Track(s):
01. Armageddon It
02. Pour Some Sugar On Me
Originally, this was the first song of the night performed, followed by "Two Steps Behind," and then "Armageddon It."
03. Two Steps Behind
04. Hysteria
The order of the electric performance also differed to that broadcast: "Hysteria," "Goodbye," "Demolition Man," "Promises," "Paper Sun," and "Rock Of Ages."
05. Promises
06. Demolition Man
07. Rock Of Ages
Joe messed up the lyrics to this song forcing them to have to do a second tape after rewinding the intro tape. While obviously a bit embarrassed, probably more bemused, the error was left in for the broadcast, as it was simply amusing and demonstrated the humor with which the band approached things.
08. Goodbye
09. Paper Sun
Executive producer: Robert Katz. Produced by Sean Murphy. Directed by Michael Chloe. Music recorded by Adam Blackburn and Randy Ezratty. Remixed by Pete Woodroffe. Filmed at The Roxy, New York the week of July 26, 1999 and first broadcast on October 10. Def Leppard brought a new approach to the "Storytellers" franchise by making it more spontaneous and improvised rather than being as serious as the format had been. They also involved the audience and didn't take themselves too seriously happily bantering away on stage. They even kept their errors in the broadcast. The band was not included on the "Storytellers" compilation that was released via Interscope Records in April 2000.
"Def Leppard: Up Close 99-31/32" Radio Broadcast Notes:
Media America/Jones Radio Network 9931/2 (1999)
Track(s): Disc 1 --
01. Promises
02. Kings Of Oblivion
03. It's Only Love
04. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
05. Photograph
06. Rock Of Ages
07. Foolin'
08. Hysteria
09. Love Bites
Disc 02-
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me
02. Armageddon It
03. Animal
04. Let's Get Rocked
05. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
06. Two Steps Behind
07. Miss You In A Heartbeat
08. Goodbye
09. Guilty
Executive producers Ron Hartenbaum and Gary Schonfeld. Produced by David Bales and Dan Neer. Presented by Dan Neer. The story vignettes range from then current to historic, with Steve Clark featuring in some. Two-part radio show first broadcast 7/26 and 8/2/99 featuring album songs and story vignettes from the band members.
"Euphoria" Festival/Promo Event Notes:
May 30, 1999 -- Float-Rite Amphitheatre, Somerset, WI
\*\*The sixth annual "EdgeFest" that also featured Hole and The Offspring. The first live performances of "Promises" and "Demolition Man."
June 8 -- Wal-Mart, San Antonio, TX
\*\*A promotional performance in the parking lot of one of America's largest retailers. This show was attended by around 8,000, and caused major traffic problems in the area around the store. For anyone who cares, it was Wal-Mart store 1198 located at 1515 North from 1604 East.
June 9 -- Wal-Mart, Kansas City, MO \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*This second planned parking lot show was cancelled. It would have been held at what was then the world's largest Wal-Mart and would have included a press conference. It was jokingly referred to as being the "biggest in-store appearance" ever.
July 3 -- F.L. Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
\*\*Zeta Fest '99 festival appearance. Of the other bands playing the festival Everclear were probably one of the better internationally known. The band played a 60-minute set.
July 9 -- Key Club, Hollywood, CA
\*\*The band were guests on KLOS-FM's "Mark & Brian" show. While the band was interviewed they also played several songs: Animal Demolition Man Promises Pour Some Sugar On Me Rock Of Ages.
"Euphoria" Tour Notes:
July 16, 1999 -- County Road "S" Campgrounds, Cadott, WI
\*\*Chippewa Valley Rock Fest.
July 17 -- Outagamie County Fair, Seymour, WI
July 18 -- Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI
July 20 -- Midwest Civic Center, Mankato, MN
July 22 -- Montgomery County Fair, Montgomery City, MS
July 23 -- Rivercade, Sioux City, IA
\*\*The first annual festival event.
July 24 -- Landon Arena, Topeka, KS w/ Moon Dog Mane
July 28 -- Memorial Auditorium, Fargo, ND
July 29 -- All Seasons Arena, Minot, ND
\*\*North Dakota State Fair.
July 31 -- Labatt Raceway, Nisku, AB, Canada
\*\*High River Festival.
August 1 -- Lake Amphitheatre, Minnedosa, MB, Canada
August 3 -- California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles, CA
August 5 -- Mississippi Valley Fair, Davenport, IA
August 6 -- Montana State Fair, Great Falls, MT
August 7 -- DECC Arena, Duluth, MN
August 9 -- West Plains Civic Center, West Plains, MO
August 10 -- Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa, OK
August 12 -- Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
August 13 -- Sturgis Rally, Sturgis, SD
August 14 -- MetraPark, Billings, MT
August 17 -- State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
August 18 -- Celeste Center, Columbus, OH
August 20 -- Fairgrounds, Escanaba, MI
\*\*Upper Peninsula State Fair.
August 21 -- Allen County Fair, Lima, OH
August 22 -- Mesker Music Center, Evansville, IN
August 24 -- Wendler Arena, Saginaw, MI
August 25 -- Michigan State Fair, Detroit, MI
August 27 -- Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre, Boalsburg, PA
August 28 -- New York State Fair, Syracuse, NY
August 29 -- Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, VT
August 31 -- Allentown Fair, Allentown, PA
September 2 -- Du Quoin State Fair, Du Quoin, IL
September 4 -- South Dakota State Fair, Huron, SD
September 5 -- Nebraska State Fair, Lincoln, NE
September 6 -- Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, CO
September 9 -- Erie Civic Center, Erie, PA
September 10 -- York Interstate Fair, York, PA
September 11 -- Allegan County Fair, Allegan, MI
September 12 -- Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN
\*\*Part of 101.3 FM KDWB's Last Chance Summer Dance. Other acts included Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, K-Ci & JoJo and Fastball, and Mariah Carey, who was filming a video in front of the 27,000 strong audiences.
September 15 -- Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi, TX
\*\*"Back In Your Face" was performed at this show.
September 16 -- Civic Center, Beaumont, TX
\*\*This show marked the end of the summer festival, and mainly outdoors, touring.
"Euphoria" World Tour Notes:
September 24, 1999 -- Shimin Kaikan, Nagoya, Japan
September 26 -- Festival Hall, Osaka, Japan
September 27 -- Koseinenkin Kaikan, Osaka, Japan
September 28 -- ZEPP Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
September 30 -- Kokusai International Forum Hall, Tokyo, Japan
October 1 -- Kokusai International Forum Hall, Tokyo, Japan
October 2 -- Kokusai International Forum Hall, Tokyo, Japan
\*\*This date was broadcast on Japanese television and is thus available as a pro-shot "unofficial" video. The set featured: Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) / Action Demolition Man Women Make Love Like A Man When Love & Hate Collide Animal Foolin / Hysteria Paper Sun Slang Promises Goodbye Love Bites Armageddon It Photograph Rocket / Pour Some Sugar On Me Rock Of Ages Let's Get Rocked Wasted Let It Go. Stunning!
October 4 -- Pacifico, Yokohama, Japan
October 12 -- Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, Wales
October 14 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
October 15 -- NEC Arena, Birmingham, England
October 17 -- Brighton Centre, Brighton, England
October 18 -- BIC, Bournemouth, England
October 20 -- SE&CC, Glasgow, England
October 23 -- Arena, Sheffield, England
October 26 -- Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
October 27 -- Olympia Hall, Dublin, Eire
\*\*Following the British Isles leg of the tour the band took a break during November before returning to America in December.
"Euphoria" Third Leg Tour Notes:
December 2, 1999 -- Cincinnati, OH
December 4 -- Celebrity Theater, Phoenix, AZ
December 5 -- Sunset Pavilion, Tucson, AZ
December 7 -- Coliseum, Omaha, NE
December 9 -- Magness Arena, Denver, CO
December 11 -- Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
December 28 -- Five Seasons Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
December 29 -- Civic Center Arena, Peoria, IL
December 31 -- All State Arena, Chicago, IL
\*\*To welcome in the new century the band performed "21st Century Sha La La La Girl."
January 2, 2000 -- Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
January 4 -- Civic Center, Bismarck, ND
January 6 -- Max Bell Arena, Calgary, AB, Canada
January 7 -- Shaw Conference Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
January 8 -- Playhouse, Prince George, BC, Canada
January 10 -- Sky Reach Place Arena, Kelowna, BC, Canada
January 11 -- GM Palace, Vancouver, BC, Canada
January 14 -- Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman, MT
January 15 -- Events Center, Casper, Wyoming
January 16 -- World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
January 18 -- Don Haskins Center, El Paso, TX
January 19 -- Fair Park Coliseum, Lubbock, TX
January 21 -- Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, MO
January 22 -- Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN
January 23 -- Civic Coliseum, Knoxville, TN
January 25 -- Civic Center, Salem, VA
January 26 -- Viking Hall, Bristol, TN
January 28 -- Elliott Hall of Music, West Lafayette, IN
January 29 -- Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
February 1 -- Lakeview Arena, Marquette, MI
February 2 -- La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
February 4 -- Civic Center, Salisbury, MD
February 5 -- Civic Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA
February 7 -- Molson Center Theater, Montreal, QC, Canada
February 8 -- Colisée du Quebec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
February 10 -- Altkin Center, Fredericton, NB, Canada
\*\*With Joan Jett...
February 11 -- Coliseum, Moncton, NB, Canada
February 12 -- Metro Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
\*\*"Day After Day" was performed at this show.
February 14 -- Civic Center, Ottawa, ON, Canada
February 15 -- Civic Center, Portland, ME
"Euphoria" Fourth Leg Tour Notes:
July 20, 2000 -- Tweeter Center, Mansfield, MA
July 22 -- Performing Arts Center, Darien Lake, NY
July 24 -- Jones Beach Amphitheatre, Wantagh, NY
July 25 -- PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
July 26 -- Delaware State Fair, Harrington, DE
July 28 -- Ionia Free Fair, Ionia, MI
July 29 -- Pine Knob Music Theater, Clarkston, MI
July 30 -- Polaris Amphitheatre, Columbus, OH
August 1 -- Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
August 2 -- Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
August 4 -- Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, WI
August 5 -- Kewaunee County Fair, Luxemburg, WI
August 6 -- Riverport Amphitheatre, Maryland Heights, MO
August 8 -- Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
August 9 -- Starplex Amphitheatre, Dallas, TX
August 10 -- Riverfest Amphitheatre, Little Rock, AR
August 12 -- Star Lake Amphitheatre, Burgettstown, PA
August 14 -- West Virginia State Fair, Lewisburg, WV
August 15 -- Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, IN
August 16 -- Lenawee County Fair, Adrian, MI
August 18 -- Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO
August 19 -- Illinois State Fair Grandstand, Springfield, IL
August 20 -- Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA
August 23 -- Constitution Park, Ft. McCoy, WI
August 24 -- Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, MN
August 26 -- Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, KY
August 28 -- NY State Fair Grandstand, Syracuse, NY
August 29 -- Great Allentown Fair, Allentown, PA
September 1 -- Evergreen State Fair, Monroe, WA
September 2 -- Oregon State Fair LB Day, Salem, OR
September 4 -- CAL Expo & State Fair, Sacramento, CA
September 6 -- Riverfront Park Amphitheatre, Spokane, WA
September 7 -- Idaho Center, Nampa, ID
September 8 -- Eastern Idaho State Fair, Blackfoot, ID
September 9 -- Utah State Fairgrounds, Salt Lake City, UT
September 11 -- NM State Fair/Tingley, Albuquerque, NM
September 14 -- Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
September 15 -- Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson, KS
September 16 -- Clay County Fair, Spencer, IA
September 19 -- AmSouth Amphitheatre, Antioch, TN
September 20 -- Blockbuster Pavilion, Charlotte, NC
September 22 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
September 23 -- Virginia Beach Amphitheatre, Virginia Beach, VA
September 24 -- Virginia State Fair, Richmond, VA
September 26 -- Bloomsburg Fair, Bloomsburg, PA
September 27 -- Huntington Civic Arena, Huntington, WV
September 29 -- Cambria County War Memorial, Johnstown, PA
September 30 -- The Big E, W. Springfield, MA
"In The Round... Again!" Notes:
One-off show in Houston, TX on March 1, 2001. The show had been announced in January as the only show the band would play in 2001. Held at the Rodeo Houston Livestock Show at the Reliant Astrodome there were plans to film the show for a possible TV broadcast later in the year. Considering the set list performed and the plans for the "Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story" biopic on VH-1, also scheduled for late 2001, it is seems plausible that a promotional tie-in was being considered. The set: "Let's Get Rocked," "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)," "Make Love Like A Man," "Foolin'," "Animal," "Promises," "Love Bites," "Photograph," "Rocket," "Armageddon It," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," and "Rock Of Ages."
"Promises: Euphoria CD Sampler" Notes:
Universal Music Group/Mercury DEFLEPPARD2 (Spain, 1999)
Tracks:
01. Promises
02. Demolition Man
03. Back In Your Face
04. Photograph [1:00 Clip]
05. Animal [1:00 Clip]
06. Let's Get Rocked [1:00 Clip]
07. Joe Elliott song introduction for radio
Spanish promotional CD. See original albums for track details...
XII
Ground control to...
Everyday Unbelievable Now!
"X" Album Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury UICR-1025 (Japan, 7/24/02)
Island/Bludgeon-Riffola 440 063121-2 (USA, 7/30/02)
Island/Bludgeon-Riffola 440 063121-2 (Europe, 8/12/02)
Track(s):
01. Now
[3:58] Marti Frederiksen / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
The first single issued in support of the album. Even though it may not have been the most obvious choice, it was felt that the song was most representative of the band in 2002. The single was released to radio in the US on July 16, 2002 supported by a video filmed in Los Angeles on June 26-7 (ending in the very early morning). The video was directed by The Malloys, Emmet and Brandon. Since it wasn't released as a proper single in the US it charted on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks reaching #26 (and #40 on the Adult Top-40). The single reached #23 in the UK and #29 in Canada.
This was the first song performed live from the "X" album, debuting at the band's headlining performance at the Red, White & Boom festival in Kansas on June 29, 2002. The single also allowed the band their most recent appearance on the BBC's "Top Of The Pops." The band filmed their "performance" on August 15, 2002, directed by Phil Chilvers and produced by Michael Kelpie. It was broadcast the following day.
Working with Frederiksen brought a new perspective to the writing process, though nothing in that changed with the introduction of a new character. Marty had worked with the likes of Aerosmith and Ozzy, and had a strong record in radio-friendly pop/rock material. It was Aerosmith's "Jaded" that prompted the band to get in touch with Marty. The band spent two weeks in Los Angeles working with Marty on the three songs they did with him. Frederiksen's enthusiasm and musicality helped inspire the song and take it to a new level. According to Joe, the song is a good example of merging traditional Def Leppard with a contemporary sound that the band hoped to introduce with the album. This new sound allowed him to really sing in a new way.
02. Unbelievable
[3:58] Per Aldeheim Andreas Carlsson Martin Sandberg
Unfortunately, the writers of this song, often somewhat unkindly referred to as "The Swedes," were better known for the material they had previously written for the likes of Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and N'Sync. Those connections immediately turned many listeners off to even giving the material a chance, without considering "Mutt" Lange's non-rock work. Joe was keen, at one point, to stress, "But they're rockers really. It was really funny seeing them trying to encourage Vivian to play 'The Last In Line' so that they could sing it" ("Q&A" PR). The song was recorded in early August 2001 at ABBA's Polar Studios in Stockholm. While this is a softer and definitely romantic song the band tried to make "less syrupy" than would normally be expected.
The band's connection with "The Swedes" had come about due to Phil hanging out with Andreas in Los Angeles and Phil's wife suggesting that Andreas write a song for the band (Ace Weekly), somewhat half-seriously. Andreas duly obliged and later sent the band this song due to him thinking that it was a good fit for them. They liked it, but insisted that Andreas produce the recording. It should be noted that "The Swedes" had assisted Lep's label-mates Bon Jovi with their 2000 hit "It's My Life." One would have to have been deaf and locked in a closet to have not heard that song, and been aware of the resurgence in that band's popularity the song certainly assisted.
03. You're So Beautiful
[3:31] Marti Frederiksen / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
Joe felt that the song was a cross between Billy Idol and Eddie and the Hot Rods due to musical style while Phil saw deliberate Beatles styled elements. Def Leppard had written most of the song, but Marti's input brought the song to a completely new level.
04. Everyday
[3:08] Marti Frederiksen / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
One of Joe's favorite songs on the album because it reminded him of "All the great pop-rock records I listened to as a kid" (PR). Phil played a sitar on the recording. The song has no "message" and is simply about having a good time without being over-the-top or over produced.
05. Long Long Way To Go
[4:38] Wayne Hector / Steve Robson
A song by British songwriters, who had previously written for the UK boy-band Westlife (which for many put them in the same sort of class as "The Swedes"), this song was the second single issued off the album though it only managed to reach #40 in the UK. Two versions of the single were commercially released on April 14, 2003. The song, original titled "Before I Say Goodbye," had come to the band via the record label where it was seen as a prospective single. As a result, the band liked the song enough to record it, though Sav has indicated that it was really just playing the game with the label. Unfortunately, after the album was released the US label dropped support for the album and single, and didn't even release the song as a single to radio essentially torpedoing the band and album. Lionel Richie also liked the song and recorded it as the title track of his 2004 album.
A video, directed by Clive Arrowsmith with a storyline by Phil, was scheduled to be filmed in Spain and London the week of February 3, but the band ran into issues resulting in a delay to the release of the single. Regardless, the video was completed on February 18. Clive was the photographer who had shot the pictures for the "X" album packaging. Joe knew that this song was going to be a single and the band went to town with the orchestration (arranged by David Campbell), drum loops, and Spanish guitar, but everything that was done to the song it had been "crying out for." For Joe this song provided one of the most challenging vocals since "Love Bites." He had to keep trying at the vocal until he felt the emotional delivery was perfect.
06. Four Letter Word
[3:07] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
Joe was going for John Lennon's "Twist And Shout" singing with "veins on his temples throbbing because he's really going for it so much that his voice is on the verge of cracking. That's the excitement of it. It's like, 'Is he going to get through it before he falls over?' And that's the exactly the kind of danger we were trying to get across" (PR). According to Phil the song started off with a more country-Elvis style, but it soon evolved into something that could have come off "High 'N' Dry." This song eventually made it into rotation on radio in December 2002 and reached #30 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, charting for 11 weeks. It was also performed live.
07. Torn To Shreds
[2:56] Phil Collen / Rick Savage Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell / Rick Allen
The band took a more minimalist approach to this song, notably the chorus. The drums are laid back in the mix to not only provide the atmosphere on the piece, but also keep Joe from having to compete with them. The backing-vocals were also toned down from their usual Def Leppard levels. This song is a strong indicator for how the vocals and mixing were approached on the album.
08. Love Don't Lie
[4:46] Joe Elliott Phil Collen Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
09. Gravity
[2:33] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Pete Woodroffe / Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
One of the shortest songs the band has ever recorded this song started out as "Perfect Girl," but had its lyric rewritten and recorded late in the album sessions. It should be noted that this song may have originally developed out of song, "You're The Perfect Girl," written solely by Phil in 1999/2000.
10. Cry
[3:17] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
Originally demoed at Phil's house in California, this song was nearly left off the album until late in the sessions because through all of its variants it never grabbed the band lyrically or felt complete. According to Joe the lyrics never really worked. When the band returned to Dublin Ronan programmed a new drum track that gave the song a new feel and provided the excitement that had been lacking. That allowed the band to make the song darker and it resulted in an ironic third-person story about addiction.
According to Joe, "We've often ventured into the land of addiction (lyrically) - not our own, I hasten to add, but being in the industry that we're in, you see enough of it. At the Freddie Mercury (tribute) we did in '92, the state of some of the artists backstage before they went on was just unbelievable. You were surprised they even made it on stage before they died" (Montreal Gazette).
11. Girl Like You
[2:48] Vivian Campbell / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Rick Savage / Rick Allen
Vivian's "up-tempo pop-rock" song that was Leppardized, much as "Work It Out" had been on "Slang."
12. Let Me Be The One
[3:29] Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Phil Collen Rick Savage Rick Allen
Nearly abandoned, though once the orchestration was added the song finally felt complete. The band struggled through the creation process of refining the arrangement and musical structure of the piece. Once everything was done, according to Phil, "It just went 'Bang!' It was like, 'Whoa!' It was a song we always wanted to hear" (PR).
13. Scar
[5:00] Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Pete Woodroffe / Rick Allen
Joe felt that this song was the most obvious traditional "Def Leppard" song on the album with the guitars and vocal styles, but it did break new ground with the backwards introduction. This was the last song completed for the album.
14. Kiss The Day
[4:26] Rick Savage / Phil Collen Joe Elliott Vivian Campbell / Rick Allen
Produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Recorded and mixed at Joe's Garage, Dublin, by Ronan McHugh. Initially released as a bonus track on the Japanese and UK editions of the album.
15. Long Long Way To Go (Acoustic)
[4:42] Wayne Hector / Steve Robson
Released as a bonus track on the Japanese and UK editions of the album.
Tracks 01, 03 & 04 produced by Marti Frederiksen. Recorded at Rumbo Studios, Los Angeles, CA by Richard Chycki. Mixed by Marti Frederiksen and Pete Woodroffe. Additional editing by Brian Paturalski. Keyboards and drum loops by Eric Carter. Track 2 produced by Per Aldeheim and Andreas Carlsson. Recorded at Polar Studios, Stockholm, Sweden. Engineered by Stefan Boman. Editing and programming at The Location, Stockholm. Mixed by Stefan Gaulmann at Toytown Studios, Stockholm. Additional mixing my Pete Woodroffe and Ronan McHugh. Tracks 05-13 produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard. Additional vocal production by Ronan McHugh.
Recorded at Joe's Garage Studios 1 & 2, Dublin, Eire. Engineered and programmed by Pete Woodroffe and Ronan McHugh. Mixed by Pete Woodroffe and Ronan McHugh at Olympic Studios, London assisted by Keith "The Fade" Uddin. Mixing completed on May 7, 2002. Additional engineering by Liz Sroka. All vocals recorded at Joe's Garage, Dublin by Ronan McHugh.
Just as 'Slang' had been in 1996, "X" marked a concerted effort to redefine Def Leppard's sound, though this time through the introduction of a whole new cast of collaborators/songwriters. The band defined the album as an "infusion of metal, rock, pop and everything in between" (PR), which was accurate. However, the creation of the album was a more natural process where the band weren't trying to deliberately sound like Def Leppard ("Euphoria") or not like Def Leppard ("Slang").
Approaching the album and material with an open mind, rather than being pigeonholed into one format allowed them to expand their music into different styles that had only previously been touched on. What makes it radical was that they were willing to try anything. Yet, perhaps the band was simply being Def Leppard. According to Joe, "I'm not saying that this album is better than 'Hysteria' or 'Pyromania' or even 'On Through The Night.' But I think it is the best record that we can make now and it's very representative of what Def Leppard is doing in 2002" (Mercury PR).
Released July 30, 2002 in the US (July 24 in Japan and July 29, later August 12, for other international markets), nearly a year after the band had commenced work on the album on July 7, 2001. The album managed to debut at #11 in the US, shifting some 71,000 units (according to SoundScan), and #14 on the UK charts, but lacked the longevity of previous albums, despite the highly commercial material. By mid-2003, the album had only shifted 250,000 copies. This album marked the first time in Def Leppard's history that non-band written/co-written material was used on a full studio album and that several different producers were used. Those shocked by the external collaborations had forgotten the band using outside writers as far back as near the beginning, 1978/9. According to Joe, "We just wanted to freshen things up a little bit. We don't have to prove anything with our songwriting... We just believed in these songs, and to be honest, we'd lived with the songs for about four months before we recorded anything so they really felt like our songs" (Mercury PR).
Using multiple producers was something that Phil had wanted to do on the previous album to inject new blood into the recording process (Ace Weekly). He was somewhat concerned of creating a dull album following the same process as they had on "Euphoria." What "X" sought to be was an album with mass commercial appeal much in the same way as "Hysteria" had been crafted with a broad spectrum of highly crafted songs. "Euphoria" had been too contrived in its attempt to sample something similar to some many eras of the band's history, and while it was calculated to be that, the premise was certainly no longer valid when the band started work on the album that became "X." The band only went into the studio with six complete songs. As a result, they wrote during the recording process.
"X" B-sides Notes:
01. Now (Radio Edit) [3:47]
The only difference between this and the album version of the song is a sharper fade-out that shortens the song's duration by ten seconds.
02. Let Me Be The One (Acoustic) [3:31]
Acoustic version of the album track re
03. Stay With Me
[4:35] Ron Wood / Rod Stewart
Originally recorded by Faces in 1971 and released on their "A Nod Is As Good As A Wink... To A Blind Horse" album. The song was also released as a single, backed with "You're So Rude" (Warner Bros. WB-7545), and was the band's highest charting American success reaching #17 in January 1972. Phil handled the lead vocals. This track was later also included on "Yeah!"
04. Rebel Rebel
[4:18] David Bowie
Originally recorded by David Bowie and released on his "Diamond Dogs" album. This song was the first single David released in the United States following the success of the reissue of "Space Oddity." Backed with "Lady Grinning Soul" (RCA 0287) the single only managed to reach #64 in June 1974. The single was far more successful in the UK hitting #5.
05. Love Don't Lie (Demo) [5:38]
Demo version released on the German "Now" #2 CD-Single (Mercury 639 812-2)
06. Let Me Be The One (Demo) [4:01]
Demo version released on the German "Now" #1 CD-Single (Mercury 639 822-2)
07. Long Long Way To Go (Radio Edit) [3:39]
Released on promotional singles (LONG-CJ1), however the video used this minor edit as well (though with wind added to the beginning and the mouse at the end). The edit is accomplished by started the fade out far earlier in the third repetition of the chorus.
08. 10 X Bigger Than Love
[3:57] Phil Collen / Joe Elliot / Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
Produced by Pete Woodroffe. Released as a B-side on versions of the "Long Long Way To Go" CD-single (Mercury 980 002-4) released in some markets in March 2003.
09. Now (Acoustic Live) [3:46]
Recorded live on Bayern 3 Radio in Munich, Germany, at 9am on August 7, 2002 by Monica Geyer. Mixed by Ronan McHugh at Joe's Garage on September 27. Also recorded during this radio session were "Hysteria" and "Long Long Way To Go."
10. Gimme A Job
[3:15] Joe Elliott Phil Collen Vivian Campbell Rick Savage Rick Allen
"Disclaimer from Phil & Viv: Joe plays the solo, nothing to do with us!"
A medley containing clips from "Long Long Way To Go," "Everyday," and "Four Letter Word."
12. Now (Call Out Research Hook) [0:12]
A very brief clip of the song's riff and start of the chorus.
13. Long Long Way To Go (Live)
14. Now (Live)
Both of these songs were mentioned as prospective B-sides for the third single from the album, having been recorded live during the Japanese leg of the tour. However, they have yet to surface.
"X" Album Rough Mix Notes:
Track(s):
01. Now
02. Perfect Girl [2:43]
03. Long Long Way To Go
04. Four Letter Word
05. You're So Beautiful
06. Unbelievable
07. Love Don't Lie
08. Girl Like You
09. Let Me be The One
10. Torn To Shreds
11. Everyday
12. Kiss The Day [4:31]
First circulated towards the end of 2001, this material features non-final rough mixes of the material that would later appear as "X." In some cases, it's just a matter of overdubs and final touches being absent, or slightly different arrangements/vocals. However, in the case of "Kiss The Day," "Let Me Be The One," and "Perfect Girl" the differences are substantial.
June 29, 2002 -- Sandstone Amphitheatre, Bonner Springs, KS
\*\*"Red, White & Boom" is an annual outdoor festival...
July 11 -- Queen's Jubilee, Temple Newsam, Leeds, England
\*\*Celebrating the golden jubilee of H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II. 25,000 attended the event that also included Lesley Garrett and Charlotte Church. Def Leppard only performed three songs, but that's better than none!
July 13 -- Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, England
\*\*"Let's Get Rocked," "Animal," "Now," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," and were broadcast from this "Live In The City" performance.
July 13 -- Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
\*\*"Feel the Noise" festival.
July 18 -- Hard Rock Café, Toronto, ON, Canada
\*\*Joe and Phil performed acoustic versions of "Two Steps Behind," "Now," and "Pour Some Sugar On Me" for radio station Q107.
July 26 -- Quest Club, Minneapolis, MN
July 27 -- Mall of America, Minneapolis, MN
\*\*The band did an autograph signing session followed by a live performance in this shopping mall. Set: Let's Get Rocked Promises Foolin' Animal Now Armageddon It Pour Some Sugar On Me.
July 29 -- Irving Plaza, New York, NY
July 30 -- Saddlebrook, NJ
\*\*Wal-Mart in-store appearance for autograph signing.
July 31 -- Fayetteville, NC
\*\*Wal-Mart in-store appearance + Live
August 5 -- Saturn Store, Berlin, Germany
August 6 -- Saturn Store, Cologne, Germany
August 7 -- Saturn Store, Munich, Germany
\*\*The three Saturn Store in-store appearances featured short acoustic performances by Viv, Phil, and Joe.
August 14 -- Irving Plaza, New York, NY
September 17-19 -- Sovereign Center, Reading, PA
\*\*Rehearsals for the upcoming shows. The gig at this venue was sold out.
September 20 -- Sovereign Center, Reading, PA
September 21 -- Fleet Center, Boston, MA
\*\*The "MixFest" is exactly as the name suggests. Def Leppard headlined the event that also featured Avril Lavigne, Pink, David Gray, John Mayer, Guster, and Ruby Horse. As a result it's not surprising that the band presented a greatest hits set: Let's Get Rocked Promises Foolin' Animal Love Bites / Now Photograph Rocket Armageddon It Pour Some Sugar On Me / Rock of Ages.
September 23 -- China Club, New York, NY
\*\*"Four Letter Word" gets a rare live performance at this club gig.
November 10 -- International Raceway, Phoenix, AZ
\*\*Def Leppard becomes one of many rock bands/music artists with commercial promotional tie-ins with NASCAR.
November 17 -- Zepp Sendai, Sendai, Japan
November 18 -- Kankou Kaikan, Kanazawa, Japan
November 20 -- Koseinenkin Kaikan, Nagoya, Japan
November 21 -- Koseinenkin Kaikan, Osaka, Japan
November 22 -- Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, Yokohama, Japan
November 25 -- Shibuya Kokaido, Tokyo, Japan
November 26 -- Shibuya Kokaido, Tokyo, Japan
November 27 -- Shibuya Kokaido, Tokyo, Japan
\*\*The final night in Japan and a stunning set list to match: Disintegrate / Ring Of Fire Action Stagefright Too Late For Love Make Love Like A Man / You're So Beautiful Long, Long Way To Go Hysteria Four Letter Word Promises Two Steps Behind Now Women Rocket / Photograph Animal Pour Some Sugar On Me / Armageddon It Rock Of Ages When Love & Hate Collide Let's Get Rocked Wasted.
December 6 -- Cox Arena, San Diego, CA
\*\*Jingle Ball 2002. A 28-page tour book debuted at this show for use on the brief US and UK legs of the tour.
December 8 -- Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV
December 10 -- America West Arena, Phoenix, AZ
December 11 -- Universal Amphitheater, Universal City, CA
December 13 -- Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
December 14 -- Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
December 16 -- E Center, West Valley (Salt Lake City), UT
December 17 -- Magness Arena, Denver, CO
\*\*Parts of this concert were filmed for an episode of NBC sitcom "Hidden Hills." During the show, one of the characters, Janine, flashes the band while sitting on the shoulders of another character (Doug). This season one episode 12 first aired January 14, 2003.
December 19 -- Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
December 20 -- Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, IA
December 21 -- US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
2003 "X" Promos & Tour Notes:
February 10, 2003 -- Ambassador Theatre, Dublin, Eire
February 11 -- Ambassador Theatre, Dublin, Eire
February 13 -- Waterfront, Belfast, Northern Ireland
February 15 -- Newport Centre, Newport, Wales
February 17 -- Guildhall, Portsmouth, England
February 19 -- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, England
February 20 -- Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, England
\*\* This show is notable for the back stage reunion of Frank Noon, Joe Elliott, Pete Willis, and Rick Savage, in other words 80% of the line-up that recorded the Def Leppard EP in November 1978. This was also the largest venue the band played during the British tour with all of the other venues being sub-5,000 capacity.
February 22 -- Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, England
February 23 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
February 24 -- Barrowlands, Glasgow, Scotland
February 26 -- Regent Theatre, Ipswich, England
February 27 -- Brixton Academy, London, England
March 21 -- Petersen Event Center, Pittsburgh, PA
\*\*After a short break, the band set off on their North American tour. They would play to over 400,000 fans during the tour!
March 22 -- Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
March 24 -- Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH
March 25 -- Nutter Center, Dayton, OH
March 27 -- Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
March 28 -- UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL
March 29 -- US Cellular Arena, Milwaukee, WI
April 1 -- Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
April 2 -- Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
April 4 -- Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
April 5 -- Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI
April 7 -- Civic Center, Erie, PA
April 8 -- Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
April 10 -- Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
April 11 -- Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
April 12 -- Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
April 15 -- 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD
April 16 -- Civic Center, Roanoke, VA
April 18 -- Alltel Pavilion, Raleigh, NC
April 19 --Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
April 21 -- Bi-Lo Center, Greenville, SC
April 22 -- North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
April 24 -- Civic Center, Pensacola, FL
April 26 -- Livestock, Tampa, FL
April 27 -- Sound Advice Amphitheater, West Palm Beach, FL
April 29 -- TECO Arena, Estero, FL
April 30 -- Ocean Center, Daytona, FL
May 2 -- Bankcorp South Center, Tupelo, MS
May 3 -- River Stages, Nashville, TN
May 4 -- Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
May 25 -- NextStage, Grand Prairie, TX
May 27 -- Laredo Arena, Laredo, TX
May 28 -- Concrete St. Amphitheater, Corpus Christi, TX
May 30 -- Verizon Amphitheater, San Antonio, TX
May 31-- C.W. Mitchell Pavilion, Woodlands, TX
June 1 -- Convention Center Arena, Tulsa, OK
June 4 -- Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, KS
June 5 -- Family Arena, St. Charles, MO
June 7 -- Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Des Moines, IA
June 9 -- Allen County War Memorial, Fort Wayne, IN
June 10 -- Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
June 12 -- Roberts Stadium, Evansville, IN
June 13 -- Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
June 17 -- Civic Center, Mankato, MN
June 18 -- Mark of the Quad Cities, Moline, IL
June 20 -- Port of Burlington, Burlington, IA
\*\*Steamboat Days festival.
June 21 -- Metro Center, Rockford, IL
June 23 -- Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD
June 24 -- Civic Center, Bismarck, ND
June 26 -- Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo, ND
\*\*Red River Valley Fair.
June 28 -- Independence Stampede, Greeley, CO
June 29 -- Journal Pavilion, Albuquerque, NM
July 18 -- Chippewa Valley Rock Fest, Cadott, WI
July 19 -- River-Cade, Sioux City, IA
July 20 -- Comstock Rock Fest, Comstock, NE
July 23 -- DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
July 25 -- Timberwolf Amphitheater, Cincinnati, OH
July 26 -- Rolling Rock Town Fair, Pittsburgh, PA
July 27 -- NTELOS Pavilion, Portsmouth, VA
July 30 -- Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington, WV
August 1 -- Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
August 2 -- PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
August 4 -- Metro Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
August 6 -- Moncton Coliseum, Moncton, NB, Canada
August 8 -- L'Agora du Vieux Port, Quebec City, QC, Canada
August 9 -- Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
August 10 -- Sudbury Arena, Sudbury, ON, Canada
August 12 -- Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON, Canada
August 13 -- Erie County Fair, Hamburg, NY
August 15 -- Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH
August 16 -- Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, RI
August 18 -- Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME
August 19 -- Boston Pavilion, Boston, MA
August 21 -- New York State Fair, Syracuse, NY
August 22 -- Pepsi Arena, Albany, NY
August 23 -- Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City, NJ
August 26 -- Great Allentown Fair, Allentown, PA
August 28 -- Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, CT
August 29 -- Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA
August 31 -- Kewadin Casino, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
September 10 -- Winnipeg Arena, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
September 12 -- Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
September 13 -- Regina Agridome, Regina, SK, Canada
September 15 -- Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
September 17 -- Games Arena, Grand Prairie, AB, Canada
September 18 -- Shaw Conference Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
September 20 -- Multiplex, Prince George, BC, Canada
September 21 -- Sport Mart Palace, Kamloops, BC, Canada
September 23 -- Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, Canada
September 25 -- Key Arena, Seattle, WA
September 26 -- Clark County, Amphitheatre, Ridgefield, WA
September 27 -- BOA Center, Boise, ID
September 30 -- Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
October 2 -- Chronicle Pavilion, Concord, CA
October 3 -- Verizon Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA
October 4 -- The Joint, Las Vegas, NV
October 18 -- Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
October 19 -- St. George's Hall, Bradford, England
October 21 -- Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, England
October 22 -- Colston Hall, Bristol, England
October 24 -- Pavilions, Bristol, England
October 26 -- The Academy, Birmingham, England
October 27 -- Dome, Doncaster, England
October 28 -- Corn Exchange, Cambridge, England
October 30 -- BIC Pavilion, Bournemouth, England
October 31 -- Carling Apollo, Hammersmith, London, England
\*\*UK tour was with Ricky Warwick in support.
November 3 -- Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt, Germany
November 4 -- Palladium, Cologne, Germany
November 6 -- Grosse Freiheit 36, Hamburg, Germany
November 7 -- Arena, Berlin, Germany
November 10 -- Messe Congresszentrum B, Stuttgart, Germany
November 11 -- Eulachhalle, Winterthur, Switzerland
November 12 -- Zenith, Munich, Germany
November 14 -- Hala Rondo, Brno, Czech Republic
November 15 -- Spodek, Katowice, Poland
November 16 -- Torwar, Warsaw, Poland
November 18 -- Sport Palace, Vilnius, Lithuania
November 19 -- Kipsala Hall, Riga, Latvia
November 22 -- New Arena, St. Petersburg, Russia
November 24 -- Luzhniki Hall, Moscow, Russia
"Interview CD" Promotional CD Notes:
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola DEFX1QA (Europe, 2002)
Track(s):
01. The new album mixes the classic Leppard sound with a contemporary feel using lots of new technology seamlessly and interestingly. Can you describe this meeting of classic Leppard style and contemporary edge?
02. Tell us about the track "Now" and what it was like working with acclaimed producer Marti Frederiksen?
03. Tell us about "Unbelievable." Is it a romantic song?
04. Tell us about the song "You're So Beautiful."
05. Describe to us the extensive production of the beautiful ballad "Long Long Way To Go." Do you see it as a potential single?
06. Describe for us the minimalist feel in "Torn To Shreds" and how it contrasts to some of the other ballads on the album.
07. Do you think you've moved into a new area of vocal production?
08. How did "Four Letter Word" come about?
09. "Cry" is quite a dark song. Can you tell us a bit about it?
10. "Everyday" is a great pop-rock track. Where did you get your positive influences from?
11. "Gravity" seems like a step in a new direction, maybe influenced by some new rockers?
12. How does Def Leppard go about writing and recording a great track, for instance "Let Me Be The One?"
13. Tell me about "Girl Like You."
14. On the track "Scar" we seem to get old school Def Leppard and a bit of an epic. Do you agree?
15. Do you believe that Steve may have been an influence on this record?
16. I've noticed that the writing on this album seems to be a team effort.
"X" Q&A Promotional CD Notes:
Island/Bludgeon-Riffola ISLR-15640-2 (USA, 2002)
Track(s):
01. Where did you record the album?
02. Who did you work with on this album?
03. What is the songwriting process for the band?
04. How does X differ from your other albums?
05. Where do you feel Def Leppard fits in with other bands today?
06. How has the dynamic evolved over the years?
07. What's the secret to the band's success?
Both interview/Q&A CDs were released promotionally to allow radio stations to conduct pseudo interviews with the band. The essentially canned responses answered stock questions about the album and the band's history. The European version has 16 "answers" running a total of 21:16 while the US has 7, running 10:19. The "answers" on the US version sound like they're recorded over a poor quality telephone connection while the European version is studio quality.
The Friday Rock Show "Def Leppard Special" Notes:
Broadcast B2525/1 (UK, 11/2003)
A two-hour radio special first broadcast in November 2003, coinciding with the final European leg of the "X" tour.
XIII
Living in a time-warp...
Recompiling...
"Best Of Def Leppard" Album Notes:
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 986 855-1 (10/24/2004, Europe)
Mercury/Bludgeon-Riffola 986 851-1 (10/24/2004, Europe, LE)
Universal Music Group UICR-1035 (11/10/2004, Japan)
Universal Music Group UICR-9003 (11/10/2004, Japan, LE)
Universal Music Group UICO-9642 (11/2/2005, Japan -- Reissue)
Track(s): (Regular Version)
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me
[4:53] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
02. Photograph
[4:08] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen / Rick Savage Joe Elliott Pete Willis
03. Love Bites
[5:46] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
04. Let's Get Rocked
[4:55] "Mutt" Lange / Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
05. Two Steps Behind
[4:19] Joe Elliott
06. Animal
[4:04] "Mutt" Lange Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark
Steve Clark is erroneously left off this songwriting credit.
07. Heaven Is
[3:33] "Mutt" Lange / Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
08. Rocket
[4:07] "Mutt" Lange Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark
09. When Love & Hate Collide
[4:18] Rick Savage / Joe Elliott
10. Action
[3:42] Michael Tucker / Steve Priest Brian Connolly Andy Scott
11. Long, Long Way To Go
[4:38] Wayne Hector / Steve Robson
12. Make Love Like A Man
[4:15] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
13. Armageddon It
[5:22] "Mutt" Lange Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott Steve Clark
14. Have Your Ever Needed Someone So Bad
[5:19] "Mutt" Lange Phil Collen Joe Elliott
15. Rock Of Ages
[4:08] "Mutt" Lange / Steve Clark Joe Elliott Rick Savage / Pete Willis
16. Hysteria
[5:54] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
17. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
[4:34] Steve Clark Joe Elliott Pete Willis
18. Waterloo Sunset
[3:44] Ray Davies
Originally recorded by The Kinks in 1967 on their "Something Else by the Kinks" album. Def Leppard's version was the first of their early batch of 2004 cover recordings to be released and was considered something of a throwaway to test public response to the covers album project, even though the band considered it to have the most potential as a single.
When it was released as a single, the song did not chart in the US, but hit #2 in the UK, validating the potential of a covers project. It was hoped that a positive response to the single would leverage the covers album project with the label. Def Leppard stayed true to the original on their cover. This song was not included on all international versions of the single disc "Best of" package.
Tracks (Limited Edition): Disc 1 --
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:53]
02. Photograph
[4:08] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen / Rick Savage Joe Elliott Pete Willis
For some odd reason this track issues a songwriting credit to Phil. He certainly wasn't present on the original UK copyright nor on original pressings of the "Pyromania" album. Conspiracy theorists relax; they got it wrong on the "Rock Of Ages" liner notes also. It is for reasons such as this that the writing credits are repeated so many times throughout this work!
03. Love Bites [5:46]
04. Let's Get Rocked [4:55]
05. Two Steps Behind [4:19]
06. Animal
[4:04] "Mutt" Lange / Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
Steve Clark is erroneously left off this songwriting credit.
07. Heaven Is [3:33]
08. Rocket [4:07]
09. When Love & Hate Collide [4:18]
10. Action [3:42]
11. Long, Long Way To Go [4:38]
12. Make Love Like A Man [4:15]
13. Armageddon It [5:22]
14. Have Your Ever Needed Someone So Bad [5:19]
15. Rock Of Ages [4:08]
16. Hysteria [5:54]
17. Bringing On The Heartbreak [4:34]
Disc 2 --
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [3:56]
02. Waterloo Sunset [3:46]
03. Promises [3:59]
04. Slang [2:38]
05. Foolin' [4:35]
06. Now [3:59]
07. Rock Brigade [3:09]
08. Women [5:43]
09. Let It Go [4:43]
10. Too Late For Love [4:27]
11. High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) [3:27]
12. Work It Out [4:45]
13. Billy's Got A Gun [5:00]
14. Another Hit And Run [4:59]
15. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion) [4:30]
16. Wasted [4:38]
17. Die Hard The Hunter [6:17]
This update to the "Vault" compilation was not released in North America, where "Vault" was still selling some 10,000 copies per week, but elsewhere came in two editions: The regular single disc edition and a limited edition that contained two discs and slightly reconfigured track listing of the first disc. This package charted reasonably well, reaching #7 in Norway, #19 in Sweden, and #76 in Switzerland.
"Best Of Def Leppard" Sampler Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury Records DEFBEST-1 (UK, 2004)
Track(s):
01. Waterloo Sunset [3:48]
02. Animal [4:06]
Unlike the album(s), this sample is correctly credited including Steve...
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:54]
04. When Love & Hate Collide [4:18]
05. Photograph [4:10]
06. Let's Get Rocked [4:57]
Six-track promotional sampler featuring material off the "Best Of Def Leppard." The package was generally issued in a cardboard slip-sleeve with promo PR sticker on the front.
Rock Of Ages
"Rock Of Ages: The Definitive Collection" Album Notes:
Island/Bludgeon-Riffola B0004647-02 (USA, 5/17/05)
Track(s): Disc 1 --
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me ("Historia" Video Edit)
[4:52] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
02. Photograph
[4:06] "Mutt" Lange Steve Clark Phil Collen / Rick Savage Joe Elliott Pete Willis
For some odd reason this track issues a songwriting credit to Phil. He certainly wasn't present on the original UK copyright or on original pressings of the "Pyromania" album. Conspiracy theorists relax, they also got it wrong on the "Best Of" liner notes.
03. Love Bites [5:47]
04. Let's Get Rocked [5:06]
05. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic Version) [4:10]
06. Animal
[4:05] "Mutt" Lange / Phil Collen Rick Savage Joe Elliott
Steve Clark is erroneously left off this songwriting credit.
07. Heaven Is [3:36]
08. Foolin' [6:01]
09. Rocket ("Visualize" Video Edit)
[4:07] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange / Rick Savage
10. When Love & Hate Collide [4:17]
11. Armageddon It [5:24]
12. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad [5:19]
13. Rock Of Ages [4:08]
14. Hysteria [5:54]
15. Miss You In A Heartbeat [4:12]
16. Bringing On The Heartbreak [4:33]
17. Switch 625 [3:03]
Disc 2 --
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [3:55]
02. Let It Go [4:43]
03. High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) [3:27]
04. Too Late For Love [4:27]
05. No Matter What
[2:53] Peter Ham
The first cover recorded for the band's planned covers album and radio single released to promote the album, in April 2005 (Island/UMe 05161-2). Billboard's review of the song was succinct: "Adult top 40 and modern AC radio are the most obvious homes for 'No Matter What,' which will also get the expected play from heritage rock" (Billboard). The song is a cover of Badfinger's Top 10 hit which hit #8 on October 31, 1970. Def Leppard weren't the first rock act to cover this song. Lillian Axe, Great White, and The Knack are other acts to have recorded it. Def Leppard's cover charted on Billboard's Hot Adult Top 40 reaching #24.
06. Promises [4:00]
07. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) [4:08]
08. Women [5:42]
09. Another Hit And Run [4:59]
10. Slang [2:38]
11. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion) [4:33]
12. Rock Brigade [3:08]
13. Now [3:59]
14. Paper Sun [5:27]
15. Work It Out [4:49]
16. Die Hard The Hunter [6:17]
17. Wasted [3:44]
18. Billy's Got A Gun [5:01]
This update to the "Vault" compilation for the North American market in place of "Best Of" released a year earlier for the rest of the world. The album, "boasts 16 of Def Leppard's Top 40 hits among the 35 selections spanning its 25-year album career to date. Besides being the band's first two-CD set, 'Rock Of Ages' also highlights another first -- the group's first new US-issued song since 2002, 'No Matter What'" (UMe PR). A tie-in video package, the "Rock Of Ages" DVD was released in North America on November 15 (See the DVD section).
The album debuted on the Billboard charts at #10 with some 66,000 copies sold and was certified by the RIAA as Gold on June 22, 2005; and platinum on February 7, 2006 (as of date of writing this is Def Leppard's most recent US certification of any type).
\*\* Shows June 1-11 were with Bryan Adams.
\*\* Bryan Adams did not play this festival.
June 18 -- 17th City Stages Festival, Birmingham, AL
\*\* Bryan Adams did not play this festival date. Def Leppard appeared on the Miller Lite Stage. Other hard rock acts appearing at the festival included The Black Crowes and The Killers.
June 24 -- Wachovia Arena, Wilkes-Barre, PA
June 25 -- Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME
June 27 -- Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
June 28 -- Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME
\*\*Attendance: 3,215 6,069 ($144,675). Shows June 14 through the 28th were with Tesla opening, except where noted. Tesla had toured extensively with Def Leppard while they supported their "Hysteria" album in 19878. The two Maine shows were eventually swapped around on the schedule (reflected here).
July 1 -- Campbell's Field, Camden, NJ \*\*CANCELLED
\*\*Just across the river from Philadelphia, this show was cancelled after the soundboard was hit by lightning during a freak storm. It was never rescheduled.
July 2 -- Clippers Magazine Stadium, Lancaster, PA
July 3 -- Dutchess Stadium, Wappingers Falls, NY
July 5 -- FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood, NJ
\*\*Attendance: 8,015 / 8,015 ($360,675)
July 6 -- Campanelli Stadium, Brockton, MA
\*\*Attendance: 7,376 / 9,000 ($331,920)
July 8 -- Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, MD
\*\*Attendance: 9,764 / 9,764 ($439,380)
July 9 -- KeySpan Park, Brooklyn, NY
\*\*Attendance: 9,645 / 10,000
July 10 -- Frontier Field, Rochester, NY
\*\*Attendance: 5,094 / 7,500. Shows July 1-10 were with Bryan Adams.
July 22 -- Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Hollywood, FL
July 24 -- Kiefer UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
\*\*Attendance: 6,467 / 6,467
July 26 -- Mud Island Amphitheatre, Memphis, TN
\*\*Attendance: 4,812 / 4,812
July 27 -- Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
\*\*Attendance: 4,265 / 7,500
July 29 -- Midway Stadium, St. Paul, MN
\*\*Attendance: 12,722 / 12,722
July 30 -- Alexian Field, Schaumburg, IL
\*\*Attendance: 10,001 / 10,001
July 31 -- O'Donnell Stadium, Davenport, IA
\*\*Attendance: 5,731 / 7,500
August 2 -- Haymarket Park, Lincoln, NE
\*\*Attendance: 5,656 / 7,500
August 3 -- ComAmerica Ballpark, Kansas City, KS
\*\*Attendance: 5,623 / 7,500
August 5 -- Coveleski Stadium, South Bend, IN
\*\*Attendance: 8,351 / 9,000
August 6 -- Classic Park, Eastlake, OH
\*\*Attendance: 8,157 / 9,000
August 7 -- Appalachian Power Park, Charleston, WV
\*\*Attendance: 5,638 / 8,500
August 9 -- Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH
August 10 -- Oldsmobile Park, Lansing, MI
\*\*Attendance: 6,564 / 7,500. Shows July 29-August 10 were with Bryan Adams.
August 12 -- Sudbury Arena, Sudbury, ON, Canada
August 13 -- Corel Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
August 15 -- Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON, Canada
August 16 -- John Labatt Centre, London, ON, Canada
\*\*Attendance: 8,103 / 8,312
August 19 -- MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MT, Canada
August 20 -- Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
August 22 -- Canada Games Arena, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada
August 23 -- Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB, Canada
August 24 -- Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
August 26 -- Prospera Place, Kelowna, BC, Canada
August 27 -- General Motors Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
August 28 -- Memorial Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada
\*\* Dates August 12-28 were with support act The Tea Party.
August 31 -- MetraPark Arena, Billings, MT
September 2 -- Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
\*\*Attendance: 3,532 / 5,000
September 3 -- La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
\*\*Attendance: 2,845 / 3,500
September 4 -- Loopfest, Lakefront Pavilion, Chicago, IL
October 10 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC \*\*CANCELLED
October 11 -- Agganis Arena, Boston, MA
\*\*Attendance: 3,140 / 6,613. The second leg of the re-titled "Double Shot of Rock" tour with Bryan Adams. The tour moved indoors after playing outdoor venues during high summer.
October 12 -- Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
\*\*Attendance: 6,813 / 8,077
October 14 -- Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge, Bristow, VA
\*\*Attendance: 7,965 / 22,515
October 15 - Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC
\*\*Attendance: 11,675 / 20,000
October 17 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
\*\*Attendance: 5,215 / 6,342
October 18 -- Turning Stone Casino Showroom, Verona, NY
\*\*Around 2,600 / 5,000 attended this show. Vivian joined Ricky Warwick during his opening set playing "Waiting To Fly" and "Three Sides To Every Story." Ricky amusingly toasted the crowd: "A dry casino. That wouldn't work in Ireland" (Syracuse Post Standard, 10/20/05).
October 20 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Virginia Beach, VA
\*\*Attendance: 9,373 / 20,020. Shows October 11-20 were with Bryan Adams.
October 21 -- Borgata Casino, Atlantic City, NJ w/ Ricky Warwick
October 23 -- Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
\*\*Attendance: 9,445 / 15,992
October 24 -- Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
\*\*Attendance: 7,278 / 10,588
October 26 -- Mary Helen Byck Arena, Louisville, KY
\*\*Attendance: 3,380 / 5,236
October 27 -- Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
\*\*Attendance: 5,284 / 9,230. Shows October 23-27 were with Cheap Trick.
October 29 -- Smirnoff Music Center, Dallas, TX
\*\*Attendance: 2,959 / 6,893
October 30 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Selma, TX
\*\*Attendance: 6,824 / 8,132. Shows October 29-30 were with Ricky Warwick.
November 1 -- Magness Arena, Denver, CO
\*\*Attendance: 5,221 / 5,523
November 2 -- Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, NM
\*\*Attendance: 4,779 / 8,294; Shows November 1 & 2 were with Cheap Trick and Ricky Warwick.
November 4 -- ipayOne Center at the Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
\*\*Attendance: 7,095 / 9,890
November 5 -- Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
\*\*Attendance: 4,405 / 4,601 ($259,146)
November 7 -- Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
\*\*Attendance: 6,170 / 12,290 ($278,461)
November 8 -- Everett Events Center, Everett, WA
\*\*Attendance: 7,258 / 8,076 ($369,310)
November 10 -- ARCO Arena, Sacramento, CA
\*\*Attendance: 8,221 / 11,373 ($388,183)
November 12 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA
\*\* Shows November 4-12 were with Bryan Adams.
November 13 -- The Joint, Las Vegas, NV w/ Ricky Warwick
November 16 -- Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
November 17 -- Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
November 19 -- Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG B0005340-02 (5/23/06, USA)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG B0006928-02 (5/23/06, USA -- Target)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG 9858-285-2 (5/22/06, UK/Europe)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG 9858-285-2 (Germany, 6/2/06)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UICR-1049 (6/7/06, Japan)
Track(s):
01. 20th Century Boy
[3:40] Marc Bolan
Originally recorded by Marc Bolan's T. Rex in 1973 and released as a single backed with "Free Angel." Neither song was included on Marc's 1973 album, "Tanx." The single was a hit reaching #3 in March on the UK singles charts, at a time when Marc was a leading force in the glam movement. In the British Isles, at the time, it would have been impossible not to notice bands such as this on "Top Of The Pops," nor the influence the band has had on the youth. Def Leppard released this song to mainstream and classic rock radio as the second single off the "Yeah" album August 21, 2006.
Backing vocals on this song are performed by Stevie Vann-Lange, ex-wife of "Mutt" Lange who has also served as Joe's vocal coach. John Campbell plays saxophone. More importantly is the context of this song within the Def Leppard camp: The song had been a part of the rough set performed by Glam Slam in Dublin in December 1991. Grand Slam, formed for the occasion to wallow in the heady material of 70s glam, included Joe Elliott and Rick Savage.
02. Rock On
[2:53] David Essex
Originally recorded by David Essex in 1973 hitting #3 on the UK singles chart. The single also provided him with his only US hit during a twenty-five week chart run that culminated in the single reaching #5 in early 1974. While the song was originally written for the Ringo Starr film "That'll Be The Day," it wasn't used and instead became the title track of David's album. Brought to Def Leppard by Joe Elliott, the song was released as the first radio single reaching the #1 position on the US classic rock radio charts where it remained for five weeks. The single also did well on the Mainstream Rock chart where it went top-30.
A post-apocalyptic almost Mad Max themed video, directed by Nigel Dick and produced by Nina Dluhy-Miller, was also filmed at Placerita Canyon near Los Angeles, CA. It was debuted on Def Leppard's website on June 12, 2006 and went into rotation on VH-1 classic. A DVD of the video was included in a special CD/DVD combo promotional package. According to Phil, the band used some Queen-like styles on their version of the song, since they didn't feel that they should include tribute songs from the likes of Queen or Led Zeppelin on the album. This and the very Leppard-sounding guitars and vocals during the end section actually gave the song its own identity, something Sav felt made it a highlight when performed live.
03. Hanging On The Telephone
[2:22] Jack Lee
Originally recorded by The Nerves in 1976, but better known as a Blondie recording from 1978 (with modifications by Chris Stein for the band's "Parallel Lines" album), though neither band had a hit in the US with the song. The song had been released as the first track on the Nerve's debut EP and only active release. Featuring Jack Lee on guitar, Peter Case on bass, and Paul Collins on drums, the Nerves led the birth of the Los Angeles new wave rock movement more popularly represented by the Knack. A 1986 French LP (Offence 9001) collected the EP and additional works by the band that was very short-lived and had broken up by the end of 1977. Blondie's version reached #6 on the UK charts in November 1978.
04. Waterloo Sunset
[3:38] Ray Davies
Originally recorded by The Kinks in 1967 on their "Something Else by the Kinks" album. Refer to the "Best Of Def Leppard" section for further details.
05. Hell Raiser
[3:19] Nicky Chinn / Mike Chapman
Originally released as a single by The Sweet in 1973, backed with "Burning," this wasn't the first song from that band that Def Leppard had covered -- they had recorded and released "Action" as a single in 1993. A #2 UK hit for the Sweet, Def Leppard got modern day UK glam rocker Justin Hawkins (from the Darkness) to play the role Steve Priest had on the original. Def Leppard used the song as the set opener during their tour with Journey.
06. 10538 Overture
[4:30] Jeff Lynne
The first single released by Electric Light Orchestra, this song hit #9 in the UK in 1972. It didn't chart in the US, but was released on the band's "No Answer" album. This song marked the transition as The Move became ELO though it was originally recorded as a Move song. Then overdub after overdub changed the nature of the recording into an orchestral beast.
07. Street Life
[3:26] Bryan Ferry
Originally recorded by Roxy Music in 1973. Released as a single backed with "Hula Kula" in support of the "Stranded" album. The single hit #9 on the UK charts in December and provided the band with their first #1 album in the UK. That success didn't translate across the Atlantic when the album was released in the United States several months later.
08. Drive-In Saturday
[4:07] David Bowie
Originally recorded by David Bowie in 1973 and released on the "Aladdin Sane" album. Between Phil and Joe's "Cybernauts" and Def Leppard's acoustic cover of "Ziggy Stardust," there was essentially only obscure material left for them to cover. Released as a single in March 1973, backed with "Round And Round," it reached #3 on the UK charts. "Aladdin Sane" was one of Joe's favorite Bowie albums, and several songs from it appeared on the Cybernauts album: "Watch That Man," "Cracked Actor," "Jean Genie," "Time," "Panic In Detroit," and "Lady Grinning Soul."
09. Little Bit Of Love
[2:33] Andy Fraser / Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff / Simon Kirke
Originally recorded by Free in 1972 as the band re-formed to record their "Free At Last" album. It is perhaps ironic that the band's guitarist Paul Kossoff was struggling with a drug addiction that eventually led to a decline in his health and ultimate death in March 1976. "Little Bit Of Love" (Island WIP-6129) hit #13 in the UK backed with "Sail On."
10. The Golden Age Of Rock 'N' Roll
[3:28] Ian Hunter
Originally recorded by Mott the Hoople on their "The Hoople" album in 1974. Leppard got Ian Hunter to perform the spoken introduction to the song, as Dan Loggins had done on the original track. This marked Ian's second appearance on a Def Leppard recording having provided the honky-tonk piano introduction on "Ride Into The Sun '87" on "Retroactive." Released as a single (CBS Records CBS-2177) backed with "Rest In Peace" the song was originally hit #16 on the UK charts. The original version featured saxophone, which for Def Leppard's version was performed by Vivian's brother, John Campbell.
11. No Matter What
[2:51] Pete Ham
Originally recorded by Badfinger on their "No Dice" album, released in November 1970, this song made it to #8 on the US singles charts. Described by Rolling Stone magazine as, "gorgeously done pop rock and roll" the band was led by Pete Ham who wrote this song. Badfinger had strong Beatles connections being signed to Apple Corps records and having recorded Paul McCartney's "Come And Get It" in 1970. George Harrison also produced the band's follow-up single, "Day After Day." Def Leppard's version was first released in May 2005 on the "Rock Of Ages/Definitive Collection" and remains true to the original version.
12. He's Gonna Step On You Again
[4:05] John Kongos / Christos Demetriou
Originally recorded by transplanted South African John Kongos in 1971 this song was one of two #4 hit singles that John scored in the UK -- his only hits. Like many other singles covered on this collection, this song bombed in the United States only reaching #70 on the Billboard charts. The original recording has been cited as the first popular recording to use samples, in that case of traditional African tribal drums. John worked with Def Leppard during the recording of "Pyromania" and was responsible for the programming of the CMI Fairlight synthesizer at his Tapestry Studios in London.
13. Don't Believe A Word
[2:19] Phil Lynott
Originally recorded by Thin Lizzy in 1976, it would not be possible for Def Leppard to record an album of their favorites without including a song from this band who had been such an influence on the band during their early years. The band had rehearsed or performed several Lizzy songs, including "Emerald" and "Jail Break" during that time. Released in 1976 backed with "Old Flame" from the "Johnny The Fox" album, the single hit #12 on the UK charts.
14. Stay With Me
[4:39] Ron Wood / Rod Stewart
Originally recorded by Faces in 1971. Def Leppard's cover with Phil Collen on lead vocals was originally released as a B-side in 2004. Phil's vocal attempt was recorded in one take. Joe played the piano on the recording.
15. Action (Live 2005)
[4:03] Brian Connolly Steve Priest Andrew Scott / Mick Tucker
Originally recorded by The Sweet in 1975, this song was previously covered by Def Leppard for 1994's "Retroactive." This track was exclusive to the "Target" edition of the album.
16. When I'm Dead And Gone
[3:17] Benny Gallagher / Graham Lyle
Track 16 originally recorded by McGuiness Flint in 1970, a top-5 hit in the UK for the band. The song features Joe, Phil, and Vivian on guitars with Joe handling lead vocals and percussion.
17. How Does It Feel
[5:19] Noddy Holder / Jim Lea
Non-media track exclusive to iTunes, and thus not currently available in non-lossy format (not that much of the Leppard is available on iTunes at time of writing). Originally recorded by Slade in 1974 reaching #15 on the UK charts, which was at the time their first single since 1971 to not chart in the top-4! This song provides a contrast to the more commonly recognizable Slade material such as "Mama Weer All Crazee Now," "Cum on Feel the Noize," "Coz I Luv You," "Merry Xmas Everybody," and "Skweeze Me Pleeze Me." It was included on the band's "Slade in Flame" album.
18. No Matter What (Live 2005)
[2:58] Pete Ham
19. Winter Song
[4:34] Alan Hull
Tracks 18 & 19 are bonus tracks exclusive to the "Best-Buy" edition of the album. Track 19 originally recorded by Lindisfarne in 1971. Joe and Sav performed the track live during the Sincerely Sheffield charity concert at the City Hall on March 12, 2004. Their short acoustic duo set also included "From The Inside," "Two Steps Behind," and "When Love & Hate Collide." They also performed songs with additional musicians.
20. Kick Out The Jams
[0:00] Robert Derminer / Frederick Smith Dennis Tomich Michael Davis / Wayne Kambes
Originally recorded by MC5 in 1969. This track is yet to be released.
21. Roxanne
[0:00] Gordon Sumner
Originally recorded by the Police in 1978. Sung by Phil Collen, this track is yet to be released. The band did something of a jazzy/blues interpretation of the song. This song has yet to be released, though the reunion of the Police may have influenced its use, or lack thereof.
Produced by Def Leppard, "Yeah" was a project long rumored, that finally came to fruition (the fans ears) in 2006. "Yeah!" debuted at #16 on Billboard's Top 200 Chart, selling 42,000 units its first week. In the UK the album entered the charts at #52, the lowest debut of their career.
"Yeah" was a self-indulgent project that allowed the band to pay tribute to the artists and music that had influenced them as youths. It also allowed a break from the standard pattern of recording a studio album, especially after the efforts involved in the relative failure of "X." Joe Elliott apparently provided the impetus for the project, with it being something that he had always wanted to do, though other members obviously shared interest in the project. In addition, the song selection wasn't as difficult to narrow down with the band members sharing so many influences. The title is simply an expression of the band's feeling about the vibe of the music and what it represented.
Many of the recordings sat in the "can" for quite a long time, and rumors swirled around them. So much so that in February 2005, at a time when the band was focusing on the new "Best Of" albums which had actually supplanted the covers album as a release, they were forced to admit that they had recorded the covers, and a bunch more. What was clear was as that time it was unclear what the band was really going to do with the recordings. They were certainly useful as "new" songs on the "Best Of" collections, or in great Leppard tradition, as B-sides. It was clear that they were going to be used in one way or another.
Bludgeon-Riffola/Universal Music B0006924-02 (USA)
Track(s):
01. American Girl
[3:33] Tom Petty
Originally recorded by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and included on the band's 1976 self-titled album. Also released as the bonus track on the Japanese version of the "Yeah!" album. Drums on the track are performed by current Riverdogs drummer Marc Danzeisen.
02. Backstage Interview #1 [3:11]
03. Search & Destroy
[3:27] Iggy Pop
Originally recorded by Iggy & The Stooges in 1973 for their classic "Raw Power" album. Also released as the bonus track on the Japanese version of the album. Lead vocals and all instruments by Phil Collen.
04. Backstage Interview #2 [2:00]
05. Space Oddity
[5:27] David Bowie
Originally recorded by David Bowie in 1969. Lead vocals and all instruments by Joe Elliott.
06. Backstage Interview #3 [2:43]
07. Dear Friends
[1:27] Brian May
Originally recorded by Queen in 1974 and released on their classic "Sheer Heart Attack" album. Lead vocals and all instruments by Rick Savage.
08. Heartbeat
[2:45] Jobriath Boone
Originally recorded by Jobriath Boone in 1974 and released on his second album, "Creatures Of The Street" (Elektra 7E-1010). This track was intended as a B-side from the beginning. Jobriath was considered by some to have been an Americanized David Bowie glam knock-off, and indeed David's management company seems to have waged a war to destroy the obscure artist. Jobriath is often noted more as being the first openly gay rock star.
Released May 23, 2006 exclusive to Wal-Mart Stores as part of an increasingly music industry common practice of offering different versions of albums, with varying bonuses, through different major vendors.
"Yeah!" Singles Notes:
01. Rock On (Radio Edit) [2:36]
Released on the promotional single for the song, with the regular album version, the edit is minor.
"Yeah" was a long time coming. The project started out as the band came off the road from supporting the "X" album. The original 14 tracks had no definite purpose at the time they were recorded, and were in essence recorded just for fun. They could be used as a release in their own right, by the band themselves, or as B-sides in the future. According to Sav, the label was initially enthusiastic about the project and interested in releasing it, but before long problems arose when key personnel changed at the label. As a result, "Waterloo Sunset" was included on the non-North American "Best Of" compilation in late 2004 to test the waters (Sheffield Today). The obvious result is that the compilation album did eventually happen.
2006 "European" Tour Notes:
June 3, 2006 -- Gods Of Metal, Milan, Italy
\*\*One of the first 2006 dates announced. Def Leppard played the third day of the festival along with Motorhead and Whitesnake.
June 7 -- Rock The Nation, Oberhausen, Germany
June 9 -- Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden
June 10 -- Rock Festival (Goffertpark), Nijmegen, Holland
\*\*Headlining act was Roger Waters, though Ray Davies and Porcupine Tree played prior to Leppard. Dio also performed on this day, on the second stage. The first day of this festival had Uriah Heep, Ted Nugent, and Blackfoot performing -- all bands that Def Leppard had played with during the early 1980s.
June 12 -- Hallenstadion, Zürich, Switzerland
June 17 -- Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, England
June 18 -- Hammersmith Apollo, London, England
\*\* Both English dates were with Cheap Trick and the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
2006 "North America" Tour Notes:
The co-headlining tour with Journey was announced in early March 2006. According to Phil, "Usually, we always have to redefine and reorient ourselves to touring as we are used to a three-year gap between tours because of the recording process. This time, we had the album in the can so we are good to go. We're really psyched to be hitting the road this summer and are looking forward to seeing all of our fans again" (PR). The tour was extended in August for additional October dates.
June 23, 2006 -- Tweeter Center, Camden, NJ
June 24 -- Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY
June 27 -- PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
June 28 -- Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
June 30 -- Toyota Pavilion, Scranton, PA
July 1 -- Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
July 3 -- Hershey Pavilion, Hershey, PA
July 4 -- Alltel Pavilion, Raleigh, NC
July 7 -- Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA
\*\*First show with Jeff Scott Soto replacing Steve Augeri as lead singer for Journey. Initially it was suggested that Steve would eventually return to the tour once his throat issues had been resolved, but that was not the case, though Jeff didn't officially become the lead singer until December.
July 8 -- Verizon Amphitheatre, Virginia Beach, VA
July 10 -- Sound Advice Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL
July 11 -- Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, FL
July 13 -- Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA
July 15 -- Verizon Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
July 16 -- Starwood Amphitheatre, Nashville, TN
July 18 -- Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
July 19 -- First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Chicago, IL
July 21 -- UMB Bank Pavilion, St. Louis, MO
July 22 -- Verizon Music Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
July 24 -- DTE Music Theater, Clarkston, MI
July 25 -- Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
July 28 -- Verizon Amphitheatre, San Antonio, TX
July 29 -- Smirnoff Music Center, Dallas, TX
July 30 -- Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX
August 15 -- Red Rocks, Denver, CO
August 18 -- Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV
August 19 -- Verizon Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA
August 22 -- Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
August 23 -- Coors Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA
August 25 -- Chronicle Pavilion, Concord, CA
August 26 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
August 27 -- Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Sacramento, CA
August 30 -- Clark County Amphitheatre, Portland, OR
August 31 -- White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, WA
September 2 -- Idaho Center Amphitheatre, Boise, ID
September 3 -- Events Center, Reno, NV
September 6 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Kansas City, MO
September 7 -- Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
September 9 -- Marcus Amphitheatre, Milwaukee, WI
September 10 -- Germain Amphitheatre, Columbus, OH
September 12 -- Blossom Music Center, Cleveland, OH
September 13 -- Post Gazette Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA
September 16 -- Saratoga PAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
September 19 -- Mohegan Sun, Hartford, CT
September 20 -- Darien Lake PAC, Buffalo, NY
September 22 -- Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
September 23 -- Tweeter Center, Camden, MA
October 11 -- Save Mart Center, Fresno, CA
October 13 -- Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
October 14 -- Hyundai Pavilion, Devore, CA
October 16 -- Journal Pavilion, Albuquerque, NM
October 17 -- Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, CO
October 19 -- Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
October 21 -- FargoDome, Fargo, ND
October 22 -- Qwest Center, Omaha, NE
October 24 -- Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
October 25 -- Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
October 27 -- Mark of the Quad Cities, Moline, IL
October 28 -- US Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, IL
October 30 -- FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
November 1 -- Verizon Music Center, Birmingham, AL
Fall 2006 Studio Sessions Notes:
(Status unclear/unreleased)
Def Leppard reportedly re-recorded some of their back catalogue in the fall of 2006, though plans for how they were going to use the material were unclear. How much material, and what specifically may have been recorded, is currently unknown. Re-recording of catalog hits has become an accepted practice for artists in 2008. The reasons for doing such revolve around two common factors: 1) control of their catalog. 2) Finances. The first of these is straightforward. A band has control over how the recordings are used, whereas the record label usually controls the catalog recordings and licensing of those songs. That directly affects point two, in how the revenue is shared (or not).
In an era where traditional record labels are struggling to adapt, they want to retain as many revenue streams as possible. This doesn't exactly benefit the artist. With re-recorded material, the band can directly license material that often sounds close enough to the original version. The band then has control over who uses that material, but more importantly controls how much it costs for the material to be used. It then cuts the record label out of the profit sharing, rather than the band being paid what may be a paltry royalty were the record label licensing the band's material.
Def Leppard has been a "Catalogue" artist with Universal in the US for years, and it would not be surprising that a suitable period has passed allowing the band to use their material in such a manner. Recording material has also become far cheaper, and easier, with the advent of recording packages such as Pro Tools. Bands don't need to be in the same room to record material.
"Downstage Thrust" 2007 Tour Notes:
Joe Elliott, Rick Savage and Vivian Campbell appeared on the "Rockline" radio show on June 20 to promote the 2007 tour with Styx and Foreigner. The tour was really not supporting any product and can be seen as something of a continuation of the successful legacy rock format from the previous year, and further proof that the band were not in economic decline in the United States (or they were at least building smart touring packages).
Ticket sales were extremely good in 2006, the best since the "Hysteria" tour, so there was little point in not taking the opportunity to hit the road. Once again, the set was a broad mix of material from the band's career (happily not ignoring "High 'N' Dry"). According to Vivian, "This is the first time in our career that we've ever toured without a record to promote. So it will definitely be a catalog show. We're dipping in and pulling out a couple of more obscure songs that we've never played before for our more hardcore fans. It's a balancing act. You can't please all of the people all of the time. But we realize that there's a certain percentage of hardcore LEPPARD fans who saw us on the last tour, and who will come out to see us this summer, and we have to do something different for them, as well as for ourselves" (Northwest Herald). The pre-production for the tour took place in Indianapolis June 18-26, though the band didn't arrive, for rehearsals proper, until June 23.
June 27, 2007 -- Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
\*\*Opening night of the tour. 13,937 / 20,383 ($428,542).
June 29 -- Marcus Amphitheatre, Milwaukee, WI
\*\* The "Summerfest."
June 30 -- First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Chicago, IL
July 3 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS
\*\*15,929 / 15,973 ($424,713).
July 4 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
\*\*13,041 / 21,000 ($287,737).
July 6 -- Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, IN
\*\*23,672 / 24,395 ($557,827).
July 7 -- Post-Gazette Pavilion, Burgettstown, PA
July 8 -- Germain Amphitheater, Columbus, OH
July 11 -- Moondance Jam, Walker, MN
July 13 -- Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
\*\*9,417 / 21,551 ($270,100).
July 14 -- Tweeter Center, Camden, NJ
\*\*9,050 / 24,830 ($322,989).
July 16 -- Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON, Canada
July 17 -- Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
\*\*10,396 / 10,396 ($736,436).
July 19 -- Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
July 21 -- Sarnia Bayfest, Sarnia, ON, Canada
July 22 -- Mountain Rock Festival, Farwell, MI
July 24 -- DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
\*\*10,596 / 15,127 ($413,982).
July 26 -- North Dakota State Fair, Minot, ND
July 28 -- Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY
\*\*This show was followed by a short break. Vivian jammed with Camp Freddy at the X-Games/ESPN party at the House Of Blues in Hollywood, CA on Friday, August 3. The band reconvened in Boston on August 10.
August 11 -- Tweeter Center, Mansfield, MA
\*\*15,626 / 19,821 ($631,036).
August 12 -- Hershey Park Stadium, Hershey, PA
\*\*13,354 / 18,244 ($707,228).
August 14 -- Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
\*\*10,963 / 13,768 ($656,328).
August 15 -- PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
\*\*In the morning the band recorded "Armageddon It" for broadcast on the syndicated morning show "Live with Regis and Kelly." The appearance was broadcast on August 17. 12,526 / 16,892 ($541,863).
August 17 -- Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA
\*\*13,084 / 22,461 ($574,342).
August 18 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Virginia Beach, VA
\*\*13,783 / 19,967 ($495,086).
August 21 -- Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, Raleigh, NC
\*\*This show was postponed until 8/27.
August 22 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
\*\*10,361 / 18,672 ($368,873).
August 24 -- Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, FL
\*\*13,027 / 19,362 ($576,778).
August 25 -- HiFi Buys Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
\*\*17,681 / 18,798 ($790,213).
August 26 -- Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, KY
\*\*13,755 / 14,340 ($687,750).
August 27 -- Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, Raleigh, NC
\*\* Show needed to be rescheduled from 8/21 due to severe weather that resulted in damage to the venue and injury to several people. 9,662 / 19,970 ($277,386).
August 30 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Selma, TX
\*\* Originally scheduled for 8/29. 11,245 / 19,219 ($341,364).
August 31 -- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Woodlands, TX
\*\*15,920 / 15,920 ($573,549).
September 1 -- Smirnoff Music Center, Dallas, TX
September 3 -- Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, MN
September 5 -- Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK
September 7 -- USANA Amphitheatre, West Valley City, UT
September 8 -- Rock Jam, Grand Junction, CO
September 9 -- Coors Amphitheatre, Englewood, CO
September 12 -- Clark County Amphitheater, Ridgefield, WA
\*\*8,279 / 18,003 ($370,631).
September 14 -- Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Marysville, CA
\*\*12,453 / 18,449 ($449,544).
September 15 -- Konocti Harbor, Kelseyville, CA
September 16 -- Reno Events Center, Reno, NV
\*\*5,413 / 6,184 ($457,952).
September 18 -- Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord, CA
\*\*8,971 / 12,500 ($432,404).
September 20 -- Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
\*\*13,368 / 19,949 ($465,630).
September 22 -- Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV
\*\*8,517 / 8,761 ($702,252).
September 23 -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Irvine, CA
\*\*13,015 / 15,968 ($580,960).
September 26 -- White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, WA
\*\*12,092 / 19,602 ($540,681).
September 27 -- General Motors Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
\*\*10,033 / 10,033 ($745,660).
September 28 -- Save-on Foods Center, Victoria, BC, Canada
\*\*5,212 / 5,212 ($394,194).
September 30 -- Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
\*\*9,680 / 9,680 ($747,219).
October 1 -- Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB, Canada
\*\*9,118 / 13,141 ($685,906).
October 2 -- Credit Union Center, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
\*\*This final date was a late addition to the tour. 5,934 / 12,458 ($417,093).
XIV
Leppard Pride...
Sparkling In The Lounge
"Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" Album Notes:
Universal Music Group 1762675 (UK, 5/5/08)
Universal Music Group 1765649 (Europe, 5/5/08 -- Deluxe)
Universal Music Group (USA, 4/29/08)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UICR-1074 (Japan, 4/30/08)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UICR-9025 (Japan, 5/21/08 -- SHM+DVD)
Track(s): (Disc 1)
01. Go
[3:21] Phil Collen / Joe Elliott
One of the heaviest tracks Def Leppard has ever recorded, and the first track on the "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" album, what Joe describes as a "non-single" song. This song was originally titled "Tribal" while being written on a laptop during the "Yeah" tour. It was based on drum-loops with an eastern flavor. Rick Allen got rid of the loops and replaced them with a powerful drum cacophony married with a pulsing bass. Lyrically the song is simply about getting rid of politicians who are generally useless! Phil and Viv have a mini guitar war during the solo section.
02. Nine Lives
[3:32] Phil Collen / Joe Elliot Tim McGraw Rick Savage
Featuring a guest appearance by country star Tim McGraw, the first time an external musical force has worked with the band in the studio. The first song recorded for the album, the band and Tim weren't all together until the video was filmed. Pieces were recorded separately and eventually combined. Tim came down to see the band when they played Nashville and suggested that they work together. He then made a guest appearance on "Pour Some Sugar On Me" the band's October 13, 2006 Hollywood Bowl concert. Simply, Tim's tour manager is Robert Allen, Rick Allen's brother, and Def Leppard's one time road manager.
Tim brought the title and general idea for the song while Def Leppard provided the overall music. While the title was immediate, the lyrics needed to be fleshed out by Phil and Tim while in Nashville. Phil had the guitar riff. For some it's hard to notice Tim singing parts of the second verse, since unlike his clear country twang in the intro, his voice changes when singing in a more rock style. The single was added to classic rock radio on March 25 and mainstream rock on April 1. It hit #1 on the Classic Rock and #14 on Mainstream Rock radio charts. The song also became the first song played from the album live in concert at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC on March 27, 2008.
Before even hearing Def Leppard's song, some fans and critics made an obvious connection with arch-rivals Bon Jovi, who had previously taken the path down the country road (to crossover success!). In 2006 the band scored a #1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Chart for "Who Says You Can't Go Home" with Jennifer Nettles! The band continued the crossover on their 2007 album "Lost Highway," though they'd had plenty of songs dating back to the 80s with a country edge. And as far as "copy-catting" Bon Jovi, or going for country crossover, while the band have never been afraid of stretching their boundaries simply writing with someone from another genre wasn't changing their sound. Regardless, if any collaboration works, so what, and if it doesn't, so what! Critics need to listen back to "X" or "Slang" if they need evidence of the band's willingness to break away from other people's expectations.
However, it is probably one of the tracks Joe intimated was a bit "left field" for the band, even though it was more a case of Tim going "rock." Joe had commented, "We've gone a little left field on a couple of songs. Hopefully, we'll pull in audience interest. Who knows? We may bring in new people. That's the dream of every artist that makes records. We'll have to wait and see on that one" (LiveDaily, 7/26/07). Joe also suggests that the song is "Kind of like a cross between 'Armageddon It' and 'Honky Tonk Woman. It's got a tinge of Stones-y country, as opposed to country-country. I wouldn't say it's typical Leppard, by any means" (Brian Mansfield, USA Today). According to Tim, "Each of us brought something different to the table, and we drew on each others influence to finish it out. They are simply one of the best rock bands ever, and it was a great time working together" (CMT.com).
02. C'mon C'mon
[4:09] Rick Savage
Written by Rick Savage and inspired by the British glam-rock movement of the early 1970s, this song was planned to be the second single from the album (at least in the UK) released at the same time as the record. However, this single was at lease supported with an official single release, in the form tour edition 12" vinyl picture disc, scheduled for release on July 14. It would contain a live version of "Rocket" from the band's May 2008 show in Islington.
According to Joe, "[Bassist Rick Savage] just went out there and wrote a Chinn & Chapman song. It's Bowie, Sweet, T. Rex. It's all that rolled into one" (Brian Mansfield, USA Today). The song was based on a drum groove that Sav had in his head. He was thinking about a football (soccer) terrace sort of anthem that pulsed as it chugged along. One lyric does draw an interesting thought: "Just let the man in me meet the woman in you" seems to make an obtuse reference to "Mutt" Lange's first Shania Twain production: "The Woman In Me" (1995). Intended or not it is ironic.
04. Love
[4:17] Rick Savage
Another of the early titles mentioned for possible inclusion on the album by Vivian Campbell. This was the most technically difficult song to record because of its unique style that had many fans screaming "Queen" in its theatrical style and execution! Rick had labored for years on this song that Vivian feels couldn't be labeled a "ballad" simply because of its scope.
05. Tomorrow
[3:35] Phil Collen
The inspiration for this song came from the passing of Phil's father from cancer. Phil's father had been given a couple of months to live and had not wanted to pass away in hospital so he went home to be with his family when the end came. "Tomorrow" is essentially about coming to terms with the inevitable, and the peace that came from accepting it. Phil deliberately didn't make the song a ballad.
06. Cruise Control
[3:03] Vivian Campbell
With its frantic and pulsing underlying bass this song is, "Very kind of anti-war, very much about the Iraq situation. We never like too push too hard on the political front, because it doesn't really suit bands like us, but we have managed to express that we do have a bit of a brain with songs like 'Gods of War...' Where we can touch on stuff other than 'Do you want to get rocked'" (Brian Mansfield, USA Today). According to Joe, the song is almost about suicide bombers from their own perspective. Vivian plays the guitar solo, recorded at his home.
07. Hallucinate
[3:17] Phil Collen
Essentially the song is about being in denial. Phil started writing the song in 2004. The band sees this song as typical "Def Leppard" sounding, but with a bit more tempo than usual.
08. Only The Good Die Young
[3:34] Vivian Campbell
Several versions of this song were recorded before the band decided which style/arrangements worked. It started out in the Tom Petty school of sound. Vivian wrote it about heroes such as James Dean and Jimi Hendrix who died too young.
09. Bad Actress
[4:19] Joe Elliott
According to Joe, this song is "A humorous, mini-romp at the whole X Factor lifestyle" (Brian Mansfield, USA Today). Particularly the acting on reality television where everyone wants to be famous, but few people have the skill to act. Joe had the song for years before finally being able to finish it, though it ended up being one of the first songs recorded for the album. While it is basic lyrically and structurally, Joe didn't want it too tied to "reality TV" so that it wouldn't become dated once that fad passes. Viv and Phil conduct another guitar duel during the solo section. The band started sound checking this song towards the end of the US tour, though it didn't make it into the set at the time.
10. Come Undone
[3:32] Joe Elliott
A last minute addition to the album based on the insanity of living life in, or connected to, a popular band.
11. Gotta Let It Go
[3:55] Vivian Campbell
Also referred to at one point as "Give It Away," which forms part of the chorus. According to Viv, it's about the "emptiness of ambition" and how having everything is often not enough. Guitar solo by Vivian who had to cut one of his solos in a rush due to having to leave to pick up his daughters. As a result, the one take proved to be exactly what he was looking for.
(Disc 2) \*\* For further details see DVD section.
01. "Behind The Curtain" Documentary [20:24]
02. The Sparkle Lounge Commentary [21:48]
03. Nine Lives (Video/DVD) [3:36]
Produced by Ronan McHugh and Def Leppard. Engineered and Mixed by Ronan McHugh. Primarily recorded January through February, and March 2007 at Joe's Garage in Dublin, Eire. Additional engineering by Ger McDonnell and Preston Pope. Additional recording at Campbell Manor, Phil's Sweat Shop, and Baam House, all in California. Annoyingly, the international version of the "Deluxe Edition" doesn't contain any CD bonus tracks, nor for that matter any rendition of the actual CD cover collage.
Initially the album was tentatively scheduled for release on March 18, 2008 in the US (a day earlier elsewhere). Within weeks of the date being announced the release had been pushed back to May. The album debuted at #5 on the US Billboard album charts, selling 55,000 copies its first week. The album became the band's 12th consecutive Top-20 album. The second week the album dropped to #30 with only 20,000 copies sold, and down to #56 the following week, then #80, #104, #120, #139, and then #187.
Much of the writing work and some of the recording for the album was done while the band was out on tour. Phil suggested that they try to write the record while on the road to save time, particularly after the speed with which the "Yeah" covers had been recorded. The band had a room set up backstage where they could go to work on ideas while they were fresh in the mind. Rick described the function: "We have a room that we call the 'Sparkle Lounge,' and everything we do we work out in the Sparkle Lounge first, but it's really nice because we go on tour so you get an idea of what works live and what works in the studio" (maximumink.com).
This room became central to the band attempting to really write an album while they were on the road. According to Joe, "We set it up every day. No matter where we were, we set this stuff up. Sometimes we didn't go in, sometimes we did. If anybody had any ideas for songs, we banged them down. It just made our life a lot easier. We don't normally write well on the road, but for some reason it worked this time. It's a great little scenario, what we had going... The songs just kept coming and coming and coming. It was really cool, I have to say. It worked really well" (LiveDaily, 7/26/07). The room also inspired what was initially the working-title for the album: "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge." The crew decorated the room with sparkle lighting in order to give it a bit of atmosphere. The band weren't bothered that some might think the title as silly; it's very literal and makes a change from the one word titles used for studio albums for years.
What was really unique about the album, apart from how the songs were developed, was that they were more individual efforts than at any time in the band's history. Rather than have the team effort so apparent on many of the historic songs, each of the writers really presented only what was felt was complete without additional input or refinement from other members. This presented a new approach to the material and only "Nine Lives" and "Go" are credited with any collaboration. However, the album wasn't created with any specific theme, either in song writing or in execution, except perhaps getting back to a more "Def Leppard" sound. Phil felt the last few albums had been rather poppy, and that the "Yeah" album brought them back on track for a more straight forward "rock" album without much experimentation.
Former producer Mutt Lange was slated for involvement at one point, though it was not clear whether it would be on a "Hysteria" or "Adrenalize" level. The band sent him some material for his input, and according to Sav, if he wasn't able to get it back to them in time they'd save it for some other time. Indeed, this eventually ended up being what occurred. The song with Mutt wasn't finished off, so it may turn up on the next album. Whatever material Mutt may have heard he was apparently enthusiastic about, and had some ideas about where they could take it.
As ever, the analogies to previous Def Leppard work were being made, with the album being described sonically as "Hysteria" type material recorded like "High 'N' Dry." According to Sav, "Because it has lots of rock energy, though the songs are more sophisticated" (David Ling). Joe clearly believes the album to be more adventurous, though it also has the requisite '70s feel. Joe: "Musically, ['Songs from the Sparkle Lounge' is] a big mish mash of various stages of LEPPARD through the ages, I think... There's some songs that don't sound like anything we've ever done. I think that's important" (LiveDaily, 7/26/07).
The album cover was inspired by the Beatles' "Sgt. Peppers" classic design, with more than a touch of Monty Python, resulting in what Joe described as being "Sgt. Python." Unfortunately, they had to take celebrities out due to legal/financial issues, but wanted a cover that harkened back to when album covers looked cool. Storm Thorgerson who as part of the Hipgnosis group was responsible for the design of the "High 'N' Dry" album cover. Hamster is Richard Hammond from the UK TV show "Top Gear," who trashed a car at 280mph and survived.
For touring plans, the band continued the practice of picking other big name legacy acts to partner with. This had become something so standard operating procedure since 2005 and seemed to have become very successful. The initial US tour was scheduled with Styx and Reo Speedwagon, while the UK dates were going to be in conjunction with Whitesnake and Black Stone Cherry. Other festival dates would see the band play with numerous other artists. According to Joe, the band will always do the "greatest hits," but they can at least vary them by market a bit. Set doesn't change around much, since they're there for the audience who expect the hits to be played. Like any band with a large catalogue of hits, they have a difficult path to walk between the old and new material. The same argument applies to the obscure material that many of the diehards want to hear.
US Tour Notes:
March 27, 2008 -- Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
\*\*First show of the tour, with the following set: Rocket Animal Let's Get Rocked Foolin' Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) / Nine Lives Love Bites Rock On / Two Steps Behind Bringin' On The Heartbreak Switch 625 Hysteria Armageddon It Photograph Pour Some Sugar On Me / Rock of Ages.
March 29 -- Hard Rock, Hollywood, FL
March 30 -- Germain Arena, Estero, FL
\*\*5,690 / 5,700 ($415,189).
April 1 -- Bi-Lo Center, Greenville, SC
\*\*8,198 / 8,198 ($479,732).
April 3 -- Sovereign Arena, Reading, PA
\*\* First show from the tour to circulate as an unofficial video recording. Same set as the first show. 6,808 / 7,242 ($433,757).
April 4 -- Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ \*\*SOLD OUT
April 6 -- Verizon Wireless, Manchester, NH
\*\*Sold-out crowd of 8,726 ($567,097).
April 8 -- Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
April 9 -- Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, RI
\*\* 5,665 / 8,920 ($336,166).
April 11 -- Colisée, Québec City, QC, Canada \*\*POSTPONED
April 12 -- Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, ON, Canada \*\*POSTPONED
April 13 -- Copps Arena, Hamilton, ON, Canada \*\*POSTPONED
April 16 -- MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada \*\*POSTPONED
April 18 -- Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI \*\*POSTPONED
April 19 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI \*\*POSTPONED
\*\*Four Canadian and two US dates were postponed due to both Joe Elliott and Phil Elliott being sick, though Rick Allen also had back issues! Malvin suggested that the viral attack against the band members was particularly devastating. While there were fears that Joe may have had pneumonia (it was a nasty bugger of an upper respiratory tract infection -- well, they're all nasty, aren't they!), that wasn't the case, though with Phil also ill the band were ordered to take 10 days off to recuperate.
April 22 -- Idaho Center, Nampa (Boise), ID
\*\*The band resumed the tour with the same set list they'd been playing prior to the plague. 9,277 / 9,587 attend with the show grossing $572,445.
April 23 -- Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
\*\*Sold out show of 9,908 grossing $594,565.
April 25 -- The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, NV
April 26 -- Coors Amphitheater, Chula Vista, CA
\*\* 9,992 / 19,506 ($476,921). End of the US tour with Styx and REO Speedwagon. The band sound-checked 'Bad Actress' prior to this show, but didn't add it to the set.
April 27 -- Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, CA
\*\*Essentially a club show at the casino with Ricky Warwick opening. On April 30 the band appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live performing 'Nine Lives,' and part of 'Let It Go' as the show's credits rolled. The performance was filmed at El Capitan Entertainment Center in Hollywood.
European Tour Notes:
May 6 -- Carling Islington Academy, London, England
\*\*This one-off intimate show (sold-out capacity of 300 grossing $11,836) was conducted in conjunction with the UK release of the album. The band performed "Bad Actress," "Hallucinate," and "C'mon C'mon" during their fifteen song set. The rest of the set included: "Let it Go," "Action," "Nine Lives," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Animal," "Armageddon It," "Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)," "Wasted," "Rocket," "Rock Of Ages," "Photograph," and "Let's Get Rocked." The band had planned a signing session at the Oxford Street HMV in London, though the event had to be cancelled due the to their rehearsal schedule for their appearance on "Live From Abbey Road," an UK television show on Channel 4.
May 16 -- Palace Grounds, Bangalore, India \*\*POSTPONED
May 18 -- Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, India \*\*POSTPONED
May 21 -- Classic Rock Festival, Sandnes, Norway
\*\*Set list included "C'mon C'mon."
May 23 -- Fredriksten Festning, Halden, Norway
\*\*"C'mon C'mon," "Bad Actress," and "Nine Lives" performed from the new album along with "Make Love Like A Man."
May 24 -- Market Place, Trondheim, Norway
\*\*Same "different songs" as the previous night, but at this show a modern version of Thin Lizzy opened for Def Leppard.
June 4 -- Icehall, Helsinki, Finland
June 6 -- Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden
June 8 -- City Airport, Kaliningrad, Russia
June 9 -- Siemens Arena, Vilnius, Lithuania
June 11 -- Saku Suurhall, Talinn, Estonia
\*\*The acoustic version of "Two Steps Behind" plus "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" and "When Love & Hate Collide" replace other material in the set. "Bad Actress" becomes an encore.
June 14 -- Rock Under Bridge Festival, Middelfart, Denmark
June 15 -- Arrow Classic Rock Festival, Nijmegen, Holland
\*\*Def Leppard performs with KISS logo behind them!
June 17 -- SE&CC, Glasgow, Scotland
June 18 -- NEC, Birmingham, England
June 20 -- MEN, Manchester, England
June 21 -- Odyssey Arena, Belfast, N. Ireland
June 23 -- Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
June 24 -- Newcastle Arena, Newcastle, England
June 26 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
\*\*UK tour co-headlining with Whitesnake and Black Stone Cherry.
June 27 -- Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium
July 1 -- Karaskaki Stadium, Athens, Greece
July 3 -- Tirana Stadium, Tirana, Albania
July 4 -- Akademik Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria
July 6 -- Masstival, Istanbul, Turkey
July 8 -- Romexpo, Bucharest, Romania
July 11 -- Masters Of Rock Festival, Vizovice, Czech Republic
July 12 -- Magic Circle Festival, Bad Orelsen, Germany
July 14 -- International Arena, Cardiff, Wales
July 15 -- Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
July 17 -- Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, England
USA "Leg II" Tour Notes:
July 30 -- Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, TX w/ Joan Jett
August 1 -- Sommet Center, Nashville, TN w/ Joan Jett
August 2 -- Verizon Wireless Center, Birmingham, AL w/ Joan Jett
August 3 -- Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS w/ Joan Jett
August 6 -- Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, Canada w/ Billy Idol
August 7 -- John Labatt Centre, London, ON, Canada w/ Billy Idol
August 9 -- Colisée Pepsi, Québec City, QC, Canada w/ Billy Idol
August 10 -- Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, ON, Canada w/ Billy Idol
August 13 -- MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada w/ Billy Idol
August 15 -- Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI w/ Billy Idol
August 16 -- Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA w/ Everclear
August 17 -- Qwest Center, Omaha, NE w/ Billy Idol
August 20 -- Memorial Coliseum, Ft. Wayne, IN w/ Billy Idol
August 21 -- Erwin J. Nutter Center, Dayton, OH w/ Billy Idol
August 23 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
\*\*"An evening with Def Leppard," along with Styx and REO Speedwagon!
August 24 -- Mohegan Sun Grandstand, Syracuse, NY
\*\*Performing at the 162nd New York state fair.
October 23 -- Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
October 24 -- Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
October 27 -- Castle Hall, Osaka, Japan
October 28 -- Nippon Gaishi Hall, Nagoya, Japan
October 31 -- Members Equity Stadium, Perth
\*\*Outdoor show. The Australian tour, promoted by AMP, supported by Cheap Trick and The Galvatrons. This was the band's first proper touring visit to Australia since 1992.
November 2 -- Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, Australia
November 3 -- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia
November 5 -- Acer Arena, Sydney, Australia
November 7 -- Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
November 8 -- Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
November 10 -- Win Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, Australia
November 11-- Ais Arena, Canberra, Australia
November 14 -- Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
"Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" B-Side Track Notes:
01. Love (Piano Version) [4:22]
Bonus track for the UK (regular release version only), Japanese, and iTunes album purchase releases, this version is very much simplified without the additional guitars.
02. Nine Lives (Def Leppard Version) [3:33]
Bonus track for the Japanese version that simply has Joe singing the all of the song.
03. Unknown Song
The twelfth song may or may not have been the "Mutt" song. Not quite finished in time, it was felt that the song was being "forced" due to the time constraints. The music was essentially complete and the band had a general idea about the lyrics. Perhaps for the next album.
04. C'mon C'mon (Radio Edit) [3:37]
Slightly shortened version issued on the promotional single-track CD-single.
04. Rocket (Live)
A live version recorded on May 6, 2008 at Carling Islington Academy in London. This version was originally intended to be included on the "Tour Edition" of the 12" "C'mon C'mon" single.
Def Leppard Videography
VHS/BetaMax & Laserdiscs
(and Legacy Formats)
"Historia" Video Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 080 359-1/3 (USA, 1988 -- Laserdisc/VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 080 376-1 (Europe, 1988 -- Laserdisc)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 041 6842 (Europe, 1988 -- VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV CFV-07892 (UK, 1988 -- VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/Videoarts VAL-3066 (Japan, 1988 -- Laserdisc)
Track(s):
01. Hello America [3:27]
02. Let It Go [4:43]
03. High 'N' Dry [3:55]
04. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Version 1) [5:03]
05. Photograph [4:09]
06. Rock Of Ages [4:05]
07. Foolin' [5:36]
08. Too Late For Love [3:40]
09. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [4:16]
10. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Version 2) [4:31]
11. Me And My Wine [4:15]
12. Women [6:00]
13. Animal [4:36]
14. Pour Some Sugar On Me (UK Version) [4:30]
15. Hysteria [6:00]
16. Armageddon It (Live) [5:21]
17. Pour Some Sugar On Me (US Version Live) [5:31]
18. Love Bites [5:41]
Produced by Chris Main. Video compilation help Sarah Willis (Phonogram). VT engineer David Phillips. VT editors Gary Graham and Adrian Church at Crown Television Facilities, Ltd. Sound dubbing by Buster Field. Video 18 was an unlisted bonus treat that Joe made sure to mention in the 1988 US tour book. Certified Gold and Multi-Platinum by the RIAA on September 8, 1988, and 2x Platinum on May 9, 1989. This package charted for a whopping 79 weeks in the US, the best of any Def Leppard video. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard "Top Music Video" charts on August 6, 1988, held from the top-spot by Madonna, though it did eventually take the #1 spot on September 17.
"Rock Of Ages" CD-Video Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 080 034-2 (UK, 1989)
Track(s):
01. Rock Of Ages
02. Stagefright
03. Billy's Got A Gun
04. Too Late For Love
05. Rock Of Ages (Video)
CD Video (not to be confused with VideoCD) is a long obsolete format that had a brief life in the late 1980s. The format included audio tracks and video on a 5" usually gold CD. Various PAL and NTSC versions exist, mostly with the CDs having been manufactured in Japan or Germany.
"Love Bites" CD-Video Notes:
Bludgeon Riffola/PMV 080 458-2 (UK, 1988)
Track(s):
01. Love Bites
02. Rocket (Lunar Mix)
03. Billy's Got A Gun (Live)
04. Love Bites (Video)
"Animal" CD-Video Notes:
Bludgeon Riffola/PMV 080 626-2 (UK, 1988)
Track(s):
01. Animal
02. Animal (Extended Version)
03. Tear It Down
04. Animal (Video)
"Rocket" CD-Video Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 080 990-2 (UK, 1989)
Track(s):
01. Rocket (Edit)
02. Release Me
03. Rock Of Ages (Live)
04. Rocket (Video)
"In The Round - In Your Face Live" Video Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 080 599-1/3 (USA, 1989 -- Laserdisc/VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 080 598-1/3 (UK, 1989 -- Laserdisc/VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/Videoarts VAL-3066 (Japan, 1989 -- Laserdisc)
Track(s):
01. Introduction [2:07]
02. Stagefright [3:31]
03. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) [3:09]
04. Women [6:34]
05. Too Late For Love [5:48]
06. Hysteria [7:25]
07. Gods Of War [6:34]
08. Die Hard The Hunter [7:00]
09. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [6:14]
10. Foolin' [5:01]
11. Armageddon It [5:28]
12. Animal [4:58]
13. Pour Some Sugar On Me [8:01]
14. Rock Of Ages [10:39]
15. Photograph [5:18]
16. Credits [3:11]
Directed by Wayne Isham. Produced by Curt Mavis and Carl Wyant for The Company. Edited by Jeff Richter. Audio produced by Def Leppard and Robert A. Scovill. Engineered by Robert A. Scovill assisted by John Smit and Malcolm Harper. Filmed at McNichols Arena in Denver, CO, February 12-13, 1988, with additional footage from The Omni in Atlanta, GA, October 7-9, 1988. "Don't Shoot Shotgun," "Let It Go," and "Tear It Down" were also in the band's set during the February shows, but were excluded from the video.
A soundboard from the February 13 does circulate for collectors who want the full show, albeit in audio only format. Both "Armageddon It" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me" were performed twice during the set, at that performance, to allow for the additional film footage required for the planned videos for the respective singles. Certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA on November 29, 1989, this video stayed in the charts for 21 weeks (until early 1990) after debuting at #17 on October 14, 1989. It eventually charted as high as #3.
"Visualize" Video Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 086 507-1/3 (USA, 1993 -- Laserdisc/VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 086 506-3 (UK, 1993 -- VHS)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PolyGram PHLS1015 (Japan -- Laserdisc)
Bludgeon-Riffola/Videoarts POVS-1619 (Japan, 1993 -- Laserdisc)
Track(s):
01. Opening Statements And Titles [2:29]
02. Rocket [4:05]
03. Switch 625 (Steve Clark Tribute) [5:01]
04. Solo Projects / Making Videos [14:11]
05. Let's Get Rocked [5:15]
06. Vivian Campbell Joins Def Leppard [3:56]
07. Make Love Like A Man [6:47]
08. I Wanna Touch U [3:56]
09. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad [4:27]
10. Interviews [1:05]
11. Tonight [4:33]
12. Heaven Is [3:56]
13. Fans / Off Stage Life [0:53]
14. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion) [4:45]
15. Return To Sheffield [5:39]
16. Two Steps Behind (Live From Sheffield) [7:31]
17. Love Bites (Live From Sheffield) [5:14]
18. Photograph (Live From Sheffield) [1:28]
19. The Future Of Def Leppard [2:00]
Produced and directed by Phil Tuckett. Originally intended to use the title "Historia II," though the format changed to be more interactive with interview and feature segments that had not been a part of the original "Historia" installment. Certified Gold by the RIAA on February 15, 1994.
"1993-1995 Video Archive" Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 637 481-1 (USA, 1995 -- Laserdisc)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 637 481-3 (USA, 1995 -- VHS)
PolyGram Music Video POVS-1008 (Japan, 1995 -- Laserdisc)
Bludgeon-Riffola/PMV 634 192-3 (UK, 1995 -- VHS)
Track(s):
01. Introduction [2:51]
02. Let's Get Rocked (Live) [4:58]
03. Foolin' (Live) [4:51]
04. Rocket (Live) [10:20]
05. Two Steps Behind (Live) [5:01]
06. Armageddon It (Live) [6:07]
07. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live) [5:14]
08. Rock Of Ages (Live) [5:45]
09. Love Bites (Live) [9:17]
10. When Love & Hate Collide [4:13]
11. Two Steps Behind [4:11]
12. Action [3:43]
13. Miss You In A Heartbeat [4:01]
14. When Love & Hate Collide (Epic) [11:42]
15. Two Steps Behind (Live) [4:35]
16. Armageddon It (Live) [4:40]
17. When Love & Hate Collide (Live) [4:26]
18. Animal (Live) [4:26]
19. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live) [5:36]
20. Ziggy Stardust (Live) [5:07]
21. Credits [2:41]
Executive producer: Nick Ryle. Produced and directed by Duncan Smith and Will Ashurst. Selections 2-9 filmed live at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium in June 1993; Selection 10-14 video promos 1993-5, including the two versions of "When Love & Hate Collide;" Selections 15-20 filmed live at the Wapantake Club, Sheffield in October 1995. This third video compilation brought Def Leppard's history up-to-date to late 1995 and tied in with the Vault release. Def Leppard's least successful video release since it remains uncertified by the RIAA in the United States.
Def Leppard DVD Releases
"Classic Albums: Hysteria" DVD Notes:
Eagle Vision EV30019-9R1 (USA, 8/27/02)
Video Arts Music VABG-1105 (Japan, 9/26/02)
Eagle Vision EREDV-258 (UK, 5/10/04)
Video Arts Music VABZ-5021 (Japan, 11/2/05 -- Reissue)
Video Arts Music VABZ-1285 (Japan, 5/21/08 -- Reissue)
Chapters:
01. Introduction [5:12]
02. Animal [10:11]
03. Hysteria [11:06]
04. Rocket [10:31]
05. Love Bites [3:39]
06. Pour Some Sugar On Me [8:46]
Bonus Material:
01. Initial Recordings of "Animal"
02. Rick Gets Hysterical
03. "Hysteria" (Acoustic) [4:31]
04. Drumming-Return To The Status Quo
05. The Album According To Joe
06. Sugar Stripped Down
07. "Pour Some Sugar On Me" (Acoustic) [3:44]
Both of the acoustic performances featured on this documentary are conducted by Phil and Joe only, but are fun nonetheless.
08. Guitars, Guitars, Guitars
09. Windmill II And The Gods Of War
10. Mutt's Vocals In The Mix
11. The Album Is Finally Released
Executive producers: Terry Shand and Geoff Kempin. Co-executive producers: Jamie Rugge-Price and Bous De Jong. Series production executive: Martin R. Smith. Series producer: Mick de Grunwald. Directed and edited by Matthew Longfellow. In a nutshell, "Each title explores the making of a landmark album through archive footage and new interviews" (PR). Interview/studio segments filmed in December 2001. The show debuted on VH-1 television in 2006 in the US.
The "Classic Albums: Hysteria" show/DVD is essentially everything a fan could ever have wanted to know about the recording of the incredible album. Most notable within the documentary are demo samples of material, and multi-track playbacks on the mixing board demonstrating the numerous layers that comprise each song's construction, and some things that weren't included in the final mixes.
"Historia/In The Round - In Your Face Live" DVD Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury 586 634-9 (USA, 2/26/02)
Track(s):
Same as original VHS releases, plus:
01. Promises (Video) [4:09]
02. Goodbye (Video) [3:47]
03. Slang (Video) [2:51]
04. Work It Out (Video) [4:39]
05. All I Want Is Everything (Video) [4:22]
06. Interview [11:01]
07. Discography
Joe has suggested that it was his idea to put the DVD reissues out after seeing other artist's DVDs in stores. While the DVD reissue of these Def Leppard videos included the original VHS releases, the 1996-9 videos were included as bonus material along with an interview and discography. Subtitles were provided in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Latin American Spanish. The DVD debuted at #3 on the US "Top Music Video" charts on March 16, 2002.
This DVD attained RIAA Gold certification on May 13, 2002 and fell to #10 the following week, but charted for 21 weeks matching the original VHS performance of "In The Round..."
"Visualize/Video Archive" DVD Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury 586 633-9 (USA, 2/26/02)
Track(s):
Same as original VHS releases, plus:
01. Interview [3:01]
02. Discography
While the DVD reissue of these Def Leppard videos included the original VHS releases, bonus material included an interview and discography. Subtitles were provided in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Latin American Spanish. The DVD debuted at #9 on the US "Top Music Video" charts on March 16, 2002 and fell to #24 the following week. It only managed four weeks on the charts following release.
"Long Long Way To Go" Video DVD Single Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/Mercury 9800025 (Europe, 2003)
Track(s):
01. Long Long Way To Go (Video) [4:13]
02. Gimme A Job [3:19]
03. Now [0:29]
04. Animal [0:29]
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me (UK Version) [0:30]
06. Hysteria [0:29]
Def Leppard's first Video-DVD single released in PAL format. Track 2 plays to a collage of Def-related pictures. The other videos are simply clips...
"Best Of The Videos" DVD Notes:
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG 9868638 (Europe, 10/25/2004)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UIBR-1004 (Japan, 11/21/2004)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UIBR-9004 (Japan, 12/6/2006 -- Reissue)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UIBR-3003 (Japan, 6/13/2007 -- Reissue)
Chapter(s):
01. Photograph
02. Rock Of Ages
03. Foolin'
04. Bringing On The Heartbreak (Version 2)
05. Animal
06. Women
07. Pour Some Sugar On Me
08. Armageddon It
09. Hysteria
10. Love Bites
11. Rocket
12. Let's Get Rocked
13. Make Love Like A Man
14. Heaven Is
15. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
16. Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)
17. Tonight
18. I Wanna Touch U
19. Two Steps Behind
20. Miss You In A Heartbeat
21. Action
22. When Love & Hate Collide
23. Slang
24. Work It Out
25. All I Want Is Everything
26. Promises
27. Goodbye
28. Now
29. Long, Long Way To Go
30. Armageddon It (US Version)
31. Slang (Director's Cut)
32. Long Long Way To Go (US Version)
33. When Love & Hate Collide (Epic Version)
This non-US release was the video tie in with the "Greatest Hits" package of the same title, though it is far more comprehensive as a single DVD package than the "Rock Of Ages" collection released in the US the following year. The final four tracks are bonus selections.
Various Artists "Live8" DVD Notes:
Capitol 7522745 (USA, 11/8/05)
EMI Music Video TOBW-3271 (Japan, 11/09/05)
Track(s):
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:27]
02. No Matter What [2:47]
03. Rock Of Ages [5:05]
Executive Producers: John Kennedy & Sir Bob Geldof. Directed by Nick Hopkin and Michael Maier. Recorded live at the Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA on July 2, 2005. Only one Def Leppard performance was included on the second disc of the DVD release, though they had also performed "No Matter What" and "Rock of Ages." The band also sound-checked the same songs on July 1. The band had originally been invited to perform at the original 1985 "Live Aid," but with the show coming so soon after Rick Allen's accident and recovery the band weren't willing to perform without him.
"Rock Of Ages: The DVD Collection" Notes:
Island/Bludgeon-Riffola B0005473-09 (USA, 11/15/05)
Video(s):
01. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:51]
02. Photograph [4:12]
03. Love Bites [5:21]
04. Let's Get Rocked [4:57]
05. Two Steps Behind [4:13]
06. Animal [4:06]
07. Foolin' [4:34]
08. Rocket [4:07]
09. When Love & Hate Collide [4:15]
10. Armageddon It [5:12]
11. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad [4:28]
12. Rock Of Ages [4:13]
13. Hysteria [5:54]
14. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [4:36]
15. Promises [4:03]
16. Women [5:46]
17. Slang [2:41]
18. Work It Out [4:39]
19. Now [3:53]
20. No Matter What (Rehearsal) [2:58]
It's important to contrast that the greatest hits audio compilation was titled "Rock Of Ages: The Definitive Collection" while this DVD package is titled "Rock Of Ages: The DVD Collection." In this subtle difference lies the explanation to a possible misconception about the product: It is simply a broad collection of Def Leppard's videos and is certainly neither definitive nor complete, nor is it advertised as, or claims to be, such. Essentially, excluding "Now," the rehearsal of "No Matter What," and extras (5.1, band commentaries, etc) all of the videos have been released on previous Def Leppard videos and DVD packages: Videos 1-3, 6, 7, 10, 12-14, & 16 originally issued on "Historia;" videos 4, 8, & 11 originally issued on "Visualize;" videos 5 & 9 originally issued on "Video Archive;" videos 15, 17 & 18 originally issued on the "Historia" DVD; video 14 the 1984 "Remix" version II video.
The DVD serves as a low-priced companion to the album release in compiling 19 of the band's major videos. With remastered audio, the band provides track-by-track commentary. There is a "Personal Playlist" option, which allows the viewer to sequence a playing order to their preference. The DVD was originally scheduled for release on 11/8, but the date was later bumped to 11/15. In its first week of sales, SoundScan™ reported 5,000 scans for the product and the video attained Gold status in the US on January 13, 2006.
"Hysteria: The Def Leppard" Movie Notes:
Paramount/Viacom 87484 (USA, 1/25/2006)
Staring:
Adam Macdonald as Rick Savage
Nick Bagnall as Pete Willis
Brett Watson as Tony Kenning
Orlando Seale as Joe Elliott
Karl Geary as Steve Clark
Tat Whalley as Rick Allen
Esteban Powell as Phil Collen
DVD Chapters:
01. Crash [5:08]
02. A Band Is Born [6:13]
03. Show Time [3:59]
04. Demo Daze [4:47]
05. Hello America [5:22]
06. Getting It Right [4:30]
07. The New Guitar [7:05]
08. Gold, Girls and Glory [5:59]
09. One Man Down [6:25]
10. Feel The Pain [4:45]
11. Downbeat [7:20]
12. Coming Back [5:27]
13. More Than Serious [6:04]
14. Rehab Blues [3:54]
15. The Hard Road Back [4:02]
16. Last Chance Dance/Credits [9:36]
Directed by Robert Mandel. Screenplay by Christopher Ames and Carolyn Shelby. Announced in January 2001, filming, of Rick's hospital scene, commenced in early April in Montreal, Canada. The movie was expected to take a month to film. The story of the band his highly condensed, due to the limitations of the time and format, but much of the important parts of the band's history are at least touched on. Joe helped a bit with the script to correct a few factual errors. Two of his criticisms: The movie portrayed Steve as a miserable person, which he generally wasn't; and Joe didn't feel that he was as dictatorial as the movie suggested, just driven. All in all, though, he felt the movie did a reasonable job portraying a highly condensed history of the band. The movie debuted on VH-1 on July 18.
"Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" Bonus DVD Notes:
Universal Music Group 176 699-2 (Europe, 5/5/08 -- Deluxe)
Bludgeon-Riffola/UMG UICR-9025 (Japan, 5/21/08 -- SHM+DVD)
Track(s): (Disc 2)
01. "Behind The Curtain" Documentary [20:24]
Sub-sections (non-chaptered)
Behind The Curtain
Collaborating With Tim McGraw
Co-Headlining
Favorite Shows
New Music
Influences
Touring The World
02. The Sparkle Lounge Commentary [21:48]
03. Nine Lives (Video/DVD) [3:36]
While this bonus DVD is not released independently of the "Sparkle Lounge" package, it does carry a separate UPC. The DVD was included in "Deluxe" versions of the album package, released in Europe and Japan. Housed in a book-style DVD digipak.
Rick Allen pre-Leppard
The Johnny Kalendar Band "Covers" EP Notes:
Unknown Label (UK, 1977)
Track(s):
01. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
[0:00] Tommy Shaw
A cover of the Styx track, which was itself only recorded by that band in 1977!
02. Unknown Song
[0:00] Unknown
03. Unknown Song
[0:00] Unknown
Rick was a member of the Johnny Kalendar band prior to joining Def Leppard. The band recorded a three track EP of covers in 1977. Joe mentioned this EP during an interview with Record Collector magazine in July 2006. The existence of this vinyl makes Rick the first Leppard to have appeared on vinyl, at an incredible age of 14!
Lightning BCS-0008 (UK, 1977 -- picture sleeve)
Track(s):
[3:07] Lucy
B1. Oy
[2:20] Lucy
Executive producer: Alan Davidson; Produced by Lucy. From Phil's pre-Tush band Lucy. This proto-punk and very loosely recorded single by Lucy provides Phil's first (semi) professional recording credit. The single was released sometime around July 1977. The A-side was included on the "White Dopes on Punk" compilation (Castle/Sanctuary CMQDD-998) released on October 10, 2005, though some Lucy tracks have been included on bootleg punk compilations. The music for both songs was written by the band with Paul Meuse being credited for the lyrics.
Lucy "Never, Never" 7" Single Notes:
Lightning GIL-516 (UK, 1978 -- picture sleeve)
Track(s):
[0:00] Meuse
[0:00] Meuse
"Start Button pushed by" Alan Davidson; Engine Driver: Bill Farley. The second Lucy single, featuring a collage of pictures of the band members on the cover. This band had pseudo-punk leanings, which Phil wasn't totally comfortable with, resulting in his departure for Tush. Realistically, the first single is obtainable, but this second one is far more difficult to find. Phil possibly wasn't a member of the band at the time this single was released, but since he is included on the cover the single is included here.
Tush was a pre-existing band. Phil was essentially recruited to replace George Junor, who wanted to return to his native Scotland for a more stable life with his young family. With the pending departure of the band the band's leader, and bassist, Mickey Tickton decided to revamp the whole line-up. Phil's friend Fred Ball was brought in on drums and vocalist Jeff Hepting was recruited.
With the new lineup in place the band started rehearsing at Phil's house and was soon playing gigs around London, notably the Spreadeagle Pub in Shoreditch. Within a couple of months guitarist Tony Miles was added to the band's line-up to augment the sound. He'd been the original guitarist in the first line-up of the band, 1976 though early 1977, and had been essentially discarded when Mickey revamped the band. This dual guitarist setup was an arrangement that Phil was comfortable with.
Even with a solid line-up the band didn't last long with the break-up being attributed to the usual musical differences. There was also an issue of the varying musical styles and skill levels of the members leading to friction. Phil then formed the Dumb Blondes with Fred Ball and Jeff Hepting, and new bassist Pete Webb, and completed his move away from proto-punk and straight rock into a more glam oriented sound and vision akin to the New York Dolls, but more importantly the British acts of 1973.
Phil's tenure with the Dumb Blondes was brief, for he responded to an ad in Melody Maker seeking a 'peroxide blonde rock guitarist.' As a result Phil quit the Blondes and joined Girl, a band that had been formed in Amsterdam by Phil Lewis and Gerry Laffy in late 1978. The Blondes continued, even managing to get signed. Rounding out Girl's first line-up was drummer David Gaynor. There is some indication that Blondes bassist Pete Webb was initially involved in Girl, but that he was soon replaced by Mark Megarey (bass). Only Phil and David had had any pre-band live experience.
Girl "Demo" Notes:
In the spring of 1979 Girl landed a record deal with Jet Records on the strength of their 5-song video demo that cost £100 to make. It had been financed by Simon Napier-Bell (later manager of Wham!) and was filmed at a porn studio in Muswell Hill. The band was "determined not to become just another record company project. They came to Jet Records, complete with a demo, a video, photographs and a definite idea of the direction they wanted to follow" (PR, 1979). The band hadn't even played live yet...
Track(s):
01. Take Me Dancing
02. You Really Got Me
03. My Number
04. Sweet Kids
05. Doctor Doctor
The video demo was officially released on "The Rare DVD Collection" in 2006 along with assorted other Girl video clips and promos.
Spiders Web
A song written by Phil during the early phase of the band that had been discarded by the time the album was recorded. The other earliest songs the band developed were "My Number," "The Things You Say," "Little Miss Anne," according to Simon Laffy.
Jet 159 (UK, 1979 - clear and black vinyl)
Track(s):
[3:45] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
With the same song on both sides, this clear vinyl single cost a meager 55p. The band's debut single, it was released on October 19, 1979 to mainly favorable reviews, with the single going straight "into the Sounds Heavy Metal Charts at number 16" (PR, 1979). "My Number" is a humorous title Gerry Laffy had used simply to denote his then untitled song. The title stuck. Mark Megarey was still in the band in late-September 1979, and as a result this is probably the only recording on which he was featured. He was replaced by Simon Laffy. The band made their live debut, as headlining act, at Camden's Music Machine on October 22, 1979. Other live club dates soon followed:
November 23, 1979 -- The Nashville Room, Kensington, London
November 30 -- Dingwalls, Camden, London
December 5 -- The Marquee, London
December 12 -- The Marquee, London w/ Jerry Floyd
\*\*This show was reviewed in the 12/29 edition of sounds. The review noted that Girl was suffering from a seeming "unfamiliarity with the bulk of the material," and that the band was moving their set away from the reggae-tinged material they'd played during their earlier sets. Songs mentioned from the set include "My Number" and "Do You Love Me?," an encore that brought "the excitement needle soaring right up into the red zone where it belongs."
December 28 -- The Marquee, London w/ Ian Fleming
Jet 169 (UK, 1980 - picture sleeve)
Track(s):
[3:17] Paul Stanley Bob Ezrin Kim Fowley
A cover of a classic KISS song. Girl was later offered the opportunity to open for KISS at their Wembley shows in September 1980. When asked not to perform the song, the band did anyway, and was not used for any further shows. According to Philip, "When you play London you just can't go out and do a set of straightforward rock songs, you need something extra, something special. I've always been into Kiss - not their material particularly, I just love them as an over the top concept. We started playing 'Do you love me' for a laugh really, and we were really surprised at the reaction it provoked. I'd sing 'Do you love me' and the audience would shout back 'No we don't - fuck off!' It wound people up so much, so I thought brilliant, that's it, let's record it" (Geoff Barton, Sounds, 5/7/80). The band filmed a promotional video for the song that mixed performance and conceptual footage.
Also simply known as "The Single," this single was released on January 11, 1980. That night the band played a warm-up gig at the Marquee (with Ian Fleming in support). Girl hit the ground running and as the album was released were on a UK tour opening for UFO, which was impressive for a band that had barely played live. The tour had kicked off at The Empire in Liverpool on January 13.
Like Def Leppard had discovered during their support of Sammy Hagar and AC/DC, the generally untested band quickly discovered the differences between a pro-support slot and playing in the clubs. One reviewer noted, "This band, good as they are, are too cool onstage for their own good. Although they work hard, although the sweat flows, although they have all the right moves, in the back of your mind there's always a niggling feeling of condescension... as if by coming to see them you're doing them a favor" (Geoff Barton, Sounds, 12/29/79). Like Def Leppard the band had also not played outside of their home base of London, so it was a matter of new markets for the band, and audiences who if they had heard of them had only done so from the national musical press.
On Tour With... UFO, 1979/80
December/January -- Dates in Europe. The UFO UK tour had concluded in Newcastle on December 17, following which the band was due to take a break for Christmas. Some sources suggest that UFO continued to tour in Europe, with Girl in support, but to date no such dates have been uncovered by the author. UFO had a scheduled date at the Odeon in Birmingham on December 26. In conjunction with Girl's 12/28 date at the Marquee it would make any December dates in Europe unlikely, and as a result they would have had to take place between 12/29 and 1/10.
January 13, 1980 -- Empire Pool, Liverpool, England
January 14 -- Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland
January 15 -- Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen, Scotland
January 16 -- Odeon Theatre, Edinburgh, Scotland
January 17 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
January 18 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
January 19 -- University, Leeds, England
January 20 -- New Theatre, Oxford, England
January 21 -- DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, England
January 22 -- Guildhall, Portsmouth, England
January 24 -- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, England
January 25 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
January 26 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
January 27 -- New Theatre, Coventry, England
January 28 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
January 29 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
January 30 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
January 31 -- Victoria Hall, Hanley, England
February 1 -- Colston, Bristol, England
February 2 -- Gaumont Theatre, Southampton, England
February 3 -- Hammersmith Odeon, London, England
February 4 -- Hammersmith Odeon, London, England
February 5 -- Hammersmith Odeon, London, England
February 6 -- Hammersmith Odeon, London, England
\*\*One of the Hammersmith shows was reviewed by Geoff Barton in the 2/16 edition of Sounds. He was impressed with Girl and how they had cut back on what was seen as unnecessary posing. Songs mentioned from the set included "Little Miss Ann," "Hollywood Tease," "Lovely Lorraine," "My Number," and 'Strawberries."
Jet JETLP-224 (UK, 1980)
Jet 36490 (USA, 2/1/1980)
Jet/Trojan Records JETCD-1009 (UK, 1994)
Loudwoof CRCL-4502 (Japan, 6/24/1998)
Receiver Records RRCD-269 (UK, 1999)
Track(s):
A1. Hollywood Tease
[2:39] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
A promotional film for this song was filmed in early 1980 for use in Japan. However, it was soon being used for the same purpose in other markets. It and "Do You Love Me?" were filmed at the same time on the same set. This song would be recycled by Phil Lewis in his late-1980s band LA Guns.
A2. Things You Say
[3:53] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
A3. Lovely Lorraine
[2:36] Philip Lewis Phil Collen Gerry Laffy
A4. Strawberries
[2:54] Philip Lewis
A5. Little Miss Ann
[2:40] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
A6. Doctor, Doctor
[2:42] Philip Lewis Phil Collen Gerry Laffy
B1. Do You Love Me?
[3:17] Paul Stanley Bob Ezrin Kim Fowley
It was Nick Tauber's idea for the band to record this cover in a calculated move to provide access to the American market with a possible hit. The problem was that by 1980 Kiss were in decline in the US and the song wasn't released as a single there. Nick produced this track.
B2. Take Me Dancing
[2:29] Philip Lewis Phil Collen Gerry Laffy
B3. What's Up?
[2:33] Gerry Laffy / Simon Laffy
B4. Passing Clouds
[4:38] Philip Lewis
Nick Tauber remixed this recording using the original vocals from the demo.
B5. My Number
[3:52] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
B6. Heartbreak America
[2:43] Philip Lewis
Produced by Chris Tsangarides and Girl. Recorded at Morgan Studios, Willesden; Olympic Studios; and The Marquee Studios. Released on February 1, 1980 the album reached a highly respectable #33 on the UK charts.
Jet 176 (UK, 1980 - picture sleeve)
CBS/Sony 06SP-455 (Japan, 1980 - A1/B2 only)
Track(s):
A1. Hollywood Tease
[2:34] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
This version of the song was "specially remixed" by Chris Tsangarides for the single which included a foldout poster-sleeve as an added incentive. The changes to the track are minor making the guitars more prominent.
B1. You Really Got Me
[2:38] Ray Davies
A cover of the classic Kinks track.
B2. My Number
[3:46] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
Released in March 1980.
"Old Grey Whistle Test" TV Appearance Notes:
Song(s):
01. Hollywood Tease
02. Strawberries
03. Sweet Kids
Girl scored an appearance on the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test," a television show of live in the studio music. Unfortunately, Girl hasn't been included on any of the three official archive DVDs from the show.
Mini-Tour, 1980...
After the struggle of the eye-opening experience touring with UFO, Girl took a brief break before setting out on a mini-tour to continue refining their live show.
February 29, 1980 -- Polytechnic, Sheffield, England
March 1 -- Porterhouse, Retford, England w/ White Spirit
March 8 -- Electric Ballroom, London, England
March 13 -- Drill Hall, Lincoln, England
March 14 -- Corn Exchange, Cambridge, England
March 15 -- College Of Education, Hitchin, England
March 18 -- Mid--Kent College, Maidstone, England
\*\* These club/college shows served as a warm-up for the Pat Travers tour that started at the end of March.
March 21 -- Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
March 24 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
\*\* Following this show Philip, Phil, Joe Elliott, and Steve Clark jammed at a local club where Sledgehammer had played that night, performing the covers Girl performed: "You Really Got Me" and "Do You Love Me?" (Animal Instinct).
March 25 -- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, England
March 26 -- Odeon Theatre, Hammersmith, London, England
March 28 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
March 29 -- Odeon, Birmingham, England
March 30 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
March 31 -- Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland
Headlining Tour Notes:
Following the brief Pat Traver's tour the band headed off on a headlining 34-date tour of the UK. Many of the dates appear to have been supported by Broken Home. Broken Home featured Peter Crowther and Jeff Pain, originally members of the British Mr. Big, drummer Pete Barnacle, and guitarist Rory Wilson. They also played the 1980 Reading Festival, with that show being their last. In the context of the "Def Leppard Story," Broken Home's 1980 debut album was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Barnacle replaced Bryson Graham in Girl...
April 6, 1980 -- The Marquee Club, London, England
April 7 -- The Marquee Club, London, England
April 8 -- The Marquee Club, London, England
April 10 -- Troubadour Club, Port Talbot, England
April 11 -- Winter Gardens, Malvern, England
April 12 -- City Hall, St. Albans, England
April 13 -- Fforde Green, Leeds, England
April 18 -- Rock Garden, Middlesborough, England
April 19 -- Porterhouse, Retford
April 20 -- Town Hall, Cheltenham, England
April 24 -- Norbreck Castle, Blackpool, England
April 25 -- Top Rank, Sheffield, England
April 26 -- Boat Club, Nottingham, England
April 28 -- Locarno, Bristol, England
April 29 -- Top Rank, Cardiff, Wales
April 30 -- Town Hall, High Wycombe, England
May 2 -- Mayfair, Newcastle, England
May 3 -- University, Bradford, England
May 7 -- Routes, Exeter, England
May 8 -- Circles, Swansea, Wales
May 12 -- Woodville Hall, Gravesend, England
May 13 -- Polytechnic, Manchester, England
May 14 -- College Of Technology, Glasgow, Scotland
May 16 -- University, Aberdeen, Scotland
May 17 -- University, Dundee, Scotland
May 18 -- University, St. Andrews, Scotland
May 20 -- Winter Gardens, Cleethorpes, England
May 22 -- Unity Hall, Wakefield, England
May 23 -- Metropole Theatre, Abertillery, Wales
May 24 -- Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, England
May 27 -- Civic Hall, Rickmansworth, England
May 30 -- Queensway, Dunstable, England
May 31 -- Pavilion, West Runton, England
June 1 -- Coatham Bowl, Redcar, England
Girl "Heartbreak America" 7" Single Notes:
CBS/Sony 06SP-481 (Japan, 1980)
Track(s):
A1. Heartbreak America
[2:43] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
B1. Things You Say
[3:53] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
Issued with a standard picture cover.
CBS/Sony 07SP-508 (Japan, 1980)
Jet 10-191 (UK, 1980 -- 10" white vinyl)
Jet 191 (UK, 1980 -- 7" white vinyl w/ patch)
Jet 16-523 (UK, 1980 -- with patch)
Track(s):
A1. Love Is A Game
[3:17] Russell Ballard
Lewis describes this song as, "A sort of faster, raunchier version of Argent's 'Hold Your Head Up'" (Geoff Barton, Sounds, 5/7/80).
B1. Little Miss Ann
[2:40] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
Released in May 1980. For much of the rest of the year Girl concentrated on recording their second album. When it was completed the band played a warm-up gig at Camden's Music Machine on November 21, before heading off to Japan.
Jet JET-7104 (UK, 1981)
Jet JET-P7104 (UK, 1981 - picture disc)
Track(s):
A1. Thru' the Twilight
[3:25] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
B1. McKitty's Back
[4:04] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
The first single issued in support of the "Wasted Youth" album. The single was also available as a 7" picture disc. It is somewhat humorous to consider that McKitty was the name of a contemporary band that featured Nicko McBrain on drums. Oh, wait! "Wasted Youth" was also the name of another contemporary band...
Girl got the gig opening for Ozzy Osbourne's UK leg of the "Diary Of A Madman" tour that was to have run from November 29 through December 26.
November 29, 1981 -- Colston Hall, Bristol, England
November 30 -- Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
December 1 -- DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, England
December 2 -- Royal Court, Liverpool, England
December 4 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland\*\*CANCELLED
December 5 -- Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland\*\*CANCELLED
December 6 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England\*\*CANCELLED
December 7 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England\*\*CANCELLED
December 18 -- Apollo, Manchester, England\*\*CANCELLED
December 19 -- Queens Hall, Leeds, England\*\*CANCELLED
December 22 -- Bingley Hall, Stafford, England\*\*CANCELLED
December 24 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, England\*\*CANCELLED
December 26 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, England \*\*CANCELLED
Unfortunately, the dates after December 2 were cancelled when Sharon pulled the plug apparently in order to get Ozzy's band back to the US for rehearsals for the US tour (or for other reasons, since one would presume that a tour wouldn't be booked that would conflict with another tour). On December 4 members of Girl attended a party held to celebrate Randy and Ozzy's birthdays. The guys from Girl started a food fight and the two Phils took their revenge on a journalist with a bucket of ice. Playing these dates meant that Phil, like Def Leppard had in 1980/1, had also opened for Ozzy...
Girl "Old Dogs" 7" Single Notes:
Jet JET-7019 (UK, 1982 - Picture Sleeve)
Track(s):
A1. Old Dogs
[3:40] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
B1. Passing Clouds
[4:38] Philip Lewis
Second single issued in support of the "Wasted Youth" album.
Girl "Wasted Youth" Album Notes:
Jet JETLP-238 (UK, 1982)
Jet/CBS ARZ-37723 (USA, 2/5/1982)
Jet/CBS JZ-37723 (Canada, 1982)
Jet 25-AP2297 (Japan, 1982)
Jet/Trojan Records JETCD-1010 (UK, 1994)
Loudwoof CRCL-4503 (Japan, 6/24/1998)
Receiver Records RRCD-268 (UK, 1999)
Track(s):
A1. Thru' The Twilight
[3:25] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
A2. Old Dogs
[3:40] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
A3. Ice In The Blood
[3:00] Bryson Graham
A4. Wasted Youth
[4:42] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
A5. Standard Romance
[3:58] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
B1. Nice N' Nasty
[3:07] Jack
B2. McKitty's Back
[4:04] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
B3. 19
[4:49] Philip Lewis Phil Collen Gerry Laffy / Simon Laffy
B4. Overnight Angels
[4:06] Philip Lewis Phil Collen Gerry Laffy
B5. Sweet Kids
[2:33] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
Recorded at Island Studios, London. Original recordings produced by Daniel Secunda (then the band's manager) and Girl. Release version produced by Nigel Thomas and Girl. Album remixed by Nigel Thomas during three days in Stockholm, Sweden, thus (according to band members) ruining the material. Bryson drums on the whole album, but was replaced by ex-Gillan/Broken Home drummer Pete Barnacle following the album sessions. Released in February 1982.
Girl "2+2" EP (\*Unreleased) Notes:
Unreleased Jet EP (1982)
Track(s):
A1. Naughty Boys
[3:25] Phil Lewis / Phil Collen
A2. Killing Time
[3:24] Phil Lewis / Phil Collen
B1. Nutbush City Limits
[2:33] Tina Turner
B2. Juliet
[4:15] Russ Ballard
Produced by Nick Tauber. For specific details on the "2X2" tracks refer to the "Killing Time" album section below. Originally planned for release in July 1982, Girl were already on their last legs when fate took over. Phil was snagged for Def Leppard to replace Pete Willis. Knowing that Girl were on borrowed time he didn't hesitate to jump ship. The band's relationship with Jet Records had totally broken down following "Wasted Youth." According to Phillip, "Jet didn't want to know. They let us die." However, he also admitted: "Basically, we were just a bunch of mega posers signed to a label that didn't know where to start... I don't think we should have had a deal" (Kerrang #75). Girl played its last concert at the Zigzag Club in London in June 1982. According to Phil: "I got drunk that night, the first time I think I ever got drunk on stage. Usually, I have a bit more pride than that. But nothing was going right with Girl" (Animal Instinct). A short time before the final gig the band did a one-off show in Ibiza, Spain, where they took a weeklong holiday.
Both Joe Elliott and Steve Clark were in the audience that night scoping out a possible replacement for the increasingly erratic Pete Willis. This was the second time that Phil had been asked to join an established band -- the first was when he was asked to replace Iron Maiden's Dennis Stratton. He declined at the time, feeling that Girl had a chance to make it on their own. By mid-1982 it was clear that they didn't.
Curtie & The Boombox "Black Kisses" Album Notes:
RCA AFLI-7024 (USA, 1985)
RCA PB-40063/4 (Holland, 1985 -- 7 & 12" singles)
RCA Deustch 14103 (Germany, 1985 -- 7" single)
Track(s):
A1. Black Kisses (Never Make You Blue)
[6:58] Peter Koelewijn
B1. Black Kisses (Never Make You Blue) (Special Version)
[5:46] Peter Koelewijn
Produced by Peter Koelewijn and Albert Boekholt. Phil Collen plays the guitar solo on this song.
Donny Osmond "Eyes Don't Lie" Album Notes:
Capitol Records CDP-7-94051-2 (USA, 10/15/90)
Track(s):
01. My Love Is A Fire
[4:27] Carl Sturken / Evan Rogers
02. Eyes Don't Lie
[4:24] Carl Sturken / Evan Rogers
03. Love Will Survive
[5:26] Donny Osmond / Evan Rogers
04. Sure Lookin'
[4:22] Donny Osmond / David Gamson / Tony Lemans
05. Private Affair
[3:49] Diane Warren
06. Take Another Try (At Love)
[4:27] Donny Osmond / David Gamson / Tony Lemans
07. Make It Last Forever
[5:25] Mark Holding / Mark Mancina
08. Never Too Late For Love
[5:26] Carl Sturken / Evan Rogers
09. Just Between You And Me
[3:45] Duane Hitchings / Donny Osmond / Allan Hewitt
10. Before It's Too Late
[5:17] David Gamson
Donny loved Def Leppard's "Hysteria" album so much he requested Phil play on this "Eyes Don't Lie" album. According to Donny, "He came into the studio and did this fantastic solo. A few weeks later I got a call from him to say that we had a problem. He couldn't have his name on the album because Def Leppard didn't want to be associated with me. It's a sad situation, but music is 80 per cent image and perception. It's still a hugely influential record for me none the less" (Observer Music Monthly, Guardian UK). As a result, Phil's contribution is credited to Rory James Collen, his son's name.
Sheer Greed "Sublime To The Ridiculous" Album Notes:
Die Laughing Records/Zero Corp. XRCN-1020 (Japan, 10/22/92)
Track(s):
01. First To Admit
[4:08] Gerry Laffy
02. Everybody Wants
[4:08] Tony Fennell Gerry Laffy John Taylor / Philip Lewis
Copyright registrations exclude Philip from the credit. Both Phil Collen and Philip Lewis guest on this track, the former on clean guitars, second solo, and backing vocals, and the latter on the mid-section rap. Def producer Pete Woodroffe also contributes bass and drum programming, which he engineered with Elliot Soloman.
03. Blue Favours
[3:43] Gerry Laffy
04. War Baby
[4:59] Tony Fennell Gerry Laffy Philip Lewis
Phil plays lead guitar on this track.
05. No Way Out
[4:32] Gerry Laffy
06. Let Me Down Gently
[4:51] Gerry Laffy
07. Rita's Dirty Hideaway
[3:28] Gerry Laffy
08. I Ain't Afraid
[4:12] Gerry Laffy
Phil plays the main guitar solo on this track.
09. Dying Inside
[4:48] Gerry Laffy
10. No Fun
[3:35] Gerry Laffy
11. Baby Gets Kix
[5:17] Gerry Laffy / Tony Forsythe
12. Hollywood Tease '92
[2:56] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
Fittingly, Phil plays the main guitar solo and provides the ending guitar blitz.
Executive producers: Phil Collen & Toru Hashimoto. Produced by Gerry Laffy. Gerry Laffy (Vocals/Guitar), Pete Barnacle (Drums), and Simon Laffy (Bass) reunited adding guitarist Neil Gabbitas to form Sheer Greed. If Phil Lewis could recycle the song for use by LA Guns, then why not other former members of the Girl! Tracks 2, 7, and 11 were later also included on the "Die Laughing" compilation. The band followed the release with "Live In London" (XRCN-1033) in 1993.
Loud Woof/Trojan CRCL-4504 (Japan, 1998)
Track(s):
01. Juliet
[4:15] Russell Ballard
"Juliet" was a song written by Russell Ballard of Argent fame for former Argent member John Verity. It was released as a single, backed with "I'm In Love," but failed to chart. The song had also been offered to Rainbow who rejected it.
02. Nutbush City Limits
[2:33] Tina Turner
Originally written by Tina Turner in 1973 that became a major hit in European markets (also reaching a respectable #22 in the US). Nutbush was the town in Tennessee where Anna Mae Bullock was born in 1939. It's was Ike & Tina Turner's final major US hit.
An "Instrument of copyright transfer" was executed on May 31, 1988 that transferred the following songs between Princess Productions, Ltd. and CBS Records, a division of CBS, Inc: "Hollywood Tease," "The Things You Say," "Lovely Lorraine," "Strawberries," "Little Miss Ann," "Doctor, doctor," "Do You Love Me?," "Take Me Dancing," "What's Up?," "Passing Clouds," "Heartbreak America," "My Number," "Killing Time," "Green Light," "Naughty Boy," "This Town," "We Are," "You Really Got Me," "White Prophet," "Juliet," "Black Max," "Love Is A Game," and "Nutbush City Limits.'
03. Mad For It
[3:46] Gerry Laffy
04. White Prophet
[2:47] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
An ode to cocaine, by many accounts.
05. Green Light
[2:57] Gerry Laffy
06. This Town
[3:11] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
07. Aeroplane Food
[2:48] Holton
08. Make It Medical
[2:56] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
09. Nothing But The Night
[3:56] Philip Lewis
10. Big Night Out
[4:11] Philip Lewis / Phil Collen
11. I Got Love
[2:55] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
12. Lucky
[3:29] Gerry Laffy
13. Killing Time
[3:24] Phil Lewis / Phil Collen
"Killing Time" had never been the band's plan for the title-track for a third album, but the record company chose this. This song would have been included on the "2X2" EP.
14. Naughty Boy
[3:25] Phil Lewis / Phil Collen
The real planned name for Girl's third album. This song would have been included on the "2X2" EP.
15. King Rat
[3:20] Philip Lewis
16. Mogal
[3:48] Philip Lewis
17. Love Is A Game
[3:17] Russell Ballard
Another Russell Ballard cover. It was partially a result of being forced to record this sort material by the record label that their relationship with Jet went downhill. This song had been released as an A-side of a single backed with "Little Miss Ann" in 1980 (JET-191). At the time Girl's self-written material wasn't performing spectacularly on the charts and the label was searching for a way to break the band.
18. Black Max
[3:18] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
"Black Max" debuted in the band's set during the summer of 1980, but never made it onto an album.
19. The Sound Of Cars
[4:40] Philip Lewis / Gerry Laffy
20. You Really Got Me
[2:48] Ray Davies
Cover of the Kink's classic with a bit of Van Halen's "Eruption" thrown into the intro. This demo version had originally been released as a non-album B-side on the "Hollywood Tease" single.
Initially released in Japan on June 24, 1998, "Killing Time" is a collection of previously unreleased material, including the abandoned "2x2" EP, and B-side material. Many of the tracks were recorded in the summer of 1982 while the band was at war with their label, Jet. In the case of the "2x2" EP it seems unlikely that Jet would ever have released it. At the time it had been recorded, Jet apparently had very little further interest in the band. There appears to be only one remaining Girl track that is unreleased, the enigmatic:
We Are
[0:00] Unknown
This song title, previously mentioned, shows up in the May 31, 1988 copyright documentation. Nothing else known.
Receiver Records RRCD-298 (UK, 2001)
Track(s):
01. Ice In The Blood [3:23]
02. Icy Blue
[3:24] Philip Lewis Phil Collen Simon Laffy
03. Mad For It [3:59]
04. Overnight Angels [4:48]
05. Old Dogs [3:27]
06. Big Night [4:34]
07. Sweet Kids [2:34]
08. Wasted Youth [3:39]
09. Nice 'N Nasty [3:04]
10. My Number [4:18]
11. Standard Romance [4:09]
12. Thru The Twilight [3:26]
Recorded live at the Marquee Club, London, England on October 23, 1981. This rough soundboard recording was done just days before Phil was recruited for Def Leppard at a gig at the Zig Zag Theatre in West London. Regardless, the recording features "Icy Blue" a song that never made it to full demo stage. However, the dating of the Zig Zag show seems off in conjunction with the known details surrounding Phil's addition to Def Leppard.
Girl "Live at the Exposition Hall, Osaka, Japan" Album Notes:
Receiver Records RRCD-314 (UK, 2001)
Track(s):
01. Wasted Youth [3:31]
02. Make It Medical [4:50]
03. My Number [3:33]
04. Heartbreak America [2:38]
05. Little Miss Ann [3:18]
06. Ice In The Blood [3:57]
07. Family At War
[5:01] Pete Bonus / Philip Lewis
08. Mad For It [4:53]
09. Tush
[3:34] Billy Gibbons
A cover of ZZ Top's classic "Tush." The song had been the band's first major US hit and was released on their "Fandango" album in 1975.
10. Old Dogs [3:22]
11. Strawberries [3:25]
12. Standard Romance [4:27]
13. Passing Clouds [5:17]
14. 19 [5:31]
15. Overnight Angels [4:53]
16. Hollywood Tease [3:07]
17. This Town
[5:09]
Recorded live in Osaka, Japan on December 4, 1982, long after the departure of Phil. His replacement, Pete Bonus, joined the band for a tour of Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong. This tour was the band's last gasp, and while Phil is not featured on the recording, the album closes out Girl's history.
Girl "My Number: The Anthology" Album Notes:
Sanctuary/Castle CMDDD-363 (UK, 1/8/2002)
BMG-Japan BVCM-47001-2 (Japan, 6/23/2004)
Track(s): Disc 1 --
01. My Number [3:49]
02. Do You Love Me? [3:12]
03. Strawberries [2:47]
04. Hollywood Tease [2:37]
05. You Really Got Me [2:48]
06. Love Is a Game [3:19]
07. Little Miss Anne [2:37]
08. The Things That You Say [3:52]
09. Lovely Lorraine [2:36]
10. Doctor Doctor [2:41]
11. Heartbreak America [2:45]
12. Old Dogs [3:24]
13. Passing Clouds [4:56]
14. Thru the Twilight [3:20]
15. McKitty's Back [3:59]
16. Ice In The Blood [3:00]
17. Wasted Youth [4:47]
18. Nice 'N' Nasty [3:07]
19. 19 [4:56]
20. Overnight Angels [4:07]
Disc 2 --
01. Naughty Boy [3:25]
02. Killing Time [3:23]
03. The Sound Of Cars [4:31]
04. White Prophet [2:59]
05. Big Night Out [4:10]
06. I Got Love [2:55]
07. Mad For It [3:47]
08. Green Light [3:01]
09. King Rat [3:19]
10. You Really Got Me (Demo Version) [2:46] Ray Davies
11. Ice In The Blood (Live) [3:03]
12. Icy Blue (Live) [3:22]
13. Big Night Out (Live) [4:34]
14. Sweet Kids (Live) [2:29]
15. Nice 'N' Nasty (Live) [2:59]
16. Thru The Twilite (Live) [3:43]
17. Family At War (Live) [4:52]
This anthology collects tracks from the original two studio releases and later live and unreleased recordings. Disc 1 tracks 1-4, 7-11, & 13 from "Sheer Greed;" track 5 non-album B-side also released on "Killing Time;" track 6 non-album A-side; track 12, 14-20 from "Wasted Youth." Disc 2 tracks 1-9 from "Killing Time;" Track 10 previously unreleased 1979 demo version; Tracks 11-16 from "Live At The Marquee;" Track 17 from "Live at the Exposition Hall, Osaka, Japan."
Die Laughing Records (United Kingdom, 2006)
Track(s):
01. Wasted Youth
02. Heartbreak America
03. Nice 'N' Nasty
04. Black Max
05. Little Miss Anne
06. White Prophet
07. Old Dogs
08. Passing Clouds
09. Strawberries
10. Doctor Doctor
11. My Number
12. Lovely Lorraine
13. Nineteen
14. Hollywood Tease
15. Overnite Angels
16. Born To Be Wild
[0:00] Mars Bonfire
17. Big Night Out
18. Overnite Angels
19. My Number
20. Standard Romance
This official bootleg captured the original line-up live in Tokyo during their December 1980 tour. It features several songs that never made it onto album and a cover of Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" that was an important part of the band's set. Ritchie Blackmore had jammed with the band at the Marquee in London in September 1980. Tracks 17-20 were recorded live in March 1982 at the Hammersmith, Odeon in London, soon after the release of "Wasted Youth."
This bootleg was originally distributed free with copies of the Girl DVD, however Philip Lewis felt that the quality was sub-standard and requested that it be withdrawn. It was replaced by the UK bootlegs '82 CD-R.
Girl "UK Bootlegs 1982" Album Notes:
CD-R Bonus Disc (United Kingdom, 2006)
Track(s):
01. Big Night Out (Live)
02. Overnite Angels (Live)
03. My Number (Live)
04. Standard Romance (Live)
05. Wasted Youth (Live)
06. Sweet Kids (Live)
07. The Sound Of Cars (Live)
08. Killing Time (Live)
09. Doctor Doctor (Live)
10. Nutbush City Limits (Live)
11. Nutbush City Limits (Demo Version)
12. Killing Time (Demo Version)
13. Madame Karone (Demo Version)
14. Make It Medical (Demo Version)
Tracks 1-4 recorded live at Hammersmith's Odeon Theatre; Tracks 5-10 recorded live at the Liverpool Empire Theatre; Tracks 11-14 demos recorded at the Marquee Studios in 1982. This CD-R bonus disc was included with purchases of the Girl DVD
Girl DVD Notes:
Die Laughing Media (United Kingdom, 2006)
Track(s):
01. Hollywood Tease (Video Promo) [2:37]
02. Do You Love Me? (Video Promo) [3:12]
03. Take Me Dancing (Demo) [2:34]
04. You Really Got Me (Demo) [2:47]
05. My Number (Demo) [3:45]
06. Sweet Kids (Demo) [2:30]
07. Doctor, Doctor (Demo) [2:40]
08. Hollywood Tease (German TV) [2:55]
This appearance on PopRock was lip-synched.
09. Money & The Magic (Gerry Laffy) [4:10]
10. Mandy (Gerry Laffy) [3:19]
11. No Way Out (Sheer Greed) [4:36]
Copies of this DVD initially came with a free "Live in Tokyo" CD, though that was withdrawn when Philip Lewis was unhappy with the quality of the show.
"I'm not out there to be the fastest guitar in the world. As far as I'm concerned, you can train a monkey to play fast. It may take ten years, but a monkey can do it" (Guitar World, 1/85).
Vivian Patrick Campbell was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on August 25, 1962. Vivian was inspired to pick up guitar after seeing Marc Bolan on TV. Viv's dad bought him his first guitar, an Arbiter, when he was eleven. Within a year he also had a bass. Viv got his first Les Paul, a wine red Deluxe, when he was fourteen. That guitar remained with him for years eventually being used to record "Holy Diver" and tour with Dio, though by that time the guitar had been painted black. While the imagery of Marc Bolan and a figure may have been inspiring, Rory Gallagher became Vivian's first guitar hero. According to Vivian, "His playing was so so emotional that I went out and bought all of his records. Rory was the first guitarist I tried to imitate. He was also one of the few guitarists who played Belfast" (Guitar World, 1/85). With that, Rory was the first concert that Vivian ever attended at Belfast's Ulster Hall. Before long Vivian was playing in his first band.
Sweet Savage was formed in Belfast in late 1979. Completing the line-up were Trevor Fleming (guitar), Raymond Haller (bass/vocals), and David Bates (drums). Sweet Savage was a caffeine fueled metal band playing a harsher-edged material similar to the punk bands that pervaded what local music scene there was. Vivian has suggested that while nerves may have pushed the tempo up, there was also plenty of overplaying. The band released their debut single 1981.
"Take No Prisoners" 7" Single Notes:
Park PKR-1001 (UK, 1981)
Track(s):
[3:07] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
[2:48] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
Produced by Chris Tsangarides. Recorded at Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Eire. Mixed at Morgan Studios. The band toured in support of several major acts including Wishbone Ash, Thin Lizzy, and Motorhead. More notable about the band is that Metallica was an early band to cover "Killing Time," not particularly surprising considering the similarities between James Hetfield and Ray's vocal style and sound. Metallica eventually officially released a studio recording in November 1991 as one of the B-sides for "The Unforgiven" UK single. Sweet Savage's debut single was limited to around 5,000 copies.
By May 1982 the band were recording what was expected to become their debut album with Chris Tsangarides. The band were, according to Ray, becoming more harmonious and moving away from the "very heavy metal style," which resulted in the recruitment of a dedicated vocalist (Meath Chronicle, 5/22/82). The band's future certainly seemed bright, particularly due to the business acumen of their managers, Eamonn McCann and Dennis Desmond, better known as concert promoters MCD. This helps explain how the band landed so many major support slots. Perhaps more importantly, the band managed to write about life and experiences without getting sucked into writing about the politics of the land. Two Sweet Savage songs were included on contemporary live compilations:
Various Artists "The Friday Rock Show II" Notes:
BBC Records REH-426 (United Kingdom, 10/1981)
Trash/Trio AW-23023 (Japan, 1982 -- different cover)
Track(s):
A3. Eye Of The Storm (Live)
[3:08] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
Produced by Tony Wilson. Engineered by Dave Dade. This live compilation from the BBC's "Friday Rock Show" (hosted by Tommy Vance) featured one of two Sweet Savage sessions along with other acts: Diamond Head, Spider, Witchfynde, Last Flight, Demon, Axe, and Xero. This track was reissued on the 1990 compilation "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal '79 Revisited."
Various Artists "Now In Session" Notes:
Downtown Radio DTR-SC1 (Ireland, 1982)
Track(s):
01. Lady of the Night (Live)
[3:28] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
Like the BBC compilation, this live compilation included cuts recorded for Downtown radio, a County Down station. Other acts on the album included the Moondogs, the Outcasts, and Protex.
"Straight Through The Heart" 7" Single Notes:
Crashed CAR-48 (United Kingdom, 7/1983)
Track(s):
B1. Teaser [4:24]
Produced by Robert Casserly. Engineered by Tim Martin. Recorded at Lombard Studios, Dublin, Eire. This single was released after Vivian's departure from the band, though press at the time indicated that he played on it. Another single attributed to the Campbell version of the band, "The Raid" backed with "Prospector Of Greed" (Crashed CAR-?), was supposedly released in 1984, though it may not have ever existed. However, according to Vivian, "We did three independently-released singles" (Guitar 1/85). There are other "unofficial" and "semi-official" recordings from the band:
Sweet Savage 1979 Rehearsal Notes:
Track(s):
A 1979 band rehearsal recorded with a single microphone. Reasonable sound quality considering the age and recording method. Viv shares some of the vocals.
Sweet Savage Assorted Radio Broadcasts:
Track(s):
01. Killing Time [2:48]
02. Prospector Of Greed [3:08]
03. Into The Night [3:36]
04. Queen's Vengeance [5:42]
05. Sweet Surrender [2:02]
06. Teazer [3:23]
07. Take No Prisoners [3:00]
Assorted radio recorded material 1979-81.
01. Into The Night
[3:31] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
02. Pity
[4:55] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
Recorded at Rockfield Studio. Recorded and mixed by Sweet Savage.
Sweet Savage 1980 Demo Notes:
01. Into the Night (1980 Alt. Mix)
[3:36] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
02. Lady Marion
[4:51] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
One of the lighter "Sweet Savage" tracks with synth.
03. The Raid
[4:56] Vivian Campbell Ray Haller Trevor Fleming / David Bates
Recorded at Homestead Studios. Mixed at Thunderhead Studios. Produced and mixed by Sweet Savage.
01. Ground Zero [4:39]
02. Queen's Revenge [0:00]
03. Eye Of The Storm [4:11]
04. Prospector Of Greed [3:14]
05. Crucify [4:17]
06. Caught In The Middle [5:18]
07. D.U.D. [3:44]
08. Lady Of The Night [4:09]
09. Killing Time [2:47]
10. Reach Out [3:44]
11. The Raid [4:08]
12. The Ripper [3:57]
Recorded at Homestead Studios. Mixed at Thunderhead Studios. Produced and mixed by Sweet Savage. Assorted demos attributed to Viv's version of the band, with all being written by the band.
Thin Lizzy "Renegades" Tour Notes:
August 16, 1981 -- Slane Castle Festival, Slane, Eire
\*\*Sweet Savage were the first band to play at the debut of this major Irish festival bill along with Rose Tattoo, Megahype, The Bureau, U2, and Thin Lizzy. The band toured the UK with Thin Lizzy during late 1981 and Ireland in February 1982. Ray later described this 30-minute set as the best the band ever played (Meath Chronicle) which was attended by over 20,000. This concert was a far cry from the band's winter show in the seaside resort of Bray where only six people showed up.
November 11 -- Cornwall Coliseum, St. Austel, England
November 12 -- Colston Hall, Bristol, England
November 13 -- Arts Centre, Poole, England
November 14 -- Entertainment Centre, Brighton, England
November 16 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
November 17 -- Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England
November 19 -- Queen's Hall, Leeds, England
November 20 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
November 21 -- Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England
November 22 -- Empire Theatre, Liverpool, England
November 23 -- Empire Theatre, Liverpool, England
November 25 -- Odeon Theatre, Hammersmith, England
November 26 -- Odeon Theatre, Hammersmith, England
November 27 -- Odeon Theatre, Hammersmith, England
November 28 -- Odeon Theatre, Hammersmith, England
November 30 -- Gaumont Theatre, Southampton. England
December 1 -- Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
December 3 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
December 4 -- Caird Hall, Dundee, Scotland
December 5 -- Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen, Scotland
December 6 -- Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland
December 8 -- Apollo Theatre, Coventry, England
December 9 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
December 10 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
December 12 -- Guild Hall Preston, England
December 14 -- DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, England
December 15 -- Guildhall, Portsmouth, England
December 16 -- Gaumont Theatre, Ipswich, England
December 17 -- Assembly Rooms, Derby, England
\*\*Last date of the UK "Renegades" tour. There would be a two-month break before Thin Lizzy toured Ireland.
February 17, 1982 -- Whitla Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
February 18 -- Whitla Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
February 20 -- RDS Simmonscourt Pavilion, Dublin, Eire
\*\*8,000 fans attended this show and Sweet Savage's set was received very well. They even got a positive review in the Meath Chronicle the following day.
February 22 -- Dreamland, Athy, Eire
February 23 -- City Hall, Cork, Eire
February 24 -- Leisureland, Galway, Eire
\*\*Final date with Thin Lizzy.
Additional Sweet Savage 1982 Live Notes:
April 23 -- SFX Hall, Dublin, Eire
April 24 -- Maysfield Leisure Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland
\*\*Sweet Savage supported Blackfoot for their two Ireland dates. The band was supporting their "Marauder" album. Amusingly, for what came later, Blackfoot toured the US with Def Leppard supporting the same album.
May 27 -- Showboat, Waterford, Munster, Eire w/ Steeler
June 26 -- Macroom Festival, Macroom, County Cork, Eire
\*\*While Sweet Savage played fourth, other acts at this festival held on the grounds of Coolcower House, included Neiro, Driveshaft, the Rhythm Kings, Atrix, a solo Phil Lynott, and Moving Hearts. The festival was something of a disaster, with the promoter losing £30,000 when only hundreds showed up instead of thousands. Savage's set was reviewed, briefly: "They gave their solid, driving brand of music full vent, impressing the attendant head bangers, at least" (Southern Star, 7/3/82).
June 27 -- Mullingar Music Festival, Mullingar, Eire
\*\*Bands scheduled, but not confirmed, to appear on this bill included Phil Lynott, Tokyo Olympics, Some Kind Of Wonderful, the Rhythm Kings, and Sweet Savage.
August 21 -- White Horse Hotel, Drogheda, County Louth, Eire
\*\*With local band the Screaming Demons in support.
October 29 -- SFX Hall, Dublin, Eire
\*\*Sweet Savage opened for Bernie Torme and Budgie, a show that probably would have pleased Metallica's Lars Ulrich!
Recorded Live (UK, 1981)
Track(s):
01. Killing Time [3:08]
02. Finders-Keepers [3:22]
03. Sweet Surrender [2:00]
04. Prospector of Greed [4:14]
05. The Raid [4:33]
06. Lady Marion [4:02]
07. Queen's Vengeance [5:47]
08. Take No Prisoners [3:22]
09. Ground Zero [4:33]
10. Eye of the Storm [3:21]
11. Lady of the Night [3:42]
Recorded while the band was on tour with Thin Lizzy in late 1981. While this is certainly not fantastic in terms of audio quality (and editing), this recording it is listenable enough to get an idea of how the band sounded live.
Sweet Savage 1981 Live Video Notes:
01. Sweet Surrender
02. Prospector Of Greed
03. Eye Of The Storm
04. Take No Prisoners
Produced by George Hewardine. Recorded live at Maysfield Leisure Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Promotion by MCD. Sound by John Lunn, Mervyn Ross, and Barney Smyth. Cameras by Sam Wilson, John Otterson, Peter Cooper, John Crawford, Donal Hamilton, and Stephen Clarkson. Video edited by Alan Hyndman. A short 15 minute pro-shot multi-cam video of the band in action that was first broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland in March 1981.
Additional Sweet Savage songs:
01. Reach Out
02. Parody Of Wisdom
Just as Sweet Savage was about to hit the big-time (perhaps), Ronnie James Dio snagged Vivian for his new solo project. Things were already changing in the band. Ian Wilson had replaced Trevor Flemming on guitar in October 1981. Savage continued for a few years, with Ray Haller switching solely to bass and vocalist Robert Casserly joining. Eventually, Davy Bates and Ray Haller recruited Steve Prosser (keyboards) and John Harbinson on vocals. Davy Bates and Ian Wilson had both been in Seventh Dawn with Harbinson. With a more melodic sound the band renamed themselves Emerald, a name that not only has the obvious Irish connotations, but was also a song by Thin Lizzy. Vivian occasionally jammed with the band on stage.
Sweet Savage "Eye Of The Storm: The Early Years" Album Notes:
Maniacal Records (USA, TBA 2008)
High Roller Records (Germany, TBA 2008)
Track(s):
A1. Eye Of the Storm (Studio)
A2. In The Night
A3. Prospector Of Greed (Studio)
A4. The Raid (Studio)
A5. Queen's Vengeance
B1. Killing Time (Studio)
B2. Ground Zero (Studio)
B3. The Ripper
B4. Lady Marion
B5. Take No Prisoners
C1. Teazer
C2. D.U.D.
C3. The Raid (Remix)
C4. Prospector Of Greed (Remix)
C5. Sweet Surrender
C6. Crucify
D1. Sweet Surrender (Live)
D2. Prospector Of Greed (Live)
D3. Eye Of The Storm (Live)
D4. Take No Prisoners (Live)
D5. Killing Time (Remix)
D6. Eye Of The Storm (Remix)
A double-LP compilation covering just about every facet of Sweet Savage's short career, including many of the tracks mentioned in various sections above. Limited on vinyl to a run of 500 copies, with half pressed in green vinyl. It is expected that a CD version will follow.
Dio "Holy Diver" Album Notes:
Warner Bros. 23836-1/2/4 (USA, 1983)
Mercury/Phonogram 25PP-87 (Japan, 1983)
Vertigo/Phonogram VERS-5 (UK, 1983)
Track(s):
A1. Stand Up And Shout
[3:15] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
A2. Holy Diver
[5:54] Ronnie James Dio
A3. Gypsy
[3:39] Ronnie James Dio / Vivian Campbell
A4. Caught In The Middle
[4:15] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Vivian Campbell
A5. Don't Talk To Strangers
[4:53] Ronnie James Dio
B1. Straight Through The Heart
[4:32] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
B2. Invisible
[5:26] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Vivian Campbell
B3. Rainbow In The Dark
[4:15] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
B4. Shame On The Night
[5:20] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. Recorded at Sound City studios in Los Angeles, CA and released on May 31, 1983. The album hit #61 on the US charts and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA, no doubt partially on the strength of the two Dio era Black Sabbath albums. "Don't Talk To Strangers" has been rumored to have been based on a Sweet Savage song (but the similarities are really not close enough to call the Dio track derivative), but being credited to Dio that seems unlikely. "Holy Diver" was released in August as the debut single backed in most markets by "Evil Eyes."
Following his departure from Black Sabbath in late 1982 Ronnie and Vinny flew to London in search of their "English" guitarist. After trawling the clubs without success they approached Jimmy Bain, who was playing with Phil Lynott. Because Jimmy Bain had toured with Wild Horses in Ireland he knew Vivian because Sweet Savage had opened during the tour. He recommended Vivian and another guitarist, John Sykes. According to Ronnie it was clear that Vivian was their man, not only because of his style, but more importantly because of his feel and approach to his instrument. Jimmy essentially volunteered to be the new band's bassist, and since Ronnie had played with him in Rainbow the arrangement suited him. Dio was envisaged to be more of a band project than simply an extension of Ronnie who had departed Black Sabbath after leading them to a major Ozzy-less resurgence with the stunning "Heaven And Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981). According to Ronnie, "I built this band on the premise that we would always be honest with each other... The only way a band can stay together is to be honest" (Syracuse Herald Journal, 9/12/85). What is clear is that Vivian's outlook changed with Dio, becoming a real professional endeavor, whereas Vivian had considered Sweet Savage less serious and more about fun.
Dio "Holy Diver" Tour Notes:
July 26, 1983 -- Red Rock Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
July 29 -- State Fairgrounds, Pueblo, CO
July 30 -- Campton Terrace, Phoenix, AZ
July 31 -- Community Amphitheatre, Tucson, AZ
August 2 -- California Expo Amphitheatre, Sacramento, CA
August 3 -- County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA
August 5 -- Pacific Coast Amphitheater, Costa Mesa, CA
August 6 -- Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
August 11 -- Calgary, AB, Canada
August 12 -- Edmonton, AB, Canada
August 14 -- Winnipeg, MB, Canada
\*\*Last date with Aerosmith.
August 20 -- Castle Donnington, Derby, England
\*\*The 1983 festival was headlined by Whitesnake.
Mercury/PolyGram 880 084-1 (USA, 1983)
Track(s):
A1. Rainbow In The Dark (Edit)
[3:32] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
B1. Gypsy
[3:39] Ronnie James Dio / Vivian Campbell
The US single offered a minor edit version of the A-side.
Vertigo/Phonogram DIO-2 (UK, 10/1983 -- 7" w/ patch)
Vertigo/Phonogram DIO-212 (UK, 10/1983 -- 12")
Track(s):
A1. Rainbow In The Dark
[4:15] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
B1. Stand Up And Shout (Live)
[4:00] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
B2. Straight Through The Heart (Live)
[4:39] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
The live tracks were recorded at Monsters Of Rock, Castle Donnington, on August 20, 1983. Live tracks produced by Tony Wilson for BBC Mobile; Engineered by David Dade; Mixed by Ronnie James Dio.
Dio's "Holy Diver" British Tour Notes:
October 30, 1983 -- Apollo, Manchester, England
October 31 -- Colston Hall, Bristol, England
November 1 -- Victoria Hall, Hanley, England w/ Waysted
November 3 -- Odeon, Birmingham, England
November 4 -- St. David's Hall, Cardiff, Wales
November 5 -- Odeon, Hammersmith, London, England
November 7 -- Gaumont Theatre, Southampton, England
November 8 -- DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, England
November 9 -- City Hall, Sheffield, England
November 11 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
November 12 -- Apollo, Glasgow, Scotland
November 13 -- Royal Court, Liverpool, England
Dio "King Biscuit Flower Hour, 10/30/83" FM Broadcast Notes:
DIR Broadcasting KB-495 (USA, 1983)
Track(s):
01. Stand Up And Shout
[5:59] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
02. Straight Through The Heart
[4:37] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
03. Shame On The Night
[5:42] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
04. Children Of The Sea
[6:34] Geezer Butler / Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Bill Ward
05. Holy Diver
[8:33] Ronnie James Dio
06. Stargazer
[4:01] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
07. Heaven And Hell
[16:00] Geezer Butler / Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Bill Ward
08. Rainbow In The Dark
[4:49] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
09. Man On The Silver Mountain
[9:08] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
Recorded live at the Civic Center Auditorium, San Jose, CA on October 5, 1983. First broadcast on King Biscuit Flower Hour 10/30/83 along with a set from Queensrÿche. Songs in italics not initially broadcast. This show has been featured in its complete format on Wolfgang's Vault.
Dio "Live In Concert" Video Notes:
Released in various markets in 1984.
Track(s):
01. Stand Up And Shout
02. Straight Through The Heart
03. Shame On The Night
04. Children Of The Sea
05. Holy Diver
06. Heaven And Hell
07. Rainbow In The Dark
08. Don't Talk To Strangers
Directed by Harry de Winter. Recorded live at Muziekcentrum Vredenburg, Utrecht, Holland on December 4, 1983.
Dio "Last In Line" Album Notes:
Warner Bros. 25100 (USA, July 1984/8)
Vertigo VERL-16 (UK, 1984)
Track(s):
A1. We Rock
[4:35] Ronnie James Dio
A2. The Last In Line
[5:48] Ronnie James Dio Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
Dio spent nearly $150,000 on the video for this song, directed by Don Coscarelli, who had directed the classic "Beastmaster" movie.
A3. Breathless
[4:09] Ronnie James Dio / Vivian Campbell
A4. I Speed At Night
[3:26] Ronnie James Dio / Appice Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
A5. One Night In The City
[5:14] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
B1. Evil Eyes
[3:38] Ronnie James Dio
B2. Mystery
[3:55] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
B3. Eat Your Heart Out
[4:02] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
B4. Egypt (The Chains Are On)
[7:02] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. Recorded at Caribou Ranch, Nederland, CO. The album attained #4 on the UK and #23 on the US charts. Ronnie was pleased with the album and the consistency in sound, "You can see a progression through the two albums so far. I know who I am, and what the music's about" (Kerrang #73).
Dio "Last In Line" Tour Notes:
Dio toured the US in July with Whitesnake and Black 'N' Blue. In August they toured with Twisted Sister.
August 30, 1984 -- Le Bourget, Paris, France
\*\*The second night of the "Breaking Sound Festival" with Uli Roth, Virgin Steel, Tokyo Blade, and Tanker.
September 1 -- Wildparkstadion, Karlsruhe, Germany
September 2 -- Zeppelinfeld, Nurnberg, Germany
\*\*These "Monsters of Rock" shows included AC/DC, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Gary Moore, Accept, and Ozzy Osbourne.
September 4, 1984 -- The Forum, Antrim, Northern Ireland
September 5 -- SFX Hall, Dublin, Eire
\*\*Something of a homecoming for Vivian, with Dio's debut shows in Ireland with Queensrÿche in support. The tour was preceded by "Monsters of Rock" dates in Europe, and followed by a mainland UK tour and further dates in Europe.
October 21 -- Audimax, Hamburg, Germany
October 23 -- Sporthalle Boblingen, Munich, Germany
October 24 -- Stadthalle, Offenbach, Germany
October 25 -- Circus Krone, Munich, Germany
October 26 -- Hemmerleinhalle, Nurnberg, Germany
October 28 -- Mozartsaal, Mannheim, Germany
October 29 -- Grugahalle, Essen, Germany
Vertigo/Phonogram DIO-3 (UK, 1984)
Vertigo/Phonogram DIO-312 (UK, 1984 -- 12")
Track(s):
A1. We Rock
[4:35] Ronnie James Dio
B1. Holy Diver (Live)
B2. Rainbow In The Dark (Live)
The live tracks recorded at MOR, Castle Donnington, August 20, 1983. Initial copies of the single came with a free 30x20" poster. B2 only on 12" version of single. Single released August 1, 1984. Promotional 12" singles were issued in the US (backed with "Breathless") and UK (backed with "One Night In The City").
Dio "Mystery" Single Notes:
Vertigo/Phonogram DIO-4 (UK, 1984)
Vertigo/Phonogram DIO-412 (UK, 1984 -- 12")
Tracks:
A1. Mystery
[3:55] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
B1. Eat Your Heart Out (Live)
B2. Don't Talk To Strangers (Live)
Live tracks recorded at Spokane Coliseum, Spokane, on July 24, 1984.
Dio "King Biscuit Flower Hour, 10/21/1984" Broadcast Notes:
DIR Broadcasting KB-546 (USA, 1984)
Track(s):
01. Stand Up And Shout
[5:51] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
02. One Night In The City
[4:48] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
[5:45] Ronnie James Dio
03. Mystery
[4:36] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
Egypt (The Chains Are On)
[4:03] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
04. Holy Diver
[8:22] Ronnie James Dio
Heaven And Hell (Part 1)
[11:58] Geezer Butler / Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Bill Ward
05. The Last In Line
[5:27] Ronnie James Dio Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
06. Heaven And Hell (Part 2)
[3:07] Geezer Butler / Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Bill Ward
Heaven And Hell (Part 3)
[2:27] Geezer Butler / Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Bill Ward
07. Rainbow In The Dark
[5:02] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
Man On The Silver Mountain
[4:29] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
Long Live Rock 'N' Roll
[4:07] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
Man On The Silver Mountain (Reprise)
[6:18] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
08. Mob Rules
[4:55] Geezer Butler Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi
09. We Rock
[7:33] Ronnie James Dio
Recorded live at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA on August 24, 1984. This same show was also filmed for use as a video release detailed below. Songs in italics not initially broadcast. First broadcast on October 21, 1984 on King Biscuit Flower Hour along with a set from Fastway. This show has been featured in its complete format on internet site Wolfgang's Vault.
Dio "Special From The Spectrum" Notes:
Released in various markets in 1986.
Track(s):
01. Stand Up And Shout
02. Don't Talk To Strangers
03. Mystery
04. Egypt (The Chains Are On)
05. Heaven And Hell
06. The Last In Line
07. Rainbow In The Dark
08. Mob Rules
09. We Rock
Executive producer: Ed Sabol. Directed by Phil Tuckett. Produced by Steve Sabol. Edited by Dave Douglas. Sound editing by Warreb Kleinman. Audio produced by DIR Broadcasting for the King Biscuit Flower Hour. Mixed at Olympic Studios, London, by Ronnie James Dio. Engineered by Angelo Arcuri. Filmed at the Spectrum in Philadelphia on August 24, 1984 during the "Last In Line" tour.
Various Artists "Vision Quest" Soundtrack Notes:
Geffen GHS 24063-1 (USA, 2/15/1985)
Geffen/CBS SONY 28AP-3000 (Japan, 1985)
B1. Hungry For Heaven
[4:12] Ronnie James Dio / Bain
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. Recorded at Sound City Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Released on the "Vision Quest" movie soundtrack which managed to reach #11 on the US album charts. This version of the song was issued as a promotional single (Geffen PRO-A-2260). The movie was a love story based around a wrestling plot starring Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino. This was a softer and more melodic Dio and other artists on the soundtrack reflected the nature of the movie: Madonna, Journey, and John Waite.
Dio "Super Rock '85 In Japan" Video Notes:
Toshiba VDS/VTS-M146VH (Japan, 1985)
Track(s):
01. King Of Rock And Roll
[3:36] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
02. Like the Beat Of A Heart
[4:49] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
03. Don't Talk To Strangers
[5:13] Ronnie James Dio
04. Hungry For Heaven
[4:19] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
05. The Last In Line
[3:52] Ronnie James Dio Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
06. Holy Diver
[1:25] Ronnie James Dio
07. The Last In Line (Reprise)
[2:05] Ronnie James Dio Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
08. Heaven And Hell
[5:12] Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Geezer Butler / Bill Ward
09. Sacred Heart
[7:07] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
10. Rock 'N' Roll Children
[2:44] Ronnie James Dio
11. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll
[2:49] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
12. Man On The Silver Mountain
[5:32] Ronnie James Dio / Ritchie Blackmore
13. Rock 'N' Roll Children (Reprise)
[1:44] Ronnie James Dio
14. Rainbow In The Dark
[4:33] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell Vinny Appice
15. Stand Up And Shout
[3:35] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
Recorded live at Super Rock Festival in Tokyo, Japan on August 10/11, 1985.
Dio "Sacred Heart" Album Notes:
Warner Bros. 25292-1/2/4 (USA, 1985)
Vertigo VERH-30 (UK, 1985)
Vertigo 824 848-1/2/4 (Europe, 1985)
Vertigo 28PP-1008 (Japan, 1985)
Vertigo UICY-3729 (Japan, 2002)
Track(s):
A1. King Of Rock And Roll
[3:49] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
A2. Sacred Heart
[6:27] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
A3. Another Lie
[3:48] Ronnie James Dio
A4. Rock 'N' Roll Children
[4:32] Ronnie James Dio
B1. Hungry For Heaven
[4:12] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
A re-recorded version of the track that had originally been released on the "Vision Quest" movie soundtrack.
B2. Like The Beat Of A Heart
[4:24] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
B3. Just Another Day
[3:23] Ronnie James Dio / Vivian Campbell
B4. Fallen Angels
[3:57] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
B5. Shoot Shoot
[4:20] Ronnie James Dio Vinny Appice Jimmy Bain / Vivian Campbell
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. Released on August 15, 1985 the album reached #4 on the UK and #29 on the US charts. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA on October 15, 1985. This was Vivian's final studio album with Dio, which continued along the same lines as the previous two albums, and as a result got criticized for being more of the same.
The album wasn't a pleasant project for Vivian: "That was the worst period of my life, making that record. I almost had a nervous breakdown, I was so unhappy. There was no incentive whatsoever to even try, so I don't think I even did. I haven't even heard that fuckin' record in years, nor do I plan to. That was the biggest piece of crap I've played on in my life" (Troy Augusto -- RIP Magazine, 5/92).
Dio "Intermission" Album Notes:
Warner Bros. 25443-1/2/4 (USA, 6/3/1986)
Track(s):
[3:24] Ronnie James Dio / Carmine Appice Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
[6:10] Ronnie James Dio / Carmine Appice Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
[6:10] Ronnie James Dio / Carmine Appice Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell
B1. Time To Burn
[4:24] Ronnie James Dio / Carmine Appice Jimmy Bain Craig Goldy
B2. Rock 'N' Roll Children (Medley)
[9:38] Dio

a. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll

[0:00] Ritchie Blackmore / Ronnie James Dio
b. Man On The Silver Mountain
[0:00] Ritchie Blackmore / Ronnie James Dio
[4:34] Ronnie James Dio
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. Recorded live at Sports Arena, San Diego, CA. Released June 2, 1986. Vivian featured on all tracks except B1, a studio track featuring then new guitarist Craig Goldy. Track B2/a/b is a medley. If Vivian's departure from Dio was bitter, he could take note that this album only managed to reach #70 on the US charts.
Various Artists "Iron Eagle" Soundtrack Notes:
Capitol Records 90747 (USA, 1986)
Track(s):
B1. Hide In The Rainbow
[3:34] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. This was essentially the last track Vivian recorded with Dio. This soundtrack featured heavier artists, such as Helix, King Kobra, and of course Queen's "One Vision." As a result, Dio's contribution was heavier than their previous soundtrack offering, "Hungry For Heaven," had been. This song wouldn't be included on a Dio album until 1992 when "Diamonds -- The Best of Dio" was released. It was released on "The Dio EP" in the UK along with "Shame On The Night," "Egypt (The Chains Are On," and "Hungry For Heaven."
Various Artists "Hear 'N Aid" Album Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 826-044-1/4 (US, 5/86)
Mercury/Phonogram 826-044-2 (US, CD Reissue, 5/94)
Vertigo/Phonogram VERH/C-35 (UK, 1986)
Vertigo PHCR-4218 (Japan, CD Reissue, 11/94)
The "Hear 'N Aid" project was inadvertently started by Vivian and Jimmy, a result of an interview on KLOS radio in Los Angeles where they were asked about the exclusion of metal from Live Aid. Jimmy jokingly coined the phrase "Hear 'N Aid." Viv and Ronnie wrote the song.
Track(s):
A1. Hear 'N Aid: Stars
[7:15] Jimmy Bain Vivian Campbell Ronnie James Dio
B2. Dio: Hungry For Heaven (live)
[5:45] Ronnie James Dio / Jimmy Bain
Produced by Ronnie James Dio. Track A1 recorded May 20-21, 1986 at A&M Records Studios in Hollywood, CA. The basic track was recorded at Sound City Studios, Los Angeles, CA in April 1986. Vivian plays guitar on the track, ironically, as does his successor in Dio, Craig Goldy, then a member of Giuffria. Jimmy Bain plays bass and Vinny Appice and Frankie Banali share drums. Track B2 recorded live at the Sports Arena in San Diego, CA during the "Sacred Heart" tour, the same show as "Intermission." Released June 13, 1986. A tape containing only the piano melody of the song was sent to all prospective guests, who were then given an hour in the studio to perform their contribution. Doesn't Viv look thrilled on the cover of the album?!
Vivian was fired from Dio a couple of months following the conclusion of the North American leg of the "Sacred Heart" tour in Honolulu, HI in January 1986. Dio suggested that one of the reasons Vivian was fired was because he had lost interest in the band: "With Vivian, it became a challenge just to motivate him to work" (Hit Parader, 1/88). That motivation issue, or lack thereof, had apparently made the making of the "Sacred Heart" album an unpleasant business for the band. Keyboard player Claude Schnell has echoed that sentiment suggesting that Vivian was distancing himself from the rest of the band with his actions: "Prior to Vivian leaving, there was a slow and steady, yet very perceptible sense that he was drifting away from us. As I recall, it was genuinely bizarre. It first began with him sporting a quite distinctive haircut which, in and of itself, was unremarkable. But then there were more and more little telltale signs that things just weren't right, like the ever-present Walkman headphones he would wear on the bus. Again, not a big deal, but as a result he would hardly ever engage in conversation with anyone. It was like he was off in his own little world. And little by little, slowly but surely, he just wasn't 'there' anymore" (Dio Message Boards).
Vivian has suggested that the reasons behind his loss of interest in the band and eventual firing were the result of the business side of his relationship with Dio. He has commented, "The verbal agreement we had with Ronnie when we did 'Holy Diver' was that it was his band and name, and we'd work for a tiny wage; but when the third album and tour cycle came about, we'd review the process and kind of share in the money a little more. Instead, when the third album came about, he reneged on his word. His wife Wendy, who manages him, sent this contract to me with a very nasty cover letter saying, 'If you don't sign it by a certain date, we'll assume that you're no longer interested in participating in the band.' It was basically an agreement to work for a certain wage, but still with no percentage and no right to ask for anything else. They reneged on their word, you know, and I just didn't think it was fair" (Troy Augusto -- RIP Magazine, 5/92).
This arrangement didn't sit well with Vivian: "All contributed in a creative sense, but that's where our contributions ended. It was entirely (singer Ronnie James) Dio's band -- from a point of control... And money. I mean, he kept all the money and made all the decisions and basically, we were a backing band" (European Stars And Stripes, 5/21/93). Whatever the situation, Vivian gained experience from working with an established name, and had also established himself as a known guitarist, even if not being in the same league as Yngwie or Steve Vie. He had also been on stage on one of the biggest productions touring the US during that period, complete with 18-foot dragon, lasers, and plenty of pyro. In the immediate aftermath of his departure Vivian did some session work with Jewels Kramer:
Jewels Kramer "Demo" Notes:
Recorded during 1986.
Track(s):
01. Trick Of Fate
[0:00] Vivian Campbell
Recorded in early 1986 nothing is currently known about this song or the vocalist.
Vivian soon started looking for a band project and along with Davy Watson (Bass) and Pat Waller (Drums), formed Trinity and started working on new material in Los Angeles. Vivian was also reported to have been working with Blue Oyster Cult front man Eric Bloom (Kerrang #133) on material for a Bloom solo album. Trinity has long been rumored to have recorded an unreleased album, but this seems doubtful. They did record several demos, some of which include:
Trinity "Demo" Notes:
Recorded during early 1986.
Track(s):
01. I Need A Place
[0:00] David Watson / Vivian Campbell
02. Worry About You
[0:00] David Watson / Vivian Campbell
03. Peace Of Mind
[0:00] David Watson / Vivian Campbell
04. Forever Yours
[0:00] David Watson / Vivian Campbell
These songs appeared on the first Trinity demo, a second demo from later in the year had additional songs, the titles of which are currently unknown. Unfortunately, Trinity were unable to secure a record deal and by March 1987 Vivian had been recruited for David Coverdale's "vid kids" band, a version of Whitesnake assembled specifically to provide a group presence for the filming of the "Here I Go Again" (Again) video, that looked good on paper without being necessarily specific for a live environment. Initially Adrian Vandenberg wasn't keen on the idea of a dual guitar approach and his position was tenuous for a while. Coverdale requested that he reconsider... David also wasn't sure how the band would work out live. According to David, "I told them that we'd see how it goes. Made no promises" (Circus, 11/30/97).
The band debuted at the Texxas Jam in Dallas (the Cotton Bowl) on June 20, 1987. The first song the band played was "Bad Boys" though the 45-minute set also included "Here I Go Again," "Love Ain't No Stranger," "Slow An' Easy," "Crying In The Rain," and "Still Of The Night." Officially, 80,927 attended this show, which grossed $1,638,772. Following the deteriorating situation he'd had with Ronnie James Dio, Vivian commented, "It feels so good just to be able to go out and play good rock 'n' roll without having to worry about a rubber dragon breathing down your neck" (Kerrang #151). As for how it went, with much of the band's opening set dedicated to guitar and drums, it would appear that David was satisfied with the group (at the time).
Whitesnake "1987" Tour Notes:
Whitesnake initially toured as the opening act for Mötley Crüe who was supporting their 'Girls, Girls, Girls' album. Whitesnake's "1987" album (self-titled in the US) was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 2, 1987. It went Platinum on 7/1, 2x Platinum on 8/19, 3X on 9/15, 4X on 12/2, and 5X on 1/7/88. Mötley Crüe's "Girls, Girls, Girls," on the other hand, went Gold on 7/15/87 and 2X Platinum on 9/16. Essentially, Whitesnake were out-selling the band that they were opening for, not that it mattered to Vivian who hadn't played on the album in the first place! It appears that this tour combo was contracted in advance of the position of either band being known. Whitesnake certainly hadn't had much luck in America during the 1978-85 period. While the opener usually got 45 minutes, Mötley Crüe allowed Whitesnake 50 and most sets approached the hour mark. Regardless, during Viv's time with the band they scored a #1 with "Here I Go Again" (7/4/87) followed by #2 "Is This Love" (10/24/87). "Give Me All Your Love" (#48, 2/13/88) and "Still Of The Night" (#79, 6/13/87) also helped cement what was essentially Whitesnake's shining moment in America.
June 19, 1987 -- Tucson Community Center, Tucson, AZ
June 20 -- Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, AZ
June 22 -- Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, NM
June 23 -- County Coliseum, El Paso, TX
June 25 -- Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
June 26 -- Convention Center Arena, San Antonio, TX
June 27 -- The Summit, Houston, TX
June 28 -- The Summit, Houston, TX
June 30 -- Myriad Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK
July 1 -- Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, Shreveport, LA
July 2 -- Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS
\*\*Attended by 15,000.
July 4 -- Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AR
July 5 -- Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
July 7 -- Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
July 8 -- St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, MO
July 10 -- Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, KS
July 11 -- Kemper Arena, Kansas City, MO
July 12 -- Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Des Moines, IA
July 14 -- Metro Center, Minneapolis, MN
July 15 -- Metro Center, Minneapolis, MN
July 16 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
July 17 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
July 18 -- Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
July 19 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
July 20 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
\*\*The Detroit shows grossed $531,107 on 30,349 tickets.
July 23 -- Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, OH
July 24 -- The Coliseum, Richfield, OH
July 26 -- Buckeye Lake Music Center, Columbus, OH
July 28 -- Castle Farms Music Amphitheatre, Charlevoix, MI
July 29 -- Kellogg Center Arena, Battle Creek, MI
July 31 -- Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
\*\*14,731 tickets ($221,093).
August 1 -- Erie, PA or The Coliseum, Richfield, OH
August 2 -- Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
August 4 -- Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
August 5 -- Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
\*\*The Philadelphia shows grossed $460,581 on 28,581 tickets.
August 7 -- Civic Center, Portland, ME
August 8 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
August 10 -- Centrum, Worcester, MA
August 11 -- Centrum, Worcester, MA
August 13 -- Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
August 14 -- RPI Fieldhouse, Troy, NY
August 15 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
August 17 -- Civic Center, Hartford, CT
August 18 -- Civic Center, Hartford, CT
August 20 -- Madison Square Gardens, New York, NY
August 21 -- Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY
August 22 -- Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
August 24 -- Pocono Downs Racetrack, Wilkes-Barre, PA
August 25 -- War Memorial, Rochester, NY
August 26 -- War Memorial, Utica, NY
August 28 -- Capital Center, Landover, MD
August 29 -- Capital Center, Landover, MD
August 30 -- Coliseum, Hampton, VA
September 1 -- Coliseum, Richmond, VA
September 2 -- Civic Center, Roanoke, VA
September 3 -- Huntington Civic Center, Huntington, WV
September 5 -- Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
\*\*31,199 tickets grossing $509,896.
September 6 -- La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI
September 7 -- Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI
September 8 -- Five Seasons Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
September 19 -- Roberts Municipal Stadium, Evansville, IN
September 20 -- Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
September 21 -- Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
September 23 -- Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, OK
September 24 -- Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, OK
September 25 -- Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
September 26 -- Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
\*\*Combined 34,493 tickets grossing $522,621.
September 28 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
September 29 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
September 30 -- The Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
October 2 -- Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
October 3 -- Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, AZ
October 4 -- Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, AZ
October 6 -- Great Western Forum, Los Angeles, CA
October 7 -- Great Western Forum, Los Angeles, CA
October 8 -- Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA
October 10 -- Oakland Stadium, Oakland, CA
\*\*This event was the "Day on the Green." 59,700 tickets grossing $1,119,400. Jet Boy, Poison, and Great White opened this show with Whitesnake playing fourth. Crüe headlined.
October 13 -- Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR
October 15 -- Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
\*\*30,000 tickets grossing $520,000.
October 16 -- Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, Canada
October 18 -- Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada
October 19 --Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
October 21 -- Winnipeg Arena, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
October 24 -- Civic Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
October 25 -- Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON, Canada
October 27 -- Le Forum, Montreal, QC, Canada
\*\*Last date opening for Mötley Crüe the band immediately relocated to Saginaw where they did a rehearsed on the 29th for the show the following night.
October 30 -- Wendler Arena, Saginaw, MI
\*\*As a headliner the band's set list expanded: "Bad Boys," "Children of the Night," "Slide It In," "Slow An' Easy," "Here I Go Again," "Guilty of Love," "Is This Love," "Love Ain't No Stranger," "Crying In The Rain," "Still Of The Night," "Give Me All Your Love," and "Tits." The last of these songs was actually a slightly adjusted cover of ZZ Top's "Tush." This tour was christened the "Glands Across America" tour!
October 31 -- Sports Arena, Toledo, OH
November 1 -- Cobo Hall, Detroit, MI
November 3 -- Public Hall, Cleveland, OH
November 4 -- Hara Arena, Dayton, OH
November 6 -- Joyce Center, South Bend, IN
November 7 -- USI, Carbondale, IL
November 8 -- Civic Center Arena, Peoria, IL
November 10 -- Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
November 11 -- Arena, Duluth, MN
November 13 -- Brown County Auditorium, Green Bay, WI
November 14 -- Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI
November 15 -- Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
November 17 -- MetraPark Arena, Billings, MT
November 18 -- Events Center, Casper, WY
November 19 -- Rushmore Plaza, Rapid City, SD
November 21 -- State University Pavilion, Boise, ID
November 22 -- Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT
November 24 -- Tingley Arena, Albuquerque, NM
November 25 -- Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
November 27 -- Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AK
November 28 -- Coliseum, Jackson, MS
November 29 -- Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
December 1 -- Cajun Dome, Lafayette, LA
December 2 -- Summit, Houston, TX w/ Great White
\*\*13,821 / 17,050 tickets grossing $222,892.
December 3 -- Hemisfair Arena, San Antonio, TX w/ Great White
\*\*10,383 / 15, 271 tickets grossing $151,093. The band flew back to Europe from Dallas the following morning.
December 28, 1987 -- Royal Center, Nottingham, England
December 29 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
December 30 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
December 31 -- Wembley Arena, London, England
January 2, 1988 -- NEC, Birmingham, England
January 3 -- NEC, Birmingham, England
January 4 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
January 5 -- City Hall, Newcastle, England
January 7 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
January 8 -- Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
\*\*The UK tour was supported with the release of "Here I Go Again (USA Single Remix)" which had not been included on the UK "1987" album due to having been a hit in the UK in 1982... Added to the set were "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" and the odd performance of "We Wish You Well." Following the UK tour the band took their first real break from the road. "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" was also performed during the Japanese tour in mid-1988. There were plans for additional dates in Germany, though that tour was cancelled due to Coverdale suffering from an intestinal virus.
January 22 -- Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
January 23 -- Coliseum, New Haven, CT
January 24 -- Civic Center, Portland, ME
January 25 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
January 26 -- Civic Center, Providence, RI
\*\*14,179 tickets grossing $248,133.
January 28 -- The Centrum, Worcester, MA
January 29 -- The Centrum, Worcester, MA
\*\*Combined 24,403 tickets grossing $407,618.
January 31 -- Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
February 1 -- Coliseum, Hampton, VA
February 3 -- Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
February 4 -- Civic Center, Baltimore, MD
February 5 -- Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
February 7 -- Civic Center, Roanoke, VA
February 9 -- Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH
February 10 -- Coliseum, Charleston, WV
February 11 -- Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
February 13 -- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
\*\*18,362 tickets grossing $286,335.
February 14 -- Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
February 16 -- Mid South Coliseum, Memphis, TN
February 17 -- Omni, Atlanta, GA
February 19 -- Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL
February 20 -- Sun Dome, Tampa, FL
February 21 -- Civic Center, Orlando, FL
February 25 -- Saint Petersburg, FL
February 27 -- Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
February 29 -- Miami, FL
March 1 -- Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
March 2 -- Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
March 3 -- Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, IN
March 5 -- Civic Center, Birmingham, AL
March 6 -- Coliseum, Columbia, SC
March 8 -- Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
March 9 -- Civic Center, Huntsville, AL
March 10 -- Humphrey Coliseum, Starkville, MS
March 12 -- Knoxville, AL
March 13 -- UTC Arena, Chattanooga, TN
March 15 -- Memorial Coliseum, Shreveport, LA
March 16 -- Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX
\*\*17,699 tickets grossing $292,196.
March 18 -- Austin, TX
March 19 -- Lubbock, TX
March 20 -- El Paso, TX
March 22 -- Tallahassee, FL
March 23 -- Daytona Beach, FL
March 24 -- Tampa, FL
March 25 -- Sportatorium, Hollywood, FL
March 26 -- Ft. Myers, FL
April 3 -- McNichols Arena, Denver, CO
April 5 -- Tucson, AZ
\*\*The 'Snake, Rattle, and Roll' Tour.
April 6 -- Compton Terrace Amphitheatre, Tempe, AZ
\*\*13,830 tickets grossing $207,402.
April 7 -- The Forum, Inglewood, CA
\*\*13,711 tickets grossing $243,386.
April 9 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA
April 10 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA
April 12 -- San Diego, CA
April 13 -- Las Vegas, NV
April 15 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
April 17 -- CalExpo Amphitheatre, Sacramento, CA
May 5 -- Montreal, QC, Canada
May 6 -- Toronto, ON, Canada
May 7 -- Buffalo, NY
May 9 -- Rochester, NY
May 11 -- Hartford, CT
May 13 -- Clarkston, MI
May 14 -- East Troy, WI
May 15 -- Hoffman Estates, IL
May 17 -- Wichita, KS
May 18 -- Kansas City, MO
May 19 -- St. Louis, MO
May 21 -- Charlevoix, MI
May 22 -- Buckeye Lake, OH
May 24 -- Columbia, MD
May 25 -- Columbia, MD
May 27 -- Oxford, ME
May 28 -- Weedsport, NY
May 29 -- Allentown, PA
May 31 -- Cuyahoga Falls, OH
June 11 -- Yoyogi Olympic Pool, Tokyo, Japan
June 12 -- Yoyogi Olympic Pool, Tokyo, Japan
June 13 -- Yoyogi Olympic Pool, Tokyo, Japan
June 15 -- Yoyogi Olympic Pool, Tokyo, Japan
June 16 -- Bunko Taikukan, Yokohama, Japan
June 18 -- Nagoya, Japan
June 21 -- Osaka, Japan
June 22 -- Osaka, Japan
June 25 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
June 26 -- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
June 27 -- CalExpo Amphitheatre, Sacramento, CA
June 29 -- Sports Arena, San Diego, CA
June 30 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills, CA
July 1 -- Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills, CA
July 3 -- Aladdin Theatre, Las Vegas, NV
July 6 -- Met Center, Bloomington, MN
July 8 -- East Troy, WI
July 10 -- Clarkston, MI
July 11 -- Toronto, ON, Canada
July 13 -- Poplar Creek, Hoffman Estates (Chicago), IL
July 14 -- Ionia, MI
July 15 -- Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH w/ GW
July 16 -- Castle Farms Music Amphitheatre, Charlevoix, MI
July 19 -- Fairgrounds, Allentown, PA
July 20 -- Hershey Park Stadium, Hershey, PA
July 22 -- Oxford, OH
July 23 -- Garden State Arts Center, Homdel, NJ
July 25 -- Mansfield, MA
July 26 -- Manchester, NH
July 27 -- Hartford, CT
July 29 -- Wantagh, NY
July 30 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
July 31 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
August 3 -- War Memorial, Rochester, NY
August 3 -- Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
August 6 -- Cayuga County Fairgrounds, Weedsport, NY
\*\*Attended by around 10,000. One review: "There's no arguing with the technical proficiency of the guitar tag team of Vivian Campbell or Adrian Vandenberg, yet neither seems to be familiar with the word subtlety" (Syracuse Herald Journal, 8/8/88).
August 9 -- St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, MO
August 10 -- Sandstone Amphitheatre, Bonner Springs, KS
August 11 -- Five Seasons Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
August 14 -- Coliseum, Seattle, WA
August 15 -- Coliseum, Portland, OR
August 18 -- Denver, CO
August 19 -- Pueblo, CO
August 21 -- Wichita, KS
August 22 -- Ames, IA
Whitesnake "Give Me All Your Love" Single Notes:
EMI EM-23 (UK, 1987 -- 7" Single, Tracks 1 & 2)
EMI EMW-23 (UK, 1987 -- 7" White Vinyl Single, Tracks 1 & 2)
EMI 12EM-23 (UK, 1987 -- 12" Single, Tracks 1-3)
EMI 12EMW-23 (UK, 1987 -- 12" White Vinyl Single, Tracks 1-3)
EMI 12EMP-23 (UK, 1987 -- 12" Picture Disc, Tracks 1-3 w/ Poster)
EMI CDEB-23 (UK, 1987 -- CD Single, Tracks 1-4)
Geffen PROCD-2932 (USA, 1988 -- CD Single, Tracks 1 & 5)
Geffen 28103-7 (USA, 1988 -- 7" Single, Tracks 1 & 5)
Track(s):
01. Give Me All Your Love
[3:30] David Coverdale / John Sykes
02. Fool For Your Loving
[4:14] David Coverdale / Bernie Marsden / Micky Moody
03. Don't Break My Heart Again
[3:46] David Coverdale
04. Here I Go Again (USA Single Remix)
[3:53] David Coverdale / Bernie Marsden
05. Straight For The Heart
[3:40] David Coverdale / John Sykes
Released in December 1987 Vivian did some additional overdubs on track 01 on this single. It would be his only studio work with Whitesnake. The single reached #48 on the US Billboard and #22 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks Charts. Vivian was essentially fired from Whitesnake in August 1988. Back in Los Angeles, Vivian started doing session work and giving guitar lessons. One person he came into contact was Nick Brophy, a budding guitarist, who was working with songwriter Rob Lamothe. Vivian liked their material and produced the band's demo, but was soon involved as the band's guitarist with Nick moving to bass.
"ProTalk with Vivian Campbell of Whitesnake" Notes:
REH Publications REH-107 (USA, 3/1/1988)
This 60-minute interview cassette, conducted by Steven Rosen, was part of the ProTalk series. Many other artists featured in the series included Vinnie Vincent, C.C. DeVille, Carlos Santana, Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, and Steve Lynch. Vivian's came with the blurb: "In this informal, uncensored, and relaxed interview, musician Vivian Campbell of the rock group Whitesnake discusses his experiences, goals, failures, as well as his music" (LOC).
"Guitar Kids" Video Notes:
Instructional Video (Japan, 4/1/1988)
Produced by Spirit Enterprise, Inc. Directed by Daisuke Hatsumoto and Hideo Tomizawa. This instructional music video was part of the Japanese "Guitar Kid" series and is in Japanese.
Vixen "Vixen" Album Notes:
EMI-Manhattan CDP-7-46991-2 (USA, 8/17/88)
EMI Records (USA, 11/02/2004)
Track(s):
05. Desperate
[4:17] Brian Miku Leah Santos Jan Kuehnemund
Produced by Rick Neigher, David Cole, and Spencer Proffer. Vivian played the guitar on one track on this female rock band's debut album. The track was released as a B-side on the band's second single, "Cryin'."
Various Artists "Sing" OST Notes:
CBS Records CK-45086 (USA, 2/1/1989)
Track(s):
01. Sing (Mickey Thomas)
[4:05] Jonathan Cain Martin Page Dean Pitchford
Produced by Peter Wolf. Vivian and Peter Manau share guitar duties on this track along with Peter Wolf (keyboards) and Mike Baird on drums. This song was released as a single from the album backed with an instrumental version. Other artists on this CD included Paul Carrack, Terri Nunn, Nia Peeples, Michael Bolton, Patti LaBelle, Kevin Cronin, and Art Garfunkel.
Jack Bruce "A Question Of Time" Album Notes:
Epic Records EK-45279 (USA, 9/28/89)
Track(s):
07. Obsession
[3:55] Jack Bruce / Pete Brown
Produced by Joe Blaney and Jack Bruce. Recorded and mixed by Joe Blaney at Savage and Alpha-Omega Studios, San Francisco and Electric Lady and Greene Street Recording Studios, New York City. Former Cream member's attempt at getting back into mainstream music. Vivian is one of many guest musicians on this recording, sharing guitar duties on this track with Alan Holdsworth.
Lou Gramm "Long Hard Look" Album Notes:
Atlantic Records 81915-2 (USA, 10/24/89)
Wounded Bird Records WOU-1915 (USA, 2005)
Track(s):
03. Broken Dreams
[6:03] Peter Wolf Lou Gramm Ina Wolf
Vivian shares guitar with Peter Manau.
06. Hanging On My Hip
[3:39] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
Vivian plays lead and rhythm guitar on this track.
08. Day One
[3:17] Lou Gramm Bruce Turgon Peter Wolf
Vivian shares guitar with Nils Lofgren.
Produced by Peter Wolf. Arranged by Peter Wolf and Lou Gramm (Louis Andrew Grammatico) with Bruce Turgon. Recorded at 41B Studios, Westlake Village, CA, Beartracks Recording Studios, Suffern, NY, and Stray Dogs Recording Studios, Katonah, NY. Vivian played guitar on ex-Foreigner singer Lou Gramm's second solo album that also included bass contributions by Bruce Turgon. Vivian is credited as appearing courtesy of CBS Records. The album was supported with the single "Just Between You And Me" backed in most markets with a cover of "Tin Soldier."
Lou Gramm "AOR Days" Bootleg Notes:
Unofficial release.
Track(s):
01. Livin' A Lie
[0:00] Bruce Turgon
02. Walk Thru' Fire
[0:00] Unknown
03. Take The First Step
[0:00] Bruce Turgon / Kevin Beamish
04. Ready Willin' And Able
[0:00] Bruce Turgon
While this release is a bootleg, and includes officially released material (not noted above), some of the tracks relate to Vivian, if only obtusely. It is not clear whether these included Vivian, and for that matter, whether they were explicitly intended for Lou's use, either for the solo album or for Shadow King. They were included on the Lou Gramm "AOR Days" bootleg.
Various Artists "Guitar's Practicing Musicians, Vol. 1" Album Notes:
Guitar Records/Combat 88561-5012-2 (USA, 1989)
Track(s):
12. Sixgunz
[3:33] Vivian Campbell
One Vivian instrumental included on this guitarist compilation. Other artists included Buck Dharma, Leslie West, Vinnie Moore, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Elliott Randall, Blues Saraceno, and others, so Viv was in very good company.
Various Artists "Shocker" OST Album Notes:
SBK/Alive Records CDP-93233 (USA, 1989)
Track(s):
01. Shocker
[3:58] Jean Beauvoir Desmond Child Guy Mann-Dude
06. Shockdance
[4:31] Guy Mann-Dude / Desmond Child Vivian Campbell Kane Roberts
Produced by Desmond Child. Recorded at Record Plant Studio, Hollywood, California. Released in October 1986. Tracks 1 & 6 include Vivian Campbell on lead guitars with duties shared with Guy Mann-Dude. Track 1 has Paul Stanley and Desmond Child on lead vocals with Tommy Lee on drums and Rudy Sarzo on bass. Track 6, also known as "Sundance," features a rap by Alice Cooper and backing vocals by Maria Vidal and Kane Roberts. The band credited on both of these tracks was called the "Dudes Of Wrath."
Riverdogs "Demo" Notes:
Unreleased recording.
01. Whisper
02. I Believe
03. Rain, Rain
04. When Push Comes To Love
05. Pennsylvania
06. Water From The Moon
07. Baby Blue
08. Shandalyn
09. Spooky
10. Holy War
The Riverdogs demo was comprised of material primarily written in 1989, but also a couple of songs dating to 1988.
"Riverdogs" Album Notes:
Epic/Associated ZK-46021 (USA, 1990)
CSCS-5228 (Japan, 1990)
Track(s):
01. Whisper
[4:41] Nicolas Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Robert Lamothe
02. Toy Soldier
[3:23] Rob Lamothe
Released as single (Epic ZSK-2064) which was supported by a sound-stage performance promotional video.
03. Big House
[4:03]
04. Holy War
[4:22] Robert Lamothe / Nicolas Brophy
05. Baby Blue
[4:36] Robert Lamothe / Allen DeSilva
06. I Believe
[4:21] Nicolas Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Robert Lamothe
This song was also released as single.
07. Water from the Moon
[4:41] Nicolas Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Robert Lamothe
08. Rain-Rain
[4:34] Nicolas Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Robert Lamothe
09. Spooky
[4:52] Nicolas Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Robert Lamothe
10. America
[4:14] Vivian Campbell / Rob Lamothe
Produced by Michael Frondelli, the Riverdogs, Jeff Glixman, and Kevin Gilbert (guests on keyboards on track 10). Recorded at Track Records, North Hollywood, CA, and Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA. Released May 17, 1990. Allen DeSilva plays drums on America, with the rest by Mike Baird. Marc Danzeisen came in as the band's full-time drummer for the few live shows the band played during their active career. Even with well-crafted and executed material, the band simply suffered from poor timing and support from their label. It was due to his frustration with the band's situation that Vivian departed the band, which continued and released two further albums. Whatever the success of the album, Hal Leonard Publishing Corp. published a 180-page collection of transcriptions from the album, by Jesse Gress, in 1991 (ISBN: 0793503167) Vivian has since reunited with the band members of the Riverdogs.
Riverdogs "On Air" Album Notes:
Epic/Associated ZSK-2202 (USA, 1990 -- Promo)
Track(s):
01. Baby Blue (Studio Version)
[4:36] Rob Lamothe
02. Whisper (KRXQ, Sacramento)
[4:27] Rob Lamothe
03. Toy Soldier (KTXQ, Dallas)
[3:56] Rob Lamothe
04. Big House (WMMS, Cleveland)
[4:34] Rob Lamothe
05. Holy War (WNEW, New York)
[4:53] Rob Lamothe
06. Baby Blue (WRIF, Detroit)
[3:49] Rob Lamothe / Nick Brophy
07. I Believe (KRQR, San Francisco)
[4:02] Nick Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Rob Lamothe
08. Water From The Moon (KNAC, Los Angeles)
[4:44] Vivian Campbell / Rob Lamothe
09. Rain, Rain (KOME, San Jose)
[4:54] Nick Brophy Vivian Campbell Allen DeSilva / Rob Lamothe
10. Spooky (WLZR, Milwaukee)
[4:44] Rob Lamothe / Nick Brophy
11. America (WMMR, Philadelphia)
[3:42] Vivian Campbell / Rob Lamothe
12. Pennsylvania (WDVE, Pittsburgh)
[5:07] Nicolas Brophy Allen DeSilva Robert Lamothe
Track 1 produced by Michael Frondelli and the Riverdogs. Additional production and mixing by Jeff Glixman. Recorded acoustically at assorted major markets radio stations around the United States between July 25 and August 3, 1990 as the Rob and Vivian promoted the album. Plenty of harmonies from Vivian.
Additional "Riverdogs" Material:
Track(s):
01. Caroline
[0:00] Jim Vallance Vivian Campbell Rob Lamothe
Written in 1990, this song appears to have been omitted from the debut album.
Riverdogs "Pervasive Influences" Bootleg Notes:
Unofficial recording.
Track(s):
01. Spooky
02. Water From The Moon
03. Toy Soldier
04. Whisper
05. Baby Blue
06. I Believe
07. House Of The Rising Sun
While it is a bootleg, it is one of the few ways for many fans to hear what the band sounded like in 1990. This FM broadcast was the band's first live performance recorded in Los Angeles, CA. Several other live recordings also circulate.
Various Artists "Highlander II: The Quickening" Soundtrack Notes:
Bronze BWX 2C 9031 73657-1/2/4 (Europe, 1991)
Warner Bros. Records 73675-1/2/4 (USA, 1991)
Track(s):
02. One Dream
[5:00] Lou Gramm / Bruce Turgon
Produced by Bob Ezrin and James Guthrie. Recorded and mixed by James Guthrie. Additional guitars by Vivian Campbell. Released March 29, 1 991. At the time this soundtrack was released the band were still called the Lou Gramm Band. This song was played over the closing-credits of the movie. A promotional video was issued featuring the song, constructed from movie clips and not the band. The recording was the first project by the band that would become Shadow King. Released in France under the title "Highlander II: Le Retour."
Shadow King formed in 1991 around the songwriting partnership of Lou Gramm (ex-Foreigner) and musician/songwriter Bruce Turgon, who had worked together on Lou's second solo album. Initially they starting out writing material for a third solo album but they decided that the material would be better performed under a band moniker, and as a result they sought a guitarist and drummer to join the yet un-named band. After auditions the band's line-up solidified with the addition of Vivian Campbell and drummer Kevin Valentine. Vivian had previously worked on Lou's second solo album so he was a known quantity to them. According to Lou, "He has a really beautiful balance between being able to riff and play a gut-grabbing lead" (PR).
Most of the writing for what became the "Shadow King" album had already been completed by Turgon and Gramm, though Vivian did collaborate on a couple of tracks. After the recording of the soundtrack song, the band booked studio time to record their album, and it was during this time that Gramm suggested using the name Shadow King for the project rather than focusing on him. It was an ironic name considering the pasts of all of the members of the band and their histories tied to major bands.
"Shadow King" Album Notes:
Atlantic Records 82324-1/2/4 (USA, 1991)
Wounded Bird Records WOU-2324 (USA, 2006)
01. What Would It Take
[4:23] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
02. Anytime, Anywhere
[4:27] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
03. Once Upon A Time
[5:25] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
04. Don't Even Know I'm Alive
[5:09] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
05. Boy
[4:05] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
06. I Want You
[4:30] Lou Gramm / Bruce Turgon Vivian Campbell Valentine
According to Viv, "'I Want You' is my favorite track on the record because it's the cut that really signifies what this band is all about. It's a blues-influenced, hard, sexy tune, and that's where we're coming from. I'm glad it's the first single, cause I think it's really important to introduce people to the fact that this isn't Lou Gramm's third solo project, it's a Shadow King album" (PR).
07. This Heart Of Stone
[4:37] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
08. Danger In The Dance Of Love
[3:58] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
09. No Man's Land
[4:14] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
10. Russia
[3:47] Lou Gramm / Vivian Campbell
Lou: "When we were writing for the album, he tried to fast forward his demo tape past that one, and I said, 'Wait a minute!' It's about someone who has a longing to get home, be it to his family or his mother country; he needs to get back and connect" (PR). Lou recorded the vocal for this track once, a reference take, that producer Keith Olsen wouldn't let him repeat since he felt that one effort was incredible.
Produced by Keith Olsen. Engineered by Keith Olsen and Shay Baby assisted by Brian Foraker, Alan Abrahamson, and Patrick Schneider. Recorded and mixed at Goodnight Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Released in October 1991 the album was supported by a single and video for "I Want You," and later "Don't Even Know I'm Alive" was also issued to radio. In recent years Vivian has admitted that he doesn't play much rhythm guitar on the album, due to the issues that affected the band during the recording process.
Shadow King "I Want You" CD-Single Notes:
Atlantic Records PRCD 4214-2 (USA, 1991 -- 1 Track Promo)
Track(s):
01. I Want You (Edit)
[4:24] Lou Gramm / Bruce Turgon Vivian Campbell Valentine
Single-track promo CD with radio edit released during October 1991. A video for this song was directed by Charley Randazzo and produced by Nina Diuhy featuring the ever-popular "band on a rooftop" theme.
Shadow King "Don't Even Know I'm Alive" CD-Single Notes:
Atlantic Records PRCD 4443-2 (USA, 1992 -- 2 Track Promo)
Track(s):
01. Don't Even Know I'm Alive (Edit Remix)
[4:22] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
02. Don't Even Know I'm Alive (Album Version)
[5:09] Bruce Turgon / Lou Gramm
The edit of this song shortens the introduction to the song by some 30 seconds and cuts the repetition of the verse.
A tour was in the process of being booked and the band were scheduled to play a show at the Astoria Theatre in London on December 13, 1991 (set list from Kenny Taylor) with keyboard player Rick Serrate being added to the band's line-up. This show was promoted by Shades Record store and was filmed by MTV Europe. However, this first show was also the band's last and was poorly attended. While the band performed a selection of Shadow King and Foreigner material the band weren't gelling on stage. They were all talented musicians, but they really didn't work as a band. While the band made their promo appearance at Shades Records on December 14, the tour was cancelled while the band regrouped.
Astoria Set list:
I Want You / Danger In The Dance Of Love Boy Don't Even Know I'm Alive Anytime, Anywhere Once Upon A Time What Would It Take Russia No Man's Land Ready Or Not Dirty White Boy Head Games Midnight Blue Tin Soldier / Fire and Water
The band didn't simply call it quits. They initially anticipated working on a second album that was going to be more of a band effort. According to Lou, "Some of the songs on this album were in the works as the band was forming, and I actually didn't know how involved Vivian was going to be in the songwriting until the eleventh hour. We've got two or three things already in the can for our next album, and I'm sure that once we get some road time together, we'll hit on what our direction will be, and the songwriting chores will even up" (RIP Magazine, May 1992). Whatever the case, this band had been another 'group' project that had been a letdown for Vivian.
Steve Plunkett "My Attitude" Album Notes:
Quality Records 15179-2/4 (USA, 10/25/1991)
Koch (International, 3/20/1995)
Track(s):
02. Louie Louie
[3:14] Richard Berry
Executive Producer: Billy Meshel. Produced by Steve Plunkett. Recorded at Weir Brothers Recording Studio, North Hollywood, CA. Engineered by Tom Weir. Steve Plunkett was the lead vocalist/guitarist in Autograph, who had been a one-hit wonder with "Turn Up The Radio." Vivian appears on backing vocals on the recording of the 1965 hit.
Gurukarta Kaur Khalsa Demo Notes:
Unreleased recording.
Track(s):
01. Hope We Don't Need To Use This
[0:00] Gurukarta Kaur Khalsa / Cary Beare / Vivian Campbell
02. September 24
[0:00] Gurukarta Kaur Khalsa / Cary Beare
03. The River song
[0:00] Gurukarta Kaur Khalsa / Cary Beare
Two Riverdogs and Gurukarta. This demo dates from about 1991 and while track one has a Vivian credit, the context or purpose of the material is unclear.
Desmond Child "Discipline" Album Notes:
Elektra Records 61048-1/2 (USA, 6/18/1991)
Elektra Records EKT-92 (Europe, 1991)
Track(s):
07. Do Me Right
[4:20] Desmond Child
Featuring Vivian on guitar and the solo. John McCurry and Stevie Lukather also play guitar on the track. Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Michael Fisher on percussion, and CJ Vanston on keyboards. Desmond had originally written this song for former "Rouge" backing-band member Maria Vidal's 1987 album.
Produced by Sir Arthur Payson and Desmond Child. Recorded at The Village Recorders, Los Angeles, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, Ground Control, Santa Monica, A&M Studios, Hollywood, and Can-Am Studios, Tarzana. Desmond Child is far better known as the songwriting genius who has worked with the likes of Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, KISS, and an absolutely untold number of other artists across many genres. This album was his first solo album, more than a decade after the end of his band "Desmond Child & Rouge." This album featured many guest and session contributions.
Vivian Campbell Solo Album Notes:
Vivian had a deal with CBS Records to record a solo album that was expected to be released in late 1992. In the immediate aftermath of Shadow King's London gig Vivian apparently started writing material for the project before receiving the call from Def Leppard. It's doubtful that any material got past a basic demo stage, though Viv was busy in early 1992 in a Los Angeles studio working on material with drummer Mark Schulman (later a member of Clock).
"Gotthard" Album Notes:
BMG/Ariola Records 262306 (Europe, 1992)
Track(s):
03. Firedance
[6:13] Chris von Rohr Steve Lee Leo Leoni
06. Get Down
[3:23] Chris von Rohr / Mauser
Producer Chris Von Rohr (a former member of fellow Swiss rock act Krokus, a band that also liked covering Sweet songs. Not to mention that Krokus had toured with Leppard in 1983). Vivian was guest lead guitarist on two tracks. He just happened to be working in the same studio as the band sharing the same engineer.
Tony Kenning post-Leppard
Cairo "Eight Bells" 7" Single Notes:
Pyramid Records SRT-4S-148 (UK, 1984 -- Picture Sleeve)
Track(s):
[4:09] Gerry Fletcher / Tony Kenning Andy Needham Phil Wainwright
B1. Inside Out
[4:07] Gerry Fletcher / Tony Kenning Andy Needham Phil Wainwright
Produced by Cairo and Geoff Hummerstone. Recorded in North London in May 1984. Jim Fletcher provides additional vocals on B1. The picture sleeve for the single featured a band logo design very similar to Def Leppard's original 1980 version.
Tony went down in urban rock legend as being fired from the band for being unwilling to commit 100% to the fledgling group. Without Tony, would we be listening to Deaf Leopard? Regardless, and whatever the reasons for his departure, he later played with the band Cairo. The band had more in common with Spandau Ballet than Def Leppard and featured Phil Wainwright (Keyboards), Gerry Fletcher (Vocals, Guitar, and Woodblock), Andy Needham (Bass), and Tony on percussion and drums, though the drums sound electronic rather than traditional. Collectors shouldn't get confused with another British band sharing the same name releasing material in the early 1980s.
The band rehearsed at the same spoon factory that Def Leppard had and released an independent single, following the same path that Tony's earlier band had (without him). However, following the release of the single Tony essentially dropped from musical sight.
It would be rather crass to suggest, as Joe did on VH-1, that Pete was given the "Spanish Archer" -- el bow. However, the end result was that Pete departed Leppard during the recording of "Pyromania," and thus had put in plenty of work building the band, just to allow Phil to enjoy the success! Pete's recording history following Leppard is sparse. He was reportedly working on demos soon after departing the band, with a band project that was going to be more straightforward rock, but nothing came of any such work if it really did occur.
"Gogmagog" EP Notes:
Food For Nations YUMT-109 (UK, 1985 -- 12" Picture Sleeve)
Track(s):
A1. I Will Be There
[4:32] Russ Ballard
Originally recorded and released by Russ on his "Into The Fire" album in 1981.
B1. Living In A Fucking Timewarp
[3:11] Jonathan King
B2. It's Illegal, It's Immoral, It's Unhealthy... But It's Fun
[3:34] Jonathan King
Jonathan King had released this song as a single in 1980, backed with "Sing Your Own Mortality" (Warner WEA 1825-7). It was also eventually also recorded by Briar in 1988, an act that Jonathan was managing at the time.
Produced by Jonathan King. This EP was released by him in June 1985 after the band had already called it quits due to being unable to get financing -- and for other reasons. The songs included on the release are essentially demos. Pete was recruited by Jonathan King for his "rock opera" project that became known as Gogmagog. Who bassist John Entwistle and ex-Whitesnake drummer Cozy Powell were originally approached for the project (Clive Burr was approached first, but his manager declined and suggested Cozy). Cozy was unable to participate, instead hooking up with ELP, and Clive made his interest in the project known. John was apparently interested, but instead decided to focus on his own project. Another Whitesnake member would be chosen, Neil Murray.
The band was a super-group of sorts featuring Janick Gers (Lead Guitar), Pete Willis (Rhythm Guitar), Paul Di'Anno (Vocals), Neil Murray (Bass), Clive Burr (Drums). Janick had been the lead guitarist with White Spirit and had then more recently worked with Gillan. Both Paul and Clive were former members of Iron Maiden. A biographical insert was included in some copies of the EP that contained a rather verbose history of the concept. Track A1 was originally recorded by Russ Ballard on his 1981 "Into The Fire" album. Track B2 was only available on the 12" single.
According to Jonathan, "I booked a rehearsal room for a day to run through the 3 numbers, and a small studio for 8 hours to lay down a rough demo tape the next day. Never, in all my time in the business, through GENESIS and 10CC and 'THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW', have I witnessed such a trouble free, inspired bout of practice and recording. NEIL, JANNIC, CLIVE, and PETE turned out to be imaginative and rhythmic, working instantly as a team. PAUL sang brilliantly - in one song he was performing as SATAN, in another as the hero BRUTE, he yelled and swore and howled and sweated. The engineers were ecstatic. CLIVE thrashed his drums and pulverized the skins beyond technical limit. JANNIC gave solos he'd never tried before - 'I want animal screaming and moaning', I'd said, and he gave with a vengeance until I was looking around for the slaughterhouse! PETE pounded out rhythm and hooks and licks and riffs, breaking strings. NEIL gave more than just the anchor sound - he provided the emotional stability and the thought without diluting the energy and excitement. Nobody could believe the quality of the finished tracks" (PR). Except perhaps Paul who suggested in one interview that he thought the songs were shit and was only in it for the money.
Nightrun 7" Single Notes:
Independent Release (UK, 1985/6)
It's never really be substantiated whether Pete Willis actually had any involvement with this Sheffield rock/metal band that supposedly included Keil Fraser (vocals) and Pete Halliday (drums). The band supposedly placed 2nd in a band competition at Sheffield's City Hall in 1986, and may have also included Richard Day at one point. "Precious little" might describe what is currently known...
"Roadhouse" Album Notes:
Phonogram/Vertigo 510 078-1/2/4 (International, 1991)
Nippon-Phonogram PHCR-24 (Japan, 1/25/1992)
Track(s):
01. All Join Hands
[4:51] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
02. Time
[5:09] Richard Day / Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
03. Tower Of Love
[3:55] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Frank Noon
04. A Little Love
[4:12] Richard Day / Paul Jackson
05. Loving You
[4:38] Richard Day / Paul Jackson
06. Hell Can Wait
[5:03] Richard Day / Paul Jackson / John McKracken
07. One Heart
[4:11] Richard Day Pete Halliday Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
08. New Horizon
[4:35] Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
09. Strangers In Your Eyes
[4:09] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
10. Desperation Calling
[5:47] Richard Day / Paul Jackson/ Pete Willis
Executive producer: David Bates; Produced by Roadhouse & Chris Sheldon; Additional production on tracks 1-3, 5 & 6 by Mike Shipley & Pete Woodruff (not Lep's Woodroffe!); Recorded at Crow Edge Studios, Sheffield, a studio that Pete had helped set up. The only full studio release from Pete Willis following his tenure in Def Leppard. The Japanese version includes an obi (as usual) promoting "All Join Hands."
Roadhouse were a band whose members came from the Sheffield band Nightrun, notably Richard Day and former Heritage drummer Pete Halliday (later in the Hornets) who joined Pete with vocalist Paul Jackson in the band tentatively called East West (Kerrang #161) in late-1987. The band's name is also suggested to have changed to the Few at some point. Dave Fletcher was initially mentioned as the band's bassist, but the group underwent several lineup changes before settling on Wayne Grant Stobbart (Bass) and Trevor Brewis (Drums).
At some live performances Brian Hall is suggested to have substituted for Pete on guitar, though Pete has suggested that his wife was due to deliver their second child around the time (Kerrang #377). The band had toured with Gillan and Saxon in March 1991 and were certainly heavier than they appeared on vinyl. Paul and Richard also wrote another song around this time, "A Little Love," which appears not to have been used. The band's initial plan had been to follow the same independent route that Leppard once had taken; issuing an independent single, rather than sign directly with a label, and progress from there. According to Pete, "It's worked once!" (Kerrang #377).
Roadhouse fell apart soon after the release of the debut album. Paul Jackson was initially offered the position as the replacement for Noddy Holder in Slade, and even rehearsed with the band for a few months. He formed Smith & Jackson with Jimmy Smith in 1997 and while based in Phoenix, AZ picked up former KISS producer/associate Sean Delaney as manager. Following the setback of Sean's death in 2003 Smith & Jackson released their debut album, "Rivertown," on RGF Records (RGF/SJCD 057) in 2004. Paul is currently recording his first solo album in the UK and USA.
"Tower Of Love" Single Notes:
Phonogram/Vertigo VER55 (UK, 7" -- Picture Sleeve)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERX55 (UK, 12" -- Picture Sleeve)
Phonogram/Vertigo ROAD-DJ1 (UK, 12" -- Promo)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERCD55 (UK -- CD-Single)
Track(s):
01. Tower Of Love [3:55]
02. Can't Take The Credit For It\*
[4:35] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Frank Noon
03. Freight Train (Acoustic Version)\*
[4:03] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Frank Noon
This song was re-recorded by Smith & Jackson, with a more country sound, for debut album, "Rivertown" (RGF/SJCD 057) in 2004.
Released May 13, 1991. Issued in 7', 12" and CD-single format (also as a picture CD in special slim jewel case). \* are non-album bonus tracks (Track 3 only issued on 12" and CD-single). The promotional version is simply a 12" white label with promo release code in plain die-cut sleeve. Track 3 produced by Roadhouse. "Tower Of Love" was also included on the "Harley Davidson & The Marlboro Man" movie soundtrack.
"Loving You" Promo Sampler Cassette Notes:
No matrix code (UK, 1991)
Track(s):
A1. Loving You [4:38]
A2. All Join Hands [4:51]
A3. Time [5:09]
A4. Tower Of Love [3:55]
A5. Hell Can Wait [5:03]
Promotional cassette with no matrix # dated June 20, 1991. Featuring a selection of material from the Roadhouse album this cassette was issued with a plain J-card with typed/transfer-type details. All of the tracks are contained on one side of the cassette, and the mixes are the same as those on the album.
"Roadhouse" EP Notes:
Phonogram/Vertigo ROAD-DJ2 (UK, 1991 -- Picture Sleeve)
Track(s):
A1. All Join Hands [4:51]
A2. Straight For Your Heart\*
[3:13] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
B1. Tower Of Love [3:55]
B2. Can't Take The Credit For It\*
[4:35] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Frank Noon
It's not very clear about the history of this release, though the inclusion of, and, A1 track would indicate it was issued prior to the second single's release. Some copies come with a press release that detailed all sorts of fun stuff. \* Are non-album bonus tracks.
"All Join Hands" Single notes:
Phonogram/Vertigo VER56 (UK, 7" -- Picture Sleeve)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERX56 (UK, 12" -- Picture Sleeve)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERCD56 (UK -- CD-Single)
Track(s):
01. All Join Hands [4:51]
02. Straight For Your Heart\*
[3:13] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
03. More Than I Want\*
[4:35] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson / Frank Noon / Pete Willis
Roadhouse's second single released August 5, 1991. "More Than I Want" is notable due to it being co-written with the temporary Def Leppard studio drummer, Frank Noon. \* Are non-album bonus tracks (Track 3 only issued on 12" and CD-single). Tracks 2 & 3 produced by Roadhouse and Chris Sheldon.
"Hell Can Wait" Single Notes:
Phonogram/Vertigo VER57 (UK, 7" -- Picture Sleeve)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERX56 (UK, 12" -- Picture Sleeve)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERP56 (UK, 12" -- Picture Disc)
Phonogram/Vertigo VERCD56 (UK -- CD-Single)
Track(s):
01. Hell Can Wait [4:51]
02. Jackson High (Original Demo)\*
[4:18] Richard Day / Paul Jackson / Pete Willis
03. Loving You [4:38]
04. More Than I Want\*
[4:35] Richard Day Wayne Grant Paul Jackson Frank Noon Pete Willis
The band's third single, released in January 1992 in 12" picture disc, and CD-single formats. \* are non-album bonus tracks. Track 4 produced by Roadhouse and Chris Sheldon. This single briefly charted on the Kerrang singles charts, debuting at position #20 in early February while getting a poor peer review in the same issue.
Frank Noon's involvement in these songs is interesting. As a temporary drummer for Def Leppard, Frank had also been in Lionheart with Rocky Newton, Jess Cox, Steve Mann, and Dennis Stratton. Rocky and John had originally been members of The Next Band with Frank. This NWOBHM super-group didn't last and Frank departed prior to the band touring with Def Leppard and joined Wild Horses. Wild Horses included Brian Robertson, Jimmy Bain, and John Lockton, though the band went through numerous line-up changes. Frank didn't appear on either of the band's albums.
As the band fell apart after being dropped from EMI Frank and vocalist Rueben Archer formed Stampede with Francois Moreau (bass) and Alan Nelson (keyboards). However, Noon, who was also working with Bernie Torme's Electric Gypsies on the side, soon split and joined Waysted. Frank recorded that band's debut album, "Vices," and toured with Ozzy, Mötley Crüe, and Dio before leaving the band.
Frank joined Paul Di'Anno's "Di'Anno" band for a club tour, though Paul broke the band up soon afterwards. Frank is featured on the "Live from London" DVD. Since this brief history details Frank's career 1979-85, it's not clear what he did afterwards.
"Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man" OST Notes:
Mercury/PolyGram 510 323-1/2 (USA, 9/3/1991)
Mercury/Phonogram PHCR-16 (Japan, 1991)
Tracks:
01. Long Way From Home (Copperhead)
02. The Bigger They Come (Frampton & Marriott)
03. Tower Of Love (Roadhouse)
04. I Mess Around (Shooting Gallery)
05. Wild Obsession (LA Guns)
06. C'mon (The Screaming Jets)
07. Let's Work Together (The Kentucky Headhunters)
08. Hardline (Waylon Jennings)
09. Ride With Me (Blackeyed Susan)
10. What Will I My Heart (Vanessa Williams)
"Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man" was a movie featuring Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke. The version of the Roadhouse recording was the same as on the studio album.
Joe Elliott extra-Leppard
"Rickey & The Frog" Unreleased Session Notes:
Unreleased Session (1984)
Track(s):
01. Lonely Road
[0:00] Unknown
Rickey And The Frog were a Dutch band fronted by Rickey deVito (Rick Hogendorp) and guitarist Age Kat. The band had moderate success in Germany. They were originally simply called "The Frog" (1982-4), but the line-up appears to have been transitioning during the period between the "Document" and "Capricorn" albums. Interestingly, the band also toured in support of Millie Jackson, one of the first artists to release a cover of a Def Leppard song!
Members of this band also worked as studio session musicians with Lori Spee (See the "two plus" appearances section) and were recording their 1984 album "Capricorn" at de Wisseloord Studios at the time, hence the grand circle of Joe-Lori-Frog. Joe provided harmonies on the chorus of the song.
Toni Wille "Privilege" Album Notes:
Ariola Records 207-170 (Holland, 1985)
Track(s):
B2. Every Beat Of My Heart
[3:12] Chris Rea
Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Holland. Also released as a single (Ariola 107.485) in support of the album in early 1986 and in 2004 on the "Pussycat - The Complete Collection" (Capitol/EMI Music 598 2630-1). Joe sang backing vocals on this track while recording "Hysteria."
Ronnie Wood "Slide On This" Album Notes:
Continuum Records 19210-2 (USA, 1992)
SONY/Continuum Records SRCS-6617 (Japan, 1992)
Koch Entertainment 33280-2 (Austria, 1998)
Track(s):
01. Somebody Else Might
[4:51] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
Joe and his then wife Karla appeared in the video for this song that was filmed in Dublin in October 1992. This track was released as a promotional CD-single (Continuum 14210-2) in support of the album.
02. Testify
[5:00] George Clinton / D. Taylor
03. Ain't Rock 'N Roll
[3:46] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
04. Josephine
[5:29] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
The album liner notes mention Joe on backing vocals on this song. This track was released with the remix version as a promotional CD (Continuum 13210-2) in support of the album.
05. Knock Yer Teeth Out
[4:04] Ronnie Wood Bernard Fowler Julian Lloyd
06. Ragtime Annie (Lillie's Bordello)
[2:33] Traditional. Arrangement by Ronnie Wood & Bernard Fowler
07. Must Be Love
[4:12] Jerry Williams
08. Fear For Your Future
[4:03] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
09. Show Me
[3:35] Jerry Williams
Joe on backing vocals. A stones alumnus, Charlie Watts, plays drums on the recording. This song was the first single (Continuum Records 12210-2) issued in support of the album.
10. Always Wanted More
[5:43] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
The album liner notes mention Joe on lead and backing vocals on this song.
11. Thinkin'
[5:51] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
12. Like It
[4:28] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
13. Breathe On Me
[5:39] Ronnie Wood
14. Josephine (In Your Face Mix)
[5:29] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
Track 14 was a bonus for Japan only that features Joe on backing vocals. Joe played bass on a backing track for the song, recorded with Ron and Charlie Watts, so that he could lay down the backing vocals for the track. Only the vocal contribution was kept.
15. Somebody Else Might (Remix)
[4:51] Ronnie Wood / Bernard Fowler
Track 15 was a bonus from the 1998 reissue. It had originally been a CD-single B-side.
Produced by Ronnie Wood and Bernard Fowler. Co-produced and engineered by Eoghan McCarron. Recorded at Sandymount, St. Kildare, Eire August-September 1991, December 1991-February 1992, and A&M Studio, Los Angeles, CA during March 1992. Joe Elliott contributes with lead vocals on several songs. Also appearing are the Hothouse Flowers. Some copies of the Japanese version come with an additional paperback 5" 72-page book of Ronnie's sketches. Joe met Ron in 1991 after Ron moved to Ireland and was planning on building his own home studio. A mutual acquaintance mentioned Joe's studio, and arranged for Ron to check out Joe's setup for ideas for his own.
Ray Majors "First Poison" Album Notes:
Angel Air Records SJPCD-057 (UK, 2000)
Track(s):
01. Leave Me Be
[3:20] Ray Majors
Ray Majors has played guitar with Mott The Hoople (having replaced Ian Hunter in 1974), its spin-off Mott, but is better know for his work with the British Lions and Sandy Dillon. His connection with Mott was enough to have had him on Joe's radar, but the two had met during the recording of "Pyromania." Ray invited Joe to sing on his first solo album after the two had become reacquainted in 1999. The track was also released on the Angel Air "Family Anthology" (Angel Air Records SJPCD-196; Disc 2 Track 3) in 2005.
The Almighty "Psycho-Narco" Album Notes:
Sanctuary Records SANCD-101 (UK, 10/22/2001)
Sanctuary Records 8146-02 (USA, 12/4/2001)
Canyon International PCCY-01519 (Japan, 8/1/2001)
Track(s):
07. Waiting For Earthquakes
[4:58] Fraser McAvoy Nick Parsons Ricky Warwick
Produced and engineered by Daniel Rey; Assisted by Dan Turner and Sasha Jankovic; Recorded at Parkgate Studios, Sussex; Mixed by Daniel Rey at Greene Street Studios, New York City, NY. Assisted by Jon Marshall Smith. Joe guests on one track having recorded the vocals at his home studio in Dublin with Ronan McHugh engineering. The song was inspired by an outsider's misconception of the problems in Northern Ireland and how to provide a solution. Unfortunately, the outsider comes from a background with just as egregious problems making the suggestion somewhat pointless. Ricky and Joe had a side project around this time: Sex Machine Guns, a cover band that was more wishful thinking than action considering both of their schedules.
Ricky Warwick "Tattoos And Alibis" Album Notes:
Universal Music Group/MSI UICE-1036 (Japan, 12/25/2002)
Sanctuary Records SANCD-204 (UK, 09/23/2003)
Track(s):
01. Mysterioso
[4:45] Ricky Warwick
02. Enemies
[4:04] Ricky Warwick
03. Can't Live With Maybe
[4:01] Ricky Warwick
04. The Genuine Fool
[3:11] Ricky Warwick
05. Three Sides To Every Story
[4:02] Ricky Warwick
06. It Always Rains On Sunday
[4:15] Garrett Wall, Ricky Warwick
07. The Church Of Paranoia
[2:24] Ricky Warwick
08. Nothing Is Real
[4:31] John Goss, Ricky Warwick, Del James
09. Tattoos & Alibis
[4:41] Ricky Warwick
10. Minor Miracles
[2:59] Ricky Warwick
11. Crack 'N' Divide
[3:04] Ricky Warwick
12. Can't Get Arrested
[4:11] Ricky Warwick
13. Close To The Last Call
[2:36] Joe Elliott, Ricky Warwick, Del James
14. Ending Is Better Than Mending
[3:02] Ricky Warwick
Produced by Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh. Recorded at Joe's Garage, Dublin, Ireland. Cybernaut buddy Dick Decent also appears, as does Peter O'Toole from the Hothouse Flowers. Ricky originally announced his solo album in late 2002, with the intention of fitting it in around The Almighty's schedule. Joe is on backing vocals on tracks 1, 5, 8, 12, & 13; bass on 6, 7, 9, 13, & 14; electric guitar on 11; acoustic guitar and bodhrán (an Irish type of drum) on 13; and drums on 14. Tracks 3 & 10 were later recorded and added as bonus tracks on the North American release.
Earl Slick "Zig Zag" Album Notes:
Sanctuary Records/When WENCD-216 (UK, 12/9/2003)
Sanctuary Records/BMG SAN84671-2 (USA, 2004)
Track(s):
09. Psycho Twang
[4:39] Mark Plati / Joe Elliott
Produced by Mark Plati. This album was Earl's first in twelve years, named after a town in Oregon where he had lived for a few years. Earl had played guitar in David Bowie's band, and worked with Leo Sayer, Ian Hunter, and John Lennon. The partially instrumental album features guest appearances from including Joe, David Bowie, and Robert Smith. According to Joe, "I started in Spain and wrote the thing as I traveled over Portugal, France and all the way back to Ireland... It's a little bit of a story of a guy that was institutionalized who basically is climbing the walls to get out" (PR). Earl was the first rock star that Joe had personally met, having snuck backstage to meet Earl's then band Overnight Angles in June 1977.
Ian Hunter "The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nuthin' But The Truth" Album Notes:
Secret/Snapper SMACD-906 (UK, 7/2005)
Secret/Snapper SMACD-906 (USA, 9/13/2005)
Track(s): Disc 02 -
04. All The Young Dudes
[5:35] David Bowie
11. All The Way From Memphis
[5:38] Ian Hunter
Recorded live at the Astoria, London on May 28, 2004. Joe was a guest performer on two songs and Queen's Brian May came on for the final track of the set. This show was also released as the "Just Another Night: Live at the Astoria, London" DVD (Secret Films SMADVD 214X).
Ian Gillan "Gillan's Inn" Album Notes:
Immergent 28412-02 (UK, 2005)
Immergent 28412-02 (USA, 4/18/2006)
(10/9/2006 - Deluxe Edition)
Track(s):
15. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
[3:03] Robert Zimmerman
Produced, mixed and mastered by Nick Blagona; Engineered by Allen Formelo. This album was a celebration of Ian's 40 years in the music industry with him re-visiting many of the songs he'd been involved with and favorites, with old friends from Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and numerous other bands. This song was originally recorded by Bob Dylan and released on his classic "John Wesley Harding" album in 1967. Gillan had recorded the song while a member of Episode Six with Roger Glover in the late-1960s (it was included on the 1997 anthology "The Radio One Club Sessions Live 1968/69," RPM Records RPM-178).
The song was the original final track ("Lucky 13 Bonus Track") on the album (the Deluxe edition adds two live tracks) featuring Joe on harmonies. Joe was also the first artist to respond affirmatively when Ian started contacting other artists to approach the project. The track was approached in a form akin to the Everly Brothers, as Ian and Joe had once done the same during a sing-along in a pub one night after a football match in Dublin. Both issues come with a bonus DVD including 5.1-surround sound mixes and other material.
Ronnie Montrose & Friends "10x10" Album Notes:
Currently Unreleased
Joe was one of the first singers to sign up for Ronnie's "& Friends" project. Material was initially recorded for the 10 songs during the summer of 2003. According to Ron in a 2004 post on his website, "I'm now working on bringing 10 of my favorite singers together to each contribute lyrics and vocals to some incredible 'Power Trio' tracks that Ricky Phillips and Eric Singer and I recorded live in the studio last summer. The tentative title will be 'Ronnie Montrose and Friends -- 10x10' and the complete list of singers will be listed here as soon as everyone is on board... I've contacted many of my friends, and am very excited to bring this assemblage of talent together on one project" (RonnieMontrose.com).
"The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew" Single Notes:
Universal Music Ireland Ltd. (Eire, 2/22/08)
Track(s):
01. The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew
[7:58] Robert Hunter Bono The Edge / Simon Carmody
02. Easy And Slow (Ronnie Drew)
[3:06] Dominic Behan
A single recorded in tribute to Irish musician Ronnie Drew. Released in Eire on February 29, 2008, the proceeds of the single are to benefit the Irish Cancer Society. Ronnie was a member of the Irish folk group The Dubliners, and has recently been battling cancer and failing health. Bono was keen to demonstrate musical love and respect for Ronnie. Collaborators on the single included U2, Shane MacGown, Andrea Corr, and Sinead O'Conner. Joe's involvement was simply a result of his residency in Dublin: "Anybody who was in town went, so it was a case of being asked and saying, 'When do you want me?'" (U2.com). As a result he features on the chorus section. The single debuted at #2 on the Irish singles charts.
Rick Allen extra-Leppard
Sleeze Beez "Scream" Single Notes:
Red Bullet RB8276 (1994)
Track(s):
04. The Year Of Living Dangerously (Lost Track)
Sleeze Beez, fronted by Andrew Elt, was managed by Rick's older brother, Robert. Rick contributed backing vocals, with Andrew Elt and Jan Koster, to this track that was recorded while Def Leppard were recording "Adrenalize," making it something of a "Screwed, Blued & Tattooed" leftover. This single was released in support of Sleeze Beez's "Insanity Beach" (Red Bullet RB66.85) album.
"Brink!" TV Movie Notes:
Walt Disney Video 9780788831966 (USA, 1/8/2002 - VHS)
Directed by Greg Beeman. Written by Jeff Schechter. Movie staring Erik von Detten in a good (skate for fun) verses "evil" (skate for money) skating conflict. Released August 29, 1998. Mark Mason and Rick (though he wasn't credited) wrote and recorded the theme song for this Disney Movie.
Ampage "Falling Higher" Album Notes:
Mason Music 002 (USA, 8/14/2001)
Track(s):
01. Falling Higher
05. If I Knew Then
06. Rollin' Stollin'
07. So What
08. Been There
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Mark Mason, Duane Baron, and Susan Herndon. Track 5 was also included on the 2007 anthology "Future Days Gone By" (Mason Music 634949029602). Track 6 co-produced by Rick Allen. Rick plays drums on these tracks and percussion on tracks 6-8. He also adds vocals on track 7. Ampage had opened for Def Leppard during the 1997 tour, and Rick joined the band on a few of their club dates...
"Gone In Sixty Seconds" & "Armageddon" Movie Notes:
Rick and Mark also wrote material for both of these movies, though the sections that would have included the material were ultimately cut from the movies.
Raven Drum "Mountain Song" Notes:
Web Only Release (October 2001)
Track(s):
01. Mountain Song
[5:00] Rick Allen / Lauren Monroe
02. The Gathering Song
[0:00] Rick Allen / Lauren Monroe
Initially released on the original Raven Drums website, this song by Rick and his wife was given a new impetus following 9/11. There are plans to properly mix and release the piece at some point. Rick's Raven Drum foundation is about empowerment through drumming. It's integral with his spirituality and sense of community and healing. Track 02, which is currently unreleased, is a "Ceremonial journey around the globe through drums. It originally started out with an American Indian drum loop and grew into more and more percussion tracks and instruments from the farthest reaches of the most diverse points of the Planet. Artist Collective member, Carl Roessler, came in and graced us with his didgeridoo... These two songs and more are going towards a whole collection that we hope to release" (Raven Drums PR).
"The Spirit Riders" Movie Notes:
Moving Cloud Productions (USA, 2004)
Spirit Riders, "is an international award winning documentary film about the birth of an American Indian peace movement, begun in 1990 by the Lakota Nation and its growth over the subsequent years" (PR). Rick and his wife, Lauren Monroe, feature on the soundtrack.
"Wild Horse Preservation" Film Notes:
Moving Cloud Productions (USA, 2004/2005)
This short seven minute documentary film featuring "Lord Of The Rings" star Viggo Mortensen, "presents a brief history of 'The Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act,' and a current update exposing the newly passed 'Burns Bill' which gutted the protection these animals were granted in 1971 when the 'Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act' was unanimously passed by Congress as a result of American citizens sending more letters to Congress over the threats to these wild animals than over any other domestic issue in U.S. History" (PR). Rick created the sound track for the piece along with his wife, Lauren Monroe.
Krishna Das "All One" Album Notes:
Triloka/Artemis Records 82057 (USA, 8/23/2005)
Triloka/Artemis Records 82066 (USA, 8/23/2005 -- Borders)
Movements(s):
01. Calling From Afar
[18:29] Krishna Das
02. Refuge In The Name
[11:35] Krishna Das
03. Rock In A Heart Space
[14:41] Krishna Das
04. Township Krishna
[8:52] Krishna Das
Produced by Krishna Das (actually Jeff Kagel), Jay Messina, Walter Becker, David Nichtern and Ty Burhoe. Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, NY over three days in November 2004. Kirtan yogic chanting by a "complex big band of 70 singers and 18 musicians" (PR)! Other guest musicians include Steve Gorn, Elaine Kreston, Ty Burhoe, John McDowell, David Nichtern, and Steely Dan's Walter Becker.
This album appearance is more than simply a session, it is expressive of some of the spiritual exploration going on in Rick's life going back even to his recovery in the immediate aftermath of the 1984 car accident. "Mutt" Lange had sent a Hare Krishna couple to Rick in hospital to help take care of his dietary needs. Rick first met Khrisna Das in Boulder, CO, in 2000 and nearly immediately started playing with him, taken by the emotions generated by the chants.
Lauren Monroe "The Freedom Sessions" Album Notes:
(USA, 5/29/2008)
Track(s):
01. Freedom Song
[3:29]
02. Wildest Dreams
[4:10]
03. Love Won't Let Me Down
[2:53]
04. Black River
[4:10]
05. My Love
[3:52]
06. Blaze
[3:14]
07. Summer Time
[2:50]
08. Mystery Of You
[3:37]
09. By My Side
[3:25]
10. Way To Burn
[3:53]
Executive producer: Rick Allen; Mixed by Preston Pope. Rick has been pushing his wife, Lauren, to make this album since 2000. Rick also plays drums and percussion on the album that is described as "a collection of Americana acoustic rock performances that crosses over into the genres of blues, country and pop" (PR).
Phil Collen extra-Leppard
"Zinatra" Album Notes:
Phonogram 834 860-1/2/4 (Europe, 1988)
Nippon-Phonogram PHCR-4224 (Japan, 1988)
Track(s):
B5. Feather In The Wind
[4:57] Erwin Musper
Produced by Erwin Musper, who had worked on the "Hysteria" album. Recorded at de Wisseloord Studios. Zinatra was a Dutch AOR band fronted by Joss Mennen. Phil made a guest appearance on one track on this album. This album has been reissued on CD (Snakebite AORH-1155).
Sam Kinison "Have You Seen Me Lately?" Album Notes:
Warner Bros. 25748-1/2 (USA, 11/8/1988)
Track(s):
14. Wild Thing
[4:25] Chip Taylor
Phil unofficially played guitar track on comedian Sam's album. The performers on the track included Rudy Sarzo (bass) and CC Deville (solo). The song was released as the primary single off the album, supported by a video that went into heavy rotation on MTV. The song had originally been a 1966 hit for the Troggs.
BB Steal "On The Edge" Album Notes:
Phonogram 848 045-1/2/4 (Australia, 1991)
Phonogram 4232 (Australia, 2005 -- Reissue)
Track(s):
A1. On the Edge (Lizzy Town)
[5:42] Craig Csongrady
A2. Big Love
[4:23] Craig Csongrady
A3. Ride On
[5:24] Craig Csongrady
A4. Suffer In Silence
[5:20] Craig Csongrady
A5. Live It Up
[3:55] Craig Csongrady
Released as a promotional single.
B1. Shot Full Of Love
[4:01] Craig Csongrady
B2. Precious Love
[4:24] Craig Csongrady
B3. (Don't You) Love Me And Leave Me
[4:51] Craig Csongrady
B4. Heartbeat Away
[4:55] Craig Csongrady
Released as a single in 1989 with "I Believe" and "Hold On" which weren't included on the album.
B5. Troubled Child
[4:44] Craig Csongrady
Produced by Craig Csongrady and Phil Collen. Engineered by Rob Jacobs and Pete Woodroffe. BB Steal, or fully Beg Borrow Steal, were an Australian band that evolved out of RCA signed band Boss, who decided to change their name alleging possible confusion with Bruce Springsteen and other product names... Phil contributes rhythm guitar and backing vocals on the album. BB Steal opened for Def Leppard during the 80s and 90s. Even with the Def Leppard connection, there have often been suggestions that BB Steal out-Def Leppard'd Def Leppard!
Various Artists "Thunderbolt: A Tribute to AC/DC" Album Notes:
Triange Records DMCR-25026 (Japan, 1997)
D-Rock/Triange CD/CS-99 (USA, 4/7/98)
Track(s):
03. Back In Black
[4:30] Angus Young Malcolm Young Brian Johnson
Produced by Billy Sherwood. Recorded and mixed by Billy Sherwood. Recorded at The Office, Van Nuys, CA. Phil's track includes Joe Lynn Turner (vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass), and Simon Wright (drums). Phil plays both lead and rhythm guitar. It's not ironic, Phil appearing on an AC/DC tribute album as he wasn't a member of Def Leppard when the opened for the band on tour in late 1979. This song was given the "Die Krupps Remix" treatment and re-released on "Remixed To Hell" (Cleopatra/Deadline CDP-783) album in a 4:12 format in 2000, and again on the "The World's Greatest AC/DC Tribute" (Zebra CDMZEB-30, UK) in 2004.
Man-Raze "Skin Crawl" EP Notes:
Surrealist Records SR-001 (UK, 10/24/2005)
Track(s):
01. Skin Crawl
[3:59] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
The first Man-Raze track to get public airing being released in rough demo form in February 2005. The live drums were recorded in Studio 2 at Mayfair Studios.
02. You're So Wrong
[2:41] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
03. Runnin' Me Up (Instrumental Dub)
[4:41] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
This reggae soaked tracks has more in common with The Clash than any of the other bands that the members have been involved with previously!
04. Skin Crawl (SPX Crawlers Mix)
[4:48] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
Take one portion Sex Pistols add a dose of Def Leppard, with plenty of cult British Glam, and a pinch of Reggae, then you've got Man-Raze. This project features Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook, Def Leppard/Girl's Phil Collen, and Girl's Simon Laffy. The resulting sound embodies more than that which the base ingredients would suggest, though contains obvious elements of each. Simon and Phil started collaborating in 2004 as Phil, "Needed an avenue for his material that did not fit into the classic Def Leppard mold' (PR). Initially the pair used sampled drums before adding Paul who had provided a distinctive drum sound for the Pistols.
Man-Raze "Debut Gig" Notes:
The Spitz, Spitalfields, London (UK, 9/27/2005)
Set list:
01. Connected With You
02. You're So Wrong
03. Every Second
04. Low
05. Fire
06. Runnin' Me Up
07. Skin Crawl
08. Halo
09. It's Entertainment
The band played their debut gig in conjunction with the launch of the "Skin Crawl" EP. There were no Pistols, Professionals, Girl, Leppard, or whatever covers as the 35-minute set was about Man-raze!
Man-Raze "Turn It Up" Digital Single Notes:
Surrealist Records Digital (Web, 6/22/2007)
Track(s):
01. Turn It Up
[2:13] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
02. Connected To You
[2:43] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
03. You're So Wrong
[2:37] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
Bonus track not available on the album that was originally included on the "Skin Crawl" CD-Single and was performed at the band's debut gig at The Spitz in London on September 27, 2005. This recording is different from the 2005 release.
04. Turn It Up (Video) [2:20]
Digital only release.
"Gary Crowley Presents" Broadcast Notes:
Sky Channel 368 (UK, 7/8/2007)
Track(s):
01. Can't Find My Own Way
[2:31] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
02. Halo
[3:10] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
03. You're So Wrong
[2:34] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
An acoustic set originally broadcast on Sky Channel 368 on July 8, 2007. The band was also interviewed by Gary.
Man-Raze "Surreal" Album Notes:
VH-1 Classic/Fontana South VH-00122 (USA, 6/3/2008)
Track(s):
01. This Is It
[2:34] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
02. Turn It Up
[2:11] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
The first single issued in support of the "Surreal" album. The band offered a lo-fi free version of this recording on their website along with an "in the rehearsal hall" music video that went into rotation on VH-1 Classic.
03. Runnin' Me Up
[4:05] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
04. Every Second of Every Day
[3:59] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
05. Spinning It Out
[3:21] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
06. Can't Find My Own Way
[3:10] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
07. Skin Crawl
[3:52] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
08. Low
[3:49] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
09. Connected To You
[2:40] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
10. Halo
[2:57] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
11. It's Entertainment
[2:41] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
12. Shadowman
[4:18] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
13. Turn It Up (Dub)
[5:07] Phil Collen / Simon Laffy
This "dub" mix was an iTunes only bonus track. Like the previous dub mixes, it presents the song in a more laid-back reggae format, though unfortunately iTunes results in a lossy track.
Produced by Man-Raze and Ger McDonnell. Engineered and mixed by Ger McDonnell. Recorded at Joe's Basement in Dublin, Eire. Additional recordings at SyFy Sounds and the Gate Studios, London, England, and at Phil's Sweat Shop, CA. Additional live drums recorded at Mayfair Studios, London, England. Mastered by Bob Ludwig. This album was originally due to be released 9/30/2007 the date was pushed back due to other band activities, though the release on an established label certainly may point to a change in plans for the band.
Additional Material Notes:
01. Break Free
02. Carnivale
03. Surrender
04. Original Sin
05. Fire
Performed live in concert at the Spitz, this song was never mentioned for any prospective track-listings. Tracks 1-5 are Collen/Laffy compositions that may simply have never have been intended for Man-Raze, developed into other songs, not used, or simply been re-titled.
06. You're My Everything
[0:00] Phil Collen
07. Closer To Me
[0:00] Phil Collen
Originally written in 1997, this song was first recorded by the Spanish language/flamenco-fusion band Ziroq as "Cerca De Mi" in May 2001 (Triloka Records) co-credited with Marcus Nand. They also included an English version on the album. Phil has revived the song with Man-raze, though by 2008 it had been replaced by other material.
Todd Rundgren "With a Little Help from my Friends" Album Notes:
Cleopatra / Purple Pyramid Records CLP-1212CD (July 29, 2002)
Track(s):
01. Drive
[5:15] Todd Rundgren
Produced by Bob Kulick and Billy Sherwood; Recorded and Mixed at The Office Studios, Van Nuys, CA. Vivian is featured on guitar on one track. Rundgren vocal tracks are utilized with Billy on drums and bass; Bob provides additional guitar. This album was reissued with a different track listing and order as "ReMixes" (2003). Again as "Hello, It's Me and My Friends" (2004) and "Greatest Classics" (2004).
Bunny Brunel "L.A. Zoo" Album Notes:
Tone Center/Rycodysc TC-40042 (USA, 11/24/1998)
Independent (USA, 3/29/2004 -- Reissue)
Mascot M7091-2 (Europe, 4/7/2004 -- Reissue)
Track(s):
01. Tropicana
[7:00] Bunny Brunel
03. Vivian's Boogie
[4:43] Bunny Brunel
05. Maybe Tuesday
[6:10] Bunny Brunel
06. Led Boots
[6:16] Max Middleton
07. Ten Years Later
[3:51] Bunny Brunel
09. Stratus
[6:10] Billy Cobham
Digitally recorded at B&W Studios, Woodland Hill, CA, Campbell Manor Studios, Hollywood, CA, Spire Studios, Chicago, IL, and Pitbull Studios, New York. Engineered by Bunny Brunel, Tom Kroll (IL), and Mike Bishop (NY). Mixed at Shire Studios, New York, by Phil Ramon and Phil Brown.
Bunny Brunel is a renowned improvisational jazz fusion bassist. Reissued remixed with new bass and drum parts and a new track "Tiger" as "L.A. Zoo Revisited" in April 2005. Virgil Donati replaces John Wackerman's original recordings and Bunny redid his bass. Vivian played on six of the twelve/thirteen tracks. Vivian had previously covered "Led Boots" on the 1996 Jeff Beck tribute album, "Jeffology" (refer to the "Two Plus" section).
Graham Bonnet "The Day I went Mad" Album Notes:
JVC Victor VICP-60726 (Japan, 6/23/1999)
Escape Music ESM-70 (Europe, 9/27/2001 - Reissue)
Track(s):
02. Don't Look Down
[5:38] Mick Ronson
Produced by Kevin Valentine. Vivian plays the guitar on one track on Graham's solo album that also included Bruce Kulick on bass. Graham was the ex-vocalist from the pre-Dio band Rainbow, and the other Def connection with this song should be obvious...
Bridget Benenate "Demo" Notes:
Unreleased demo (1997).
Track(s):
01. Permission To Shine
[0:00] Bridget Benenate
02. Everything Changes
[0:00] Bridget Benenate / Brad Kazmerak
03. A Little Pain Never Hurt
[0:00] Bridget Benenate / Michael O'Connor
04. You Can't Make Me
[0:00] Bridget Benenate
Tracks 1-4 comprise Bridget's 1997 demo that Vivian played a bit on. Bridget is a prolific songwriter who has written contemporary songs for chart topping acts including Bachelor Girl and Kelly Clarkson. Bachelor Girl's recording of track 1 was featured on an episode of the TV series "Dawson's Creek." It's not clear which tracks Viv played on, but Clock member Marc Schulman also played on some tracks.
Clock "Through Time" Album Notes:
Jammin' Planet (USA, 1998)
CD Baby (USA, 10/6/2006)
Track(s):
01. Just Like You
[4:24] Paul Smith
02. Underdog
[3:29] Mark Schulman / Paul Smith Vivian Campbell Manny Alvarez
03. Fine Mess
[4:15] Manny Alvarez / Paul Smith
04. To Be Alive
[4:31] Paul Smith / Vivian Campbell
05. No Matter
[4:32] Vivian Campbell
06. Infamy
[3:15] Paul Smith
07. Don't Waste My Time
[4:36] Paul Smith
08. Lifeless
[3:59] Vivian Campbell / Mark Schulman
09. What's Wrong With You
[3:19] Manny Alvarez
10. Forget
[4:41] Paul Smith Vivian Campbell Manny Alvarez / Mark Schulman / Mark Browne
11. Tough Luck
[4:13]
Produced by Marc Schulman and Clock. Clock were formed in 1997 and originally consisted of Vivian, Manny Alvarez (guitars), PJ Smith (vocals/keyboards), Mark Browne (bass), and drummer Mark Schulman. Bassist Sasha Krivtsov joined in 1998 when Manny and Mark left the band. Clock was supposed to be a fun side project for the various band members, though they recorded the first set of demos.
Rob Lamothe "Brave Enough" EP Notes:
(USA, 2001)
Track(s):
01. Brave Enough
[4:27] Rob Lamothe / Michael Ehmig
02. Faithless Kind
[3:24] Rob Lamothe / Smotherman
03. I'm So High
[4:29] Rob Lamothe
04. Stay
[3:59] Rob Lamothe
Executive producer: Paul Liszewski. Recorded at Annex Digital in Menlo Park, CA. Mixed BMG Studios, New York City, NY. Engineered by Andrew Waterman. 20-piece string section conducted by Jeffrey Wash. Vivian plays electric guitar on at least one track on this Rob Lamothe project EP release. Track 1 was a Riverdogs song originally released on the "Bone" album that didn't feature Viv. The 2001 version was even supported with a promotional video! Tracks 2 & 3 originally released on Rob's "The Strongest Man In The World" CD-single in support of "Gravity" (1996). Track 4 was originally a hidden track released on Rob's "Gravity" album.
PJ Smith "Fear of Flying" Album Notes:
Purple Shoes Music (USA, 6/12/01)
Track(s):
03. Fine Mess
[4:05] Manny Alvarez / Paul Smith
06. Troubled Friend
[4:14] Paul Smith
08. Tinsletown
[4:17] Paul Smith
Vivian played on three tracks on fellow Clock member PJ's first solo release.
Additional PJ Smith Collaborations Notes:
Song(s):
01. Oh!
02. Right Or It's Wrong
03. Damn
04. Every Reason
Songs 1-3 were written by Vivian, PJ Smith, and one Joey Lawrence. PJ was known to be writing material for the Joey Lawrence record he was producing in 2006, but nothing further is currently known about that project. Song 4 is simply by Vivian and PJ. All are published via BMI.
Carmine Appice Project "Ultimate Guitar Zeus" Album Notes:
Carmine Appice Enterprises 2001-800 (USA, 2001)
Escapi EMUS-20055 (Europe, 6/16/2006)
Track(s):
09. Doin' Fine
[5:33] Kerry Keeling / Carmine Appice
Carmine is the legendary drummer who started off in Vanilla Fudge. He later played with Rod Stewart and formed Blue Murder in the late 1980s. The guitar solo on this one track is performed by Vivian. Each track on the album featured a guest guitarist, including Warren DeMartini, Zakk Wylde and even John McEnroe and Steven Seagal! This album was originally only available via Carmine's website before finding wider distribution.
Kate Ceberano "The Girl Can Help It" Album Notes:
Universal Music 13602 (AUS, 9/29/03)
Warner Bros. (AUS, 6/27/05 -- reissue)
Track(s):
07. Bring It On
[3:30] Kate Ceberano / Vivian Campbell
Kate Ceberano is a successful Australian actor/singer famed for her role as Mary in the Australian "Jesus Christ Superstar" tour. She won Best Female Artist at the Aussie ARIA Awards 1988 and 1999. Vivian and Kate wrote two songs together, which were demoed in 2001, one of which was later used on her 2003 album. The other, "The Way You Make Me Feel" remains unreleased.
Cash Casia "From The Mouth Of Babes" Album Notes:
Twenty Four Seven Records (USA, 5/4/2004)
Track(s):
07. Without Love
[4:30] Cash Casia / Raven Leo
Produced by Cash Casia and Raven Leo. Recorded at Studio 24/7 in New York, NY. Engineered by Michael Berman, Raven Leo, and David Pattillo. For someone who doesn't seem to care for the "heavy metal" moniker, Viv plays a storming guitar solo on this head-banging track. Cash later appeared in the TV series "Nip 'N Tuck" in 2006.
Riverdogs "Second" Album Notes:
Incomplete/Not Released
01. Steeltown
[0:00] Brophy Campbell Danzeisen / Rob Lamothe
02. Best Day Of My Life
[0:00] Brophy Campbell Danzeisen / Rob Lamothe
03. World Gone Mad
[2:38] Brophy Campbell Danzeisen / Rob Lamothe
04. Big Steel Town
[0:00] Brophy Campbell Danzeisen / Rob Lamothe
Recorded during 2004, the Riverdogs planned on recording a new studio album, and performed several live dates including new material. Plans for that album were shelved, yet 4 tracks were completed. Track 3 was released on the Melodic Rock.com album "The Beast Inside." Track 1 was also performed by the Riverdogs on TV program Everwood in 2006. All four of these tracks have independent publishing registrations. However, Rob's website denotes "Steeltown (Steelbelt Home)" as being the title of one track indicating that Tracks 1 & 4 may be the same with different title attributions, or different versions of the same song.
Vivian Campbell "Two Sides Of If" Album Notes:
Sanctuary Records 86398 (USA, 9/6/05)
Diesel Motor MOTORCD-1027 (UK, 1/3/06)
JVC/Victor VICP-63552 (Japan, 8/23/06)
Track(s):
01. Messin' With The Kid
[3:25] Melvin London
Originally written by Melvin London, though performed by numerous artists including the legendary Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher, one of whose albums was Viv's first musical purchase. Viv initially thought that some of the songs Rory performed in his sets were originals, but later found out that they were covers.
02. I'm Ready
[3:12] Muddy Waters
03. Calling Card
[4:56] Rory Gallagher
04. Come On In My Kitchen
[4:41] Robert Johnson
First recorded by the Delta bluesman around 1936/7 though it was Keb Mo's more dramatic version of the song that inspired Vivian.
05. The Hunter
[3:57] Steve Cropper Donald Dunn Al Jackson / Booker T. Jones
This song has been recorded in various forms by numerous artists, including Muddy Waters, Blue Cheer, Free, Led Zeppelin, and was included on Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" (1967) album. Vivian had thought that the song was by Free, so things worked out, in that he would have loved to have done one of their originals on his album, but didn't want to dilute the album with such an inclusion.
06. Like It This Way
[4:25] Danny Kirwan
This early Fleetwood Mac song is notable for not having been written by Peter Green. The song was originally released on Volume 2 of "Fleetwood Mac in Chicago/Blues Jam in Chicago," the result of recording sessions with several notable blues men (including Willie Dixon) in early 1969.
07. I Ain't Superstitious
[5:01] Willie Dixon
"I Ain't Superstitious" was first recorded by Howlin' Wolf, though has been covered by numerous artists including The Yardbirds, and Megadeth. It was written by Willie in 1962. It was this song that provided Vivian with the title for his album: He misheard one of the lyrics when transcribing them, hearing "always two sides of if" rather than the correct "and the dogs began to howl all over the neighborhood / always two sides of death."
08. Spoonful
[4:42] Willie Dixon
Joan Osbourne provides a guest vocal on this recording that was originally written by Willie Dixon in 1960 for Howlin' Wolf (Chess 1762). It was included on his legendary self-titled 1962 album, but has also been notably covered by Cream.
09. Reconsider Baby
[3:01] Lowell Fulsom
10. Good Or Bad Times
[3:57] Snooky Pryor
11. 32/20 Blues
[3:16] Robert Johnson
12. Willin' For Satisfaction
[4:32] Billy Gibbons
Vivian had originally wanted Billy to play on "Like It This Way," a Fleetwood Mac song. When he finally had the opportunity to ask Billy, Billy suggested that they also record a new song together that he had nearly finished writing. After a couple of day's rehearsal, the Vivian simply wanted to have two guests on the album, one male, one female.
13. Blow Wind Blow
[0:00] Muddy Waters
This song is not on the regular album release and is only available through the online Yahoo! Music service.
14. Stop Messin' Round
[2:31] Fleetwood Mac
This song is not on the regular album release and is only available through the American iTunes Music Store.
Produced by Tor Hyams and Vivian Campbell. Recorded live in Los Angeles from April 11-13, 2005 at Ocean Studios, Burbank, CA. Vocals for track 8 recorded at Coyote Studios, Brooklyn, NY by Michael Ciaiti. Track 12 written by Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top who also plays on this and track 6. Featuring Terry Bozzio on drums, Mark Browne on bass, Michael Fell on harmonica, Bruce Cornett on rhythm guitar, and Tor Hyams on Hammond B3 and piano.
Vivian was really inspired to record a blues album by a producer friend, though he only agreed to do so if the producer was able to get him a deal to release the work! Vivian and Tor had met at a fundraiser for the school that their children attended, and Vivian performed a set with the band that Tor was keyboard player for. Rather than just an agreement, a blues album presented Vivian with a challenge he thought that he was up for. Ultimately 15 songs were essentially recorded live in three days, though only 12 were released due to licensing and other considerations. Because Vivian's inspiration came from Rory Gallagher, he spent a lot of time researching where the blues had come from before selecting the songs for the album.
Additional Related Track Notes:
01. Come On In My Kitchen
[3:28] Robert Johnson
Recorded live acoustically on Rockline radio March 15, 2004.
Various Artists "Butchering The Beatles: A Headbanging Tribute To The Beatles" Tribute Notes:
Restless Records REST-73801 (USA, 10/24/06)
Track(s):
06. Revolution
[5:01] John Lennon / Paul McCartney
Produced by Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen. Recorded and Mixed at Office Studios, Van Nuys, CA. Vivian plays on one track with Billy Gibbons, Mike Porcaro, Gregg Bisonnette, Joseph Fazzio.
Leppards -- Two or more...
This section concerns guest/project appearances featuring two or more members of Def Leppard. It simply makes things a little bit neater than placing multiple references under various member's "extra-Leppard" discographies, though it does exclude Steve Clark from having a dedicated discography section. Therefore, in case you were wondering why you didn't see a particular album under the individual member sections... It's probably in this section! And if not, well...
Mink Deville "Sportin' Life" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, and Steve Clark.
Polydor 825 776-2 (Europe, 1985)
Atlantic Records 81623-1/2/4 (USA, 12/2/1985)
Polydor PDS-16422 (Canada, 1985)
Wounded Bird Records WOU-1623 (USA, 2004)
Track(s):
A3. Italian Shoes
[4:24] Willy DeVille
Executive producer Michael Barnett. Produced by Willy DeVille. Co-produced by Duncan Cameron. This album was Mink DeVille's final album before front man Willy DeVille went solo. The album provided a hit in Europe with "Italian Shoes," the song that included members of Leppard plus Mike Rogers and Malvin Mortimer who simply shout the "Italian Shoes" refrain during the song. A 3:28 edit version was released on various singles as was an extended version (Atlantic 0-86827). Neither the original LP or CD reissue included any official mention of the band's involvement in the song...
Lori Spee "One Step" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
Phillips 826 500-1/2/4 (Europe, 1986)
Track(s):
[4:24] Lori Spee
Produced by Gerrit Jan Leenders, Pim Koopman, and Jacques Zwart. Engineered by Ronald Prent and John Sonneveld. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Holland. Joe and Phil simply assisted on backing-vocals on this one song. This was Lori's first album in a couple of years at that time. This song has also been included on a Lori Spee compilation, "The Very Best of Lori Spee" (512 530-2, 1992) in edited form.
"Humanary Stew: A Tribute To Alice Cooper" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
Cleopatra Records CLP-0464-2 (USA, 1/11/1999)
Eagle Records EAGCD-062 (Europe, 1/25/1999)
VideoArts Music/Triage Records VACM-1138 (Japan, 2/11/1999)
Track(s):
01. Under My Wheels
[3:20] Michael Bruce Denis Dunaway Bob Ezrin
Joe is on lead vocal with Phil handling lead and rhythm guitars. Bob Kulick added additional rhythm guitar; Chuck Wright on bass; Pat Torpey on drums; and Clarence Clemons on a storming saxophone solo. This cover was also released on the "More '80s Hair Metal" 3-CD set (Cleopatra/Deadline CLP-1355-2) in 2004.
Produced by Bob Kulick. Engineered by Bruce Bouillet, Tom Fletcher, Jim Mitchell, Mike Scott, and Billy Sherwood; Mixed by Bruce Bouillet, Tom Fletcher, and Bob Kulick. An Alice Cooper tribute project featuring the likes of Roger Daltrey, Slash, Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Don Dokken, John Norum, Dave Mustaine, Joe Elliott, Dee Syder, Steve Jones, Chuck Wright and more.
"Mick Ronson Memorial Concert" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
Citadel CITCD2 (USA, 1997)
NMC Burning Airlines Pilot 94 (UK, 2001 -- with DVD)
Track(s): (Disc 1) --
01. The Rats: It Ain't Easy
[4:04] Ron Davies
02. Dana Gillespie: A Lot Of What You've Got
[6:46] Dana Gillespie
03. Glen Matlock And The Mavericks: Burning Sounds
[4:12] Glen Matlock / Steve New
04. Gary Brooker: Whiter Shade Of Pale
[5:04] Gary Brooker / John Reid
05. Willy And The Poor Boys: Mystery Train
[6:07] Junior Parker / Sam Phillips
06. Mick Jones And Big Audio: Medicine Show
[8:49] Mick Jones / Don Letts
07. Steve Harley: The Last Time I Saw You
[5:06] Steve Harley
08. Steve Harley: Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile)
[6:24] Steve Harley
Track(s): (Disc 2) --
01. Roger Taylor: It's A Kind Of Magic
[6:21] Roger Taylor
02. The Spiders From Mars: Width Of A Circle
[8:11] David Bowie
03. The Spiders From Mars: Ziggy Stardust
[3:23] David Bowie
04. The Spiders From Mars: Angel No. 9
[5:09] Fuller
05. The Spiders From Mars: Don't Look Down
[5:19] Mick Ronson / Allen
06. The Spiders From Mars: Moonage Daydream
[5:55] David Bowie
07. The Spiders From Mars: White Light White Heat
[4:26] Lou Reed
08. The Spiders From Mars: Suffragette City
[4:42] David Bowie
09. Ian Hunter: Once Bitten Twice Shy
[5:16] Ian Hunter
10. Ian Hunter: Resurrection Mary
[7:28] Ian Hunter
11. Roger Daltrey: Baba O'Reilly
[3:16] Pete Townsend
12. Roger Daltrey: Summertime Blues
[3:46] Eddie Cochran / Jerry Capehart
13. Ian Hunter: Michael Picasso
[4:10] Ian Hunter
14. Ensemble: All The Young Dudes
[5:04] David Bowie
Produced by Mike Water. Originally Produced by Tony Wilson (the BBC sites Jeff Griffin) and broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on April 30, 1994. Concert recorded April 29, 1994. Joe later remixed tracks 2-14 on disc 2 in June 1997 for proper release. Mix engineered by Ger McGonnell assisted by Edel Griffith. Mixes edited by Hugh Drumm. Joe Elliott features on tracks 2-8 and 14 on disc 2, what he called a "measly 35 minutes" at this performance at London's Labatt's Apollo (Hammersmith Odeon!). Phil Collen plays the guitar solo on tracks 6, 9, 12, 13 and guitars on tracks 7 & 8, 10, 11 & 14.
Mick Ronson "Heaven And Hull" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
Epic EK-53796 (USA, 1994)
Epic/Sony Music 474742-2 (Europe, 1993)
Epic/Sony Music 474742-0 (Europe, 1993 -- Picture Disc)
Spitfire Records (USA, 7/3/2001 - Reissue)
Track(s):
01. Don't Look Down
[5:51] Collin Allen / Mick Ronson
The primary single issued off the album featuring a very prominent display of Joe's involvement with the project.
05. Life's A River
[5:20] Ray Morris / Mick Ronson
07. Colour Me
[4:57] Ray Morris / Mick Ronson
08. Take A Long Line
[3:04] John Brewster / Doc Neeson / Rick Brewster
With Joe and Ian Hunter. An old punk song from an Australian band called The Angels originally released in 1978 on their "Face To Face" album (Albert Productions).
10. All The Young Dudes (Live)
[3:48] David Bowie
Recorded live at "The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert For AIDS Awareness" at Wembley Stadium on April 20, 1992. Phil Collen plays on this track as does Ian Hunter and David Bowie.
Produced by Bruce Fairbairn; Engineered by David Leonard and Erwin Musper; Mixed by Bob Rock, Andre Gauchat, and David Richards. Mick was working on this album right up until he succumbed to cancer in April 1993. Mick traveled to Dublin to work with Joe on tracks 1 & 8 just 10 days before he died.
"Jeffology, A Guitar Chronicle: A Tribute To Jeff Beck" Notes:
Leppards º Vivian Campbell (02) / Phil Collen (04).
Victor-Triage Records VICP-5620 (Japan, 1995)
Shrapnel Records SH-1093-2 (USA, 2/13/96)
DeRock Records DERCD-079 (Canada, 1995)
02. Led Boots (Vivian Campbell)
[4:02] Max Middleton
04. 'Cause We Ended As Lovers (Phil Collen)
[6:04] Stevie Wonder
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Billy Sherwood. Recorded at The Office, Van Nuys, CA. Both Leppard guitarists show up on this Jeff Beck tribute album along with the likes of Mick Mars, George Lynch, Warren DiMartini, Jake E. Lee, and Paul Gilbert. Both are backed by Billy Sherwood (on clave for Viv, Rhodes for Phil), John Alderete (bass), and Jay Schellen (drums). The two Lep related Tracks were also released on "Slang" era Leppard CD-Singles...
"When Saturday Comes" Soundtrack Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, and Phil Collen.
Mercury/PolyGram TV 532 307-2/4 (UK, 1996)
Track(s):
01. When Saturday Comes
[4:22] Joe Elliott
20. Jimmy's Theme
[3:21] Joe Elliott
Originally titled "Song for Ronno."
Produced by Joe Elliott and Rick Savage. Engineered by Pete Woodroffe. Recorded at Joe's Garage in April 1995. Saturday, of course, being the day most football games are played in Europe. Soundtrack to the Sean Bean football (soccer) film of the same name that is based heavily in Sheffield; Tracks 1 & 20 are credited to Joe Elliott, but were performed by Joe, Rick Savage, and Phil Collen; Joe also made a minor cameo appearance in the film. The screenplay was written by Maria Giese and was originally titled "A Pint O' Bitter," based on a story by James Daly.
Cybernauts "Live" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
Arachnophobia Records/UMG UICE-1006 (Japan, 12/27/2000 -- single disc)
Arachnophobia Records ASO-2001A/B (International, 6/4/2001 -- 2 disc version)
Track(s): Disc 1 -- (Live)
01. Watch That Man
[4:15] David Bowie
02. Hang Onto Yourself
[3:01] David Bowie
03. Changes
[3:32] David Bowie
04. The Supermen
[3:13] David Bowie
05. Five Years
[3:54] David Bowie
06. Cracked Actor
[3:08] David Bowie
07. Moonage Daydream
[5:54] David Bowie
08. Angel No. 9
[5:34] Craig Fuller
09. Jean Genie
[4:26] David Bowie
10. Life On Mars?
[4:14] David Bowie
11. The Man Who Sold The World
[3:45] David Bowie
12. Starman
[3:58] David Bowie
13. The Width Of A Circle
[9:50] David Bowie
14. Ziggy Stardust
[3:29] David Bowie
15. White Light, White Heat
[5:24] Lou Reed
Mick had recorded this song in 1974.
16. Rock & Roll Suicide
[3:06] David Bowie
17. Suffragette City
[3:19] David Bowie
18. All The Young Dudes
[3:57] David Bowie
Disc 2 -- (The Further Adventures of the Cybernauts)
1. Manic Depression
[2:36] Jimi Hendrix
2. All The Young Dudes
[3:41] David Bowie
3. Moonage Daydream
[6:02] David Bowie
4. The Man Who Sold The World
[4:18] David Bowie
5. Time
[5:14] David Bowie
6. Panic In Detroit
[4:24] David Bowie
7. Lady Grinning Soul
[19:13] David Bowie
The track duration of this song is really 3:30, followed by ten minutes of dead space, before an acoustic (with orchestration) reprise of "Moonage Daydream" appears running 5:38.
Produced by the Cybernauts and Ronan McHugh. Live tracks recorded at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin on the August 7, 1997. Mixed during the summer of 2000 at Joe's Garage, Dublin, Eire by Ronan McHugh and Joe Elliott. Original recordings organized and engineered by Ger Mcdonell and Owen Drumm. The album was originally intended to be a Japan only release because Joe didn't think "it justified a release worldwide" (USA Today). Each version features its own specific artwork.
Disc 2 is comprised of additional studio recordings. Tracks 1-4 recorded at Bow Lane Studios, Dublin on August 8, 1997. Basic tracks for 5-7 were recorded at Shibaura Sound Studios, Tokyo, Japan on January 7, 2001. Additional overdubs at Joe's Garage, Dublin and Phil's Sweat Shop, CA. Mixed in February/March at Joe's Garage, Dublin, Ireland by Ronan McHugh and Joe Elliott.
Band comprised of Trevor Bolder (Bass, who toured with Lep while a member of Uriah), Dick Decent (Keyboards), Mick "Woody" Woodmansey (Drums), Joe and Phil. Following Woody and Trevor's 1996 tribute tour both Joe and Phil joined them for a traveling tribute tour that culminated in the Mick Ronson Memorial Concert II, held in Hull on August 9, 1997. The band performed a set similar to the one they'd done in 1994: "Watch That Man," "Hang On To Yourself," "The Supermen," "Five Years," "Moonage Daydream," "Ziggy Stardust," and "Suffragette City."
Five shows: (1997)
August 4 -- Nottingham Rock City, Nottingham
August 7 -- Olympia Theatre, Dublin
August 9 -- Hull Arena, Hull
August 10 -- Mick Ronson Memorial Stage, The Queens Gardens, Hull
Four Shows: (2001)
January 8 -- Yokohama Bay Hall, Yokohama, Japan
January 9 -- Shibuya-AX Arena, Tokyo
January 11 -- Club Quattro, Nagoya
January 12 -- Umeda Heat Beat, Osaka
Cybernauts "Tokyo Radio/In-Store Promotional" Performance Notes:
Track(s):
01. Ziggy Stardust (Acoustic, Radio)
02. Ziggy Stardust (In-Store)
03. The Supermen (In-Store)
04. Lady Grinning Soul (In-Store)
During their visit to Japan several promotional events were recorded. Track 1 was recorded at Tokyo FM's Cosmo Pops Best 10 on August 6. Tracks 2-4 were performed during an In-Store appearance at Shibuya Tower Records later the same day.
The project was more that just a tribute to Mick, it embodied the era of the music and the effect that it had had. According to Joe, "If people are wondering why me and Phil are doing this, they should check out the original versions of these songs and see why we are who we are. There is so much good material on the original albums, you might understand why we are always going on about them... I listened to [David Bowie's] music night after night as a kid, and in fact, I still do" (PR).
Ian Hunter "Once Bitten Twice Shy" Album Notes:
Leppards º Def Leppard (20) / Phil Collen (18).
SONY/Columbia 496284-2 (International, 5/15/2000)
Track(s): Disc 1 --
20. All The Young Dudes (Live)
[4:00] David Bowie
Disc 2 --
18. Michael Picasso (Live)
[6:52] Ian Hunter
This collection of rockers and ballads features numerous demos, studio tracks, and tributes, including this live recording from Def Leppard. Track 20 recorded live July 19, 1996 at the Orange County Fair in Middletown, NY, with Ian joining Leppard on stage. Track 18, featuring only Phil, is from the Mick Ronson memorial concert detailed elsewhere. Originally from the "Artful Dodger" album. This could really be included under the "Slang" section, but since it's an "Ian Hunter" album we'll place it here...
Ricky Warwick "Love Many, Trust Few" Album Notes:
Leppards º Joe Elliott and Vivian Campbell.
Sanctuary Records Group 84745-2 (USA, 5/17/2005)
Townsend Records/Universal TOWNCD-5 (UK, 10/2005)
Sleaszy Rider Records/EMI 0328700469-02 (10/2005)
WHD/Victor IECP-10062 (Japan, 7/26/2006)
Track(s):
01. Johnny Or Elvis?
[4:22] Ricky Warwick
05. Anybody Wanna Waste Some Time?
[4:01] Ricky Warwick
06. Come Back Home To Me
[3:06] Ricky Warwick
08. Lonely Moon
[4:20] Ricky Warwick
10. Ain't Comin' Round
[3:22] Ricky Warwick
Produced by Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh. Engineered by Ronan McHugh. Ricky was formerly the lead singer of the British band The Almighty. Vivian played guitar on several of the album's tracks via email! Ricky sent the tracks to Vivian in Los Angeles who in turn recorded his parts and then sent them back. Joe sang backing vocals on track 1 with Vivian providing the solo. The Japanese version of the album has 4 bonus tracks.
Def Tributes/Covers
Def Leppard songs that have been covered and released by other artists plus so-called tribute projects to the band. There is no way that this list should be considered complete. It does contain the majority of covers that have seen mainstream release. We're not going to worry about a club band on YouTube™ playing "Answer To The Master."
Helix "Wild In The Streets" Album Notes:
Capitol/EMI CLT/CDP-46920 (USA, 6/21/1987)
Track(s):
09. She's Too Tough [3:28]
Produced and engineered by Mike Stone. Recording of a Leppard song later to become a Def Leppard B-side/bonus track. The song's inclusion didn't really help the album as it still stiffed at #179 on the US charts. Helix, though, kept on trying...
Yahoo "Mordida De Amor" Album Notes:
EMI 064791180 (Brazil, 1988)
Track(s):
B1. Mordida De Amor [3:59]
Brazilian pop group's Portuguese translated version of "Love Bites" as the title-track of their 1988 album.
"The Law" Album Notes:
Atlantic Records 82195-1/2/4 (USA, 3/5/1991)
Track(s):
02. Miss You In A Heartbeat [4:31]
Produced by Chris Kimsey. A cover of the Phil Collen song by Paul Rodgers (Free/Bad Company) and Kenney Jones (The Who). As was the case with Helix, Leppard eventually released their own version of the song, even though it had been made available, and used, by other artists. This track was released as a single in some markets (Germany) and as a single-track promo in the United States (Atlantic PRCD-3933-2).
Sudden Impact "Monster Love" Single Notes:
Hit Squad Music HS-260 (USA, 2/20/1992)
This 12" single includes 4 versions of the track, which is credited via ASCAP to "April Edwards, Charles Temple, "Mutt" Lange, Phil Collen, and Joe Elliott." That is an error as the material utilizes no Def Leppard related samples. Additionally, the single credits the material to April Edwards and Charles Temple.
"Charting Right Now!" Notes:
Pocket Songs PS-2115 (USA, 11/8/1993)
Track(s):
04. Two Steps Behind
This karaoke tape features material from Meat Loaf, De La Soul, Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince, and Radiohead. It was part of the "Pocket Songs -- You Sing The Hits" series. Features guide vocals on the right channel of Side-A and a stereo backing track on Side-B.
Millie Jackson "Rock 'N' Soul" Album Notes:
Ichiban ICH 1501-2 (USA, 10/7/1994)
Track(s):
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:17]
Produced by Millie Jackson and Brad Shapiro. Includes a cover of a Leppard song by this R&B diva with gender focus change...
"Sabelle" Album Notes:
SONY/Work OK-67719 (USA, 2/18/1997)
Track(s):
07. Love Bites [5:51]
Produced by Greg Charley, Manuel Seal, Jr., and Sabelle Breer. Recorded at Chung King Studios, New York, NY and Backroom Studios, Glendale, CA. Debut album from Sabelle, who had done backing vocal work for Donna Summer and Lisa Lisa, in addition to song writing for Asante.
"Super Secret Songs: A Benefit for Kitchener's Korova Café" Album Notes:
Ramona Records (Canada, 6/19/1997)
Track(s):
02. You Got Me Runnin' (Plumtree) [3:43]
This album was a benefit fundraiser for Korova Cafe in Kitchener, Ontario, mainly featuring artists who had performed there. Funds were supposed to help Korova continue as a live venue. Ramona Records was founded by University of Waterloo student in 1996 and this album was the label's first release. Plumtree played at the first Ramona Records-organized show at the Korova. Track recorded by Dave Cyr.
The Offspring "Americana" Album Notes:
Columbia CK-69661 (USA, 11/17/1998)
Track(s):
04. Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)
[3:08] Dexter Holland
Produced by Dave Jerden. This song includes samples from "Rock Of Ages," the so-called "Gunter glieben glauchen globen" introduction. The song was released as a single from the album, along with a 3:07 "Geek Mix."
"Mëtal Rülez, A Tribute To The Bad Hair Days" Album Notes:
Priority Records 51145-2 (USA, 1999)
Track(s):
05. Photograph (Jason Falkner) [3:12]
13. Pour Some Sugar On Me (The Marginal Prophets) [4:19]
Executive producers: Joe Berman & Marko 72. A tribute to 1980s metal/rock that also includes covers of songs from Twisted Sister, Scorpions, Ratt, Skid Row, Lita Ford, Poison, Cinderella, WASP, and Mötley Crüe.
"Tributized, A Tribute To Def Leppard" Album Notes:
Conquest Music Group/Dwell Records CD-1046 (USA, 1999)
Track(s):
01. Let It Go (Wraith) [4:36]
02. Too Late For Love (Crease) [4:44]
03. Rock Of Ages (Hear Here) [3:54]
04. Photograph (Project X) [4:05]
05. Foolin' (Eric Knight Band) [4:54]
06. High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night) (Baby Jones) [2:51]
07. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Elephant Orange) [5:36]
08. It Could Be You (Drop) [2:33]
09. Wasted (Premonition) [3:43]
10. Woman (Vent) [4:40]
11. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Cleaner) [4:20]
Executive producer: Gary Stryder. This tribute includes covers by not-so-mainstream artists. Covers of "Glad I'm Alive" (Drop) and "Me & My Wine" (Klank) were originally intended, but were eventually dropped.
Various Artists "The Second Coming: A Millennium Tribute To 80's Hard Rock/Heavy Metal" Album Notes:
Versailles Records 000001 (USA, 8/1999)
Sonic Wave International/Versailles Records (Europe, 10/19/1999)
Orchard Records (Japan, 10/31/2005)
Track(s):
06. Photograph (Straitjacket Smile) [4:47]
Track produced by Richard Kendrick. Recorded at Feedback Studios, Lexington, KY. Engineered and mixed by Eddie O'Brien. The first tribute album from Versailles records featuring covers of material from Twisted Sister, Mötley Crüe, Guns 'N' Roses and other 80s bands. The track was also reissued on "American Hair Bands Vol. 1" in 2002. Straightjacket Smile was an alternate name for Mudbone that included Ross Stephens (vocals), Richard Kendrick (guitar), Dave Campbell (drums), and Jason Keller (bass). The same band, using the Mudbone name, featured on the recording of track 14: A cover of White Lion's "Wait."
Dalvin DeGrate "Met.A.Mor.Phic" Album Notes:
Maverick 9 47625-2 (USA, 4/18/2000)
Maverick/WEA WPCR-10742 (Japan, 2000)
Track(s):
12. Love Bites [4:31]
Executive producers: Cassandra Mills and Dalvin DeGrate. Dalvin was a member of the multi-platinum hit-makers JoDeCi, and this album was his return to the limelight after a five-year layoff. It marked his attempt at transitioning from pure rap to singing.
"Leppardmania, A Tribute To Def Leppard" Album Notes:
Cleopatra/Deadline Records CLP 0839-2 (USA, 5/2/2000)
Track(s):
01. Wasted (John Corabi) [3:47]
02. Rock Brigade (Joe Leste) [3:06]
This track was also reissued on "The Ultimate Bang Tango - Rockers & Thieves" (Deadline Records, 2004).
03. Photograph (Jani Lane) [4:10]
This recording also features Warrant alumni Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon. It was included on "This Is Metal's Most Covered Moments Of The '80s" (Deadline Records, 10/10/2006).
04. Rock! Rock! Till You Drop (Fredco Remix) (Kevin DuBrow) [4:15]
05. Too Late For Love (Stevie Rachelle) [4:32]
06. Foolin' (Steve Whiteman) [4:32]
This cover was also released on the "More '80s Hair Metal" 3-CD set (Cleopatra/Deadline CLP-1355-2) in 2004.
07. Rock Of Ages (Kelly Hansen) [4:06]
08. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Philip Lewis) [4:30]
Also released on "LA Guns - Rock Bottom, The Rock Essentials" (Deadline Records, 2007).
09. Let It Go (Jason McMaster) [4:53]
10. High N' Dry (Saturday Night) (Jizzy Pearl) [3:29]
11. You Got Me Runnin' (Kory Clarke) [4:25]
12. On Through The Night (Paul Shortino) [4:57]
All singers backed by the same band: Jerry Dixon (Warrant) on bass, Eric Turner (Warrant) on rhythm guitar; the late Randy Castillo (Mötley Crüe) on drums; and Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns) on lead guitar. Sloppy linear notes indicate "Pyromania" was released in 1982 (sic). This is the latest in a long long long long long line of Cleopatra released tributes. This inclusion of Philip Lewis is somewhat ironic, but many of the rest of the participants are "the usual suspects" when it comes to these sorts of tribute projects.
"Then Covered Now" Album Notes:
Hearbox/Bayside CD-9 (USA, 10/3/2000)
Track(s):
01. Photograph (Brian Charles)
Track engineered, mixed, and produced by Brian Charles. Collection of covers from bands such as Poison, Europe, Sammy Hagar, Bon Jovi, and others. Artists covering the material were generally obscure acts from Boston.
ApologetiX "Spoofernatural" Album Notes:
Parodudes/Wesscott Marketing 06519 68000528 (USA, 11/2000)
Track(s):
15. Learn Some Deuteronomy
[4:27] Steve Clark / Phil Collen Joe Elliott "Mutt" Lange Rick Savage J. Jackson
Produced by Karl Messner. ApologetiX are a Christian parody band who essentially re-wrote "Pour Some Sugar On Me" to help spread their message starting with: "Get with Christ / Walk in faith You and me need... His grace!"
"Def Leppard" Tribute Notes:
Freshline Network MSCD-3421 (Malaysia, 2001)
Track(s):
01. When Love And Hate Collide [4:16]
02. Two Steps Behind [4:16]
03. Hysteria [5:43]
04. Let's Get Rocked [5:03]
05. Love Bites [5:43]
06. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad [5:08]
07. Animal [4:11]
08. Armageddon It [5:22]
09. Pour Some Sugar One Me [4:22]
Obscure Malaysian "tribute" of sorts, though copy would be more accurate as the real Def Leppard is featured in the artwork. Tracks 10-16 are non-Leppard covers.
Emm Gryner "Girl Versions" Album Notes:
Dead Daisy Records EP (Canada, 1997)
Dead Daisy Records 623339200325 (Canada, 8/21/2001)
Track(s):
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me [5:13]
Produced by Chris Wardman. Performed and arranged by Emm Gryner. Cello by Alex McMaster. Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner's album of covers: "Originally performed live before an intimate audience, Emm has taken her notorious covers to the studio and made an unforgettable record with only a grand piano, some cello and her voice. To this day, no one has warped songs by Fugazi, Ozzy Osbourne, The Clash, Def Leppard, Thrush Hermit and Blur into heartfelt piano ballads, all tinged with sparkle and charm" (PR). Emm had first released a 4 song covers EP with the same title in July 1997, but that didn't include Def Leppard and was instead a studio effort.
Mariah Carey "Charmbracelet" Album Notes:
Monarc/Island 440 063 467-2 (USA, 12/10/2002)
Track(s):
13. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [4:34]
Produced by Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson. Mariah even filmed a video for the song featuring male-model Damon Willis and Dave Navarro on guitar. The video was filmed at Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. Mariah simply liked the song and recalled it from her youth. According to Mariah, "I was doing the photo shoot for 'Charmbracelet,' for the album cover, in Capri, and I just put on the music and started listening to it, and I said, 'You know what? I could do this my own way'" (Launch Radio).
Both Joe and Phil had positive comments about her recording. Phil: "Ultimately, it's just a great honor for us (if) anyone does that --- and does a real genuine version, not recording the song and making fun of the band... With Mariah it was a genuine version of our song. I actually think that's a huge compliment" (Montreal Gazette )
Mariah Carey "Bringin' On The Heartbreak - The Remixes" CD Notes:
No Matrix Code (USA, 2003 - Tracks 1-10)
No Matrix Code (USA, 2003 - Tracks 1-11; The Dance Mixes CD)
No Matrix Code (USA, 2003 - Track 12)
Track(s):
01. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Junior Vasquez Radio Edit)
02. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Global Soul Radio Edit)
03. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Ruanne Emmenes Vocal Capture Mix)
04. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Ruanne's Roasted Coffee Dub)
05. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Global Soul Mix Show)
06. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Global Soul Club Mix)
07. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Global Soul Dub)
08. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Junior Vasquez Club Mix)
09. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Junior Vasquez Extended Mix)
10. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Global Soul Acapella)
11. Bringin' on the heartbreak (Deep Influence Anthem)
12. Bringin' on the heartbreak (RJ - Janman Mix)
Numerous remix versions and additional promos.
Mariah Carey "Bringin' On The Heartbreak -- The Remixes" CD Notes:
Island ISLR 15842-2 (USA, 2002 - Tracks 1-3)
Island 06024 98079386 (Europe, 2003 - Track 14 + Video)
Island 1569-009DJ (UK, 2002 - Tracks 5-8; 12')
Track(s):
01. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Mainstream Version)
02. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Mainstream AC Version)
03. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Call Out Hook)
04. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Live)
05. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Heart Break Version)
06. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Heart Break Beats)
07. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Heart Break Radio)
08. Bringin' On The Heartbreak (Heart Break Instrumental)
The song was released as a single on September 25, 2002, but only in a few countries.
Seven Witches "Passage To The Other Side" Album Notes:
Sanctuary/Noise Records 74088-2 (USA, 4/8/2003)
Track(s):
09. Wasted [3:42]
Produced by Joey Vera and Jack Frost. Melodic speed cover of the early Leppard song.
Brother Love Canal "Little Tingles" Album Notes:
The Orchard (USA, 9/30/2003)
Track(s):
10. Animal [4:19]
Produced by Steve Diguer. Debut album from Brother Love Canal, who have been described as being a, "queer Canadian dance group."
QED "Mobius" Album Notes:
Siren 826948050026 (USA, 11/18/2003)
Track(s):
01. Love Bites [4:07]
13. Love Bites (Ean Sugarman Remix) [3:35]
Executive Producer: Hosh Gureli. Produced by Valentin. QED consists of Valentin and Kristine Hendricks (vocals). This high-octane band includes two versions of "Love Bites" on their album. QED shot a video for the track.
QED "Love Bites" Mixes Notes:
Absolution CDAB-SOL3P (UK, 2003 -- Tracks 1-3)
Toco International (UK, 7/3/2006 -- Tracks 2-6)
Aardvark Records (UK, 3/12/2006 - Tracks 1, 2, & 5-8)
Track(s):
01. Love Bites (Almighty 12" Inch Mix) [8:31]
02. Love Bites (Valentin Extended Mix) [8:07]
03. Love Bites (Radio Edit) [4:09]
04. Love Bites (Club Junkies Mix) [7:25]
05. Love Bites (Johnny Rocks Vs. Valentin Mixshow Mix) [5:16]
06. Love Bites (Johnny Rocks Vs. Valentin Radio Edit) [4:23]
07. Love Bites (Album Version)
08. Love Bites (Ean Sugarman Mix)
Assorted singles from the "Mobius" album with several alternate trance/house versions of the Def Leppard cover.
"Hits Of The 80s" Album Notes:
Madacy Special Products 50266 (USA, 4/6/2004)
Track(s):
06. Pour Some Suger On Me (Countdown Singers) [4:20]
This track was also included on the single-CD version of the title.
Skylark "Wings" Album Notes:
Scarlet Records SC086-2 (Italy, 5/2004)
Track(s):
8. When Love & Hate Collide [4:22]
Recorded at Real Sound (Italy). Engineered by Roberto "Brodo" Potenti. Italian band Skylark has a keyboard supported symphonic hard rock sound. The band recruited a female singer, Kiara, and this track would be her first recording with the band. This orchestral version of the song was the last track the band recorded for the album with an introduction piano performance written by Eddy Antonini.
"Malibu Storm" Album Notes:
Rounder Records/UMG 610486-2 (USA, 8/10/2004)
Track(s):
02. Photograph [5:05]
Produced by Mark Bright. "Photograph" was the debut single from Malibu Storm, preceding the release of their self-titled album. The song was first issued on June 8, 2004 as a CD-single with "Hammer And Nails." Malibu Storm is a country trio comprised of siblings Dana Burke, Lauren Mills, and Michael Alden. The single entered the Country Singles chart at #10 in its first week of release, an impressive debut, and eventually hit #3.
CribRock "Full Metal Diaper" Album Notes:
CribRock, LLC 807347213830 (USA, 6/14/2005)
Track(s):
03. Hysteria [4:09]
Instrumental cover done in a supposedly "baby-friendly" way. The xylophone is a nice touch! "Baby rock music, fun for both babies and parents" (PR)!
Taproot "Blue-Sky Research" Album Notes:
Atlantic/Velvet Hammer (USA, 8/16/05)
Track(s):
05. Calling [3:53]
Produced by Toby Wright. Some press outlets reported that "Calling" featured a sample from "Foolin'." The song was released as the first single from the album in June 2005. The album debuted at #33 on the Billboard charts. Vocalist Stephen Richards recalled how the band came up with the song: "When we first wrote it, it was Mike playing acoustic guitar and Jarrod was doing drum loops and samples on his computer. We called it 'Depeche Mode,' 'cause it was more subtle. We wanted to see what happened if we turned it into a rocker. A friend of ours, Jonah, who's in a band called Gratitude, was in town. He was like 'Man, I've been missing that stutter thing, like 'F-F-Foolin'' from Def Leppard.' It was his idea, and a lot of the chorus melody and concept stemmed around his idea. We took his ideas and ran with it, and it turned into the song it is right now. Lyrically, it's about the addiction of addictions, the redundancy of things" (GO & DO Michigan). So, unless you have magic ears and can hear an actual sample, the band was simply inspired by Def Leppard for part of the vocalization on the song.
"Pickin' On Def Leppard: A Bluegrass Tribute" Album Notes:
CMH Records CMH-9074 (USA, 10/25/2005)
Track(s):
01. Photograph [4:15]
02. Foolin' [4:27]
03. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [4:00]
04. Rock Of Ages [3:50]
05. Love Bites [4:38]
06. Pour Some Sugar On Me [4:23]
07. Animal [4:04]
08. Armageddon It [4:42]
09. Rocket [4:40]
10. Hysteria [5:04]
11. Let's Get Rocked [4:32]
Produced by Dennis Clifton and Steve Baccus. Songs performed by Cornbread Red (essentially Dennis Clifton performing bouzouki, dobro, guitar, and vocals). Following similar covers albums of material by KISS and AC/DC, Leppard gets "picked" on.
"Gatophobia: A Tribute to Def Leppard" Album Notes:
Mausoleum 251069 (Europe, 11/21/2005)
Track(s):
WARNING! SAME AS 'LEPPARDMANIA'
"Gataphobia" is essentially defined as fear of cats, making the title of this tribute album somewhat stupid. Then again, as this album is simply a repackaged reissue of "Leppardmania," perhaps it's not so dumb.
"Feed" OST Album Notes:
456 Records/MGM 456REC010 (Australia, 3/6/2006)
Track(s):
08. Pour Some Sugar On Me (The Ride Ons) [3:54]
Soundtrack to the creepy "Feed" movie. "The Soundtrack is available through 456... and features originals and reworks of popular songs by some of the best independent bands from Sydney, Australia, and Detroit, USA, including The Ride Ons, Novada, Sneaky Sound System and Bertie Blackman and Imogen Bailey" (PR).
"Hip-Hop Tribute To Def Leppard" Album Notes:
Tribute Sounds TRIS-60157 (USA, 10/31/2006)
Track(s):
01. Rock Of Ages [2:55]
02. Pour Some Sugar On Me [3:07]
03. Hysteria [3:07]
04. Armageddon It [2:42]
05. Rocket [2:58]
06. Photograph [3:10]
07. Animal [2:50]
08. Bringin' On The Heartbreak [3:10]
09. Let's Get Rocked [2:58]
10. Women [2:26]
Nameless hip-hop artists offer a new interpretation of the most popular Def Leppard material. This label would offer a series of these "Hip-Hop" tributes covering Van Halen, Metallica, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and others...
"Lap Dancing" Album Notes:
Turn Up The Music 7906172-52021 (USA, 6/1/2007)
Track(s):
09. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Eclipse) [4:31]
Same as version released on the "4x4 Trucks" album with a different band name.
"4x4 Trucks" Album Notes:
Turn Up The Music 7906172-75228 (USA, 7/6/2007)
Track(s):
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me (The Hit Crew) [4:31]
Same as version released on the "Lap Dancing" album with a different band name.
The Lullaby Ensemble "Baby Goes Hair Metal" Album Notes:
Baby Goes Records (USA, 8/7/2007)
Track(s):
11. Photograph [4:31]
Another cover done in a baby-friendly xylophone style.
"Balls Of Fury" OST Album Notes:
Bulletproof 103328 (USA, 8/28/2007)
Track(s):
02. Rock Of Ages (Loudlion) [4:10]
04. Pour Some Sugar On Me (Dan Fogler & Danny Saber) [4:20]
11. Photograph (Jani Lane) [4:08]
Loudlion features members of Rooney, Andrew WK, and The Donnas and feature on several tracks on the soundtrack album.
Icarus Witch "Songs For The Lost" Album Notes:
Cleopatra Records CLP-19282 (USA, 9/11/07)
Track(s):
05. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) [4:11]
Produced by Eric Klinger. Engineered by Steve Pollick and Eric Klinger. Featuring one of the band's idols, vocalist Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Rainbow), on this recording that sticks to the traditional metal format.
Lionel Cohen "Extracts From The Acoustic Sessions" Album Notes:
DNA-Productions (USA, 12/11/2007)
Track(s):
05. Hysteria [4:35]
An acoustic-folk cover version.
Vitamin String Quartet "Presents Strung Out" Vol. 8 Album Notes:
Vitamin Records (USA, 5/20/2008)
Track(s):
10. Pour Some Sugar On Me [2:52]
Orchestral string cover version.
The Def Family Tree
Unnamed Jam Band #1 (c. 1976 -- 1977)

Rick Savage
Pete Doubleday
Nick Mackley
Andy Nicholas
Tony Kenning
Guitar
Guitar
Vocals
Bass
Drums

A just for kicks band at Tapton School.
"
"
"
Unnamed Jam Band #2 (c. 1977)

Rick Savage
Paul Holland
Andy Nicholas
Tony Kenning
Guitar
Vocals
Bass
Drums

With the departure of Pete and Nick, Paul Holland was recruited as a vocalist.
"
"
"
Atomic Mass #1 ( - July '77)

Rick Savage
Pete Willis
Paul Holland
Paul Hampshire
Tony Kenning
Guitar
Guitar
Vocals
Bass
Drums

Finally transitioning from being a basement only band, Atomic Mass was born, and even performed a gig at Tapton High School.
"
"
"
Atomic Mass #2 (July -- Sept. '77)

Rick Savage
Pete Willis
Tony Kenning
Bass
Guitar
Drums

When the school year ended so did the band, which not only lost their singer and bassist, but their rehearsal location as well. Rick transitioned to bass around this time.
"
"
"
Atomic Mass #3 / Unnamed Band (Sept. '77)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Tony Kenning
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Drums

With the addition of a new singer things were looking up. While Joe brought the name 'Deaf Leopard' to the band, it's not clear when Atomic Mass became 'Deaf Leopard' as they really were a band with no name for a while.
"
"
"
"
Deaf Leopard #1 (Sept. '77 -- Jan. '78)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Tony Kenning
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Drums

The transition to "Deaf Leopard" did take place at some point during the Autumn of 1977, and the band decided that they wanted a second guitarist to supplement their sound.
"
"
"
"
Deaf Leopard #2 (Jan. -- Sept. '78)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Steve Clark
Tony Kenning
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

With a dual guitar attack the band rapidly started writing their own material and rehearsing hour after hour in their dreadful spoon factory location. Finally, enough was enough and Steve forced the band to start playing for others instead of just themselves. July 18, 1978 saw Deaf Leopard debut at Westfield School in Sheffield.
"
"
"
"
"
Deaf Leppard (Sept. '78)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Steve Clark
Tony Kenning
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

As the band developed as did their name. Throughout September the name would change from "Deaf Leopard" to "Def Leppard," and finally "Def Leppard."
"
"
"
"
"
Def Leppard #1 (Sept. -- Nov. '78)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Steve Clark
Tony Kenning
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

Finally, the transformation of the band's name was complete, with it taking on a form imitating Led Zeppelin's. If this was Tony's only contribution to the band, then it was a good one! For whatever reason, Tony departed the band.
"
"
"
"
Tony, and his credit card, surfaced in the mid-1980s with the more New Wave oriented act Cairo.
Def Leppard #2 (Nov. '78)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Steve Clark
Frank Noon
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

It is perhaps unfair to call this a line-up since Frank was simply on loan from his own band for Leppard's studio sessions.
"
"
"
"
Frank returned to the Next Band, who never broke. He worked with Bernie Torme's Electric Gypsies, Lionheart, and later Pete Willis' Roadhouse.
Def Leppard #3 (Nov. '78 -- July 11, 1982)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Pete Willis
Steve Clark
Rick Allen
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

For many, this is the definitive line-up, the one that would build the foundations on while later success would be built. Unfortunately, Pete would become the first causality.
"
"
Pete dropped from sight until 1985 when he briefly emerged with the short-lived J. King studio project, Gogmagog with Paul Di'Anno.
"
"
Def Leppard #4 (July 12, 1982 -- July '86)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Steve Clark
Phil Collen
Rick Allen
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

With former Girl guitarist Phil Collen the band enjoyed their first phase of major success with the "Pyromania" album. The band was nearly derailed again, on December 31, 1984 with Rick's automobile accident.
"
"
"
"
"
Def Leppard #5 (July '86 -- Aug. 10, 1986)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Steve Clark
Phil Collen
Rick Allen
Jeff Rich
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums
Drums

During their escape from the studio Status Quo's drummer Jeff Rich assisted during the live performances while Rick found his feet. He wasn't needed long and only ended up playing four gigs with the band. Jeff's only included in this family tree in fairness for including the equally non-member, but important, Frank Noon...
"
"
"
"
"
Def Leppard #4 Again (Aug. 11, 1986 -- Jan. 8, 1991)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Steve Clark
Phil Collen
Rick Allen
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

Steamin' Steve Clark, like Pete Willis, also had issues with alcohol though he was a different character than Pete when under the influence. He passed away in January 1991, though many hoped that he'd found peace.
"
"
RIP
January 8, 1991
"
"
Def Leppard #6 (Jan. 8, 1991 -- Feb. '92)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Phil Collen
Rick Allen
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Drums

While Steve was physically gone from January 1991, he hadn't been an active part of Def Leppard since mid-1990. Not wanting to face the prospect of finding a new guitarist, the band soldiered on recording "Adrenalize." Adding the second guitarist could wait until they were ready.
"
"
"
"
Def Leppard #7 (Mar. '92 -- Now)

Rick Savage
Joe Elliott
Phil Collen
Vivian Campbell
Rick Allen
Bass
Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Drums

Def Leppard wanted another guitarist who could be a friend, a person that they liked, rather than just a band member. Vivian came from a similar school of thought and made his live debut with the band on April 20, 1992.
The Band:
Rick Savage -- Bass / Vocals, 1977 º
Tony Kenning -- Drums, 1977 - 1978
Pete Willis -- Lead Guitar, 1977 - 1982
Joe Elliott -- Lead Vocals Guitar Piano, 1977 º
Steve Clark -- Lead Guitar, 1978 - 1991
Frank Noon -- Drums, 1978 (\*\* Temporary)
Rick Allen -- Drums, 1978 º
Phil Collen -- Lead Guitar / Vocals, 1982 º
Jeff Rich -- Drums, 1986 (\*\* Temporary)
Vivian Campbell -- Lead Guitar / Vocals, 1992 º
Sources + Bibliography
Bowler, Dave & Dray, Bryan -- Def Leppard: Two Steps Ahead
Boxtree, 1996. 149p.
Crocker, Chris - Def Leppard
Ballantine Books, 1986. 145p.
Collingwood, Chris -- Def Leppard: No Safety Net
Castle Communications, c1994. 144p.
Dickson, Dave -- Biographize: The Def Leppard Story
Sidgwick & Jackson, 1995. 234p.
Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1996. 234p.
Fricke, David -- Animal Instinct: The Def Leppard Story
Zomba Press, 1987. 141p.
Rich, Jason -- Def Leppard
Orion Books, 1994. 120p.
Welch, Chris -- Def Leppard: An Illustrated Biography
Omnibus Press, 1984. 96p.
& Sounds, NME, Melody Maker, Rolling Stone, Kerrang, Circus, Hit Parader, Metal Edge, Raw, Enfer, and many other magazines!
>>

