How Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’ Became a Comeback Album Rather Than a Follow-Up

In the early 1980s, Def Leppard was building toward worldwide success. They reached that success with Pyromania in 1983. Their first album, On Through The Night, had become a No. 15 hit in the UK in 1980. In 1981, their second album, High ‘N’ Dry, contained the track “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak.” Its music video was one of the first played on MTV in 1982. The song helped establish their melodic rock approach, but the album peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard 200. “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” failed to chart on the Hot 100, though a 1984 remix reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100.

By 1983, Def Leppard had a small taste of success, but hadn’t shown their full potential. They replaced guitarist Pete Willis with Phil Collen, establishing their iconic lineup. Joe Elliott as singer, guitarists Steve Clark and Phil Collen were often dubbed “Terror Twins,” Rick Savage on bass, and Rick Allen on drums. Allen joined the band when he was only 15 years old, and was only 20 when the band broke through in 1983.

Def Leppard Finds Mainstream Success With ‘Pyromania’

Their third studio album, Pyromania, was released on January 20, 1983. The album was a massive success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, “Photograph,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and No. 12 on the Hot 100. “Rock Of Ages,” also hit No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and No. 16 on the Hot 100. “Foolin” peaked at No. 9 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 28 on the Hot 100. The final single released, “Too Late For Love,” peaked at No. 9 on the Mainstream Rock chart. All four singles were hits, and the album was a commercial success. Def Leppard was in their prime and ready to follow up on their success.

Their follow-up wouldn’t be an easy feat. Following a string of delays and setbacks, their follow-up Hysteria took four years to release. One of the most tragic setbacks was drummer Rick Allen’s car accident in 1984. Allen’s left arm was severed during the accident. Initially, doctors attempted to reconnect the arm, but it didn’t take. The band didn’t give up on Allen and frequently visited him during recovery. Following recovery, Allen contacted engineers and sought to develop an electronic drum set. He would use his left foot, replacing the snare drum hits normally done with his arm. He made an incredible comeback to band with a performance at the Monsters Of Rock festival in 1986.

Despite Setbacks, Def Leppard Released ‘Hysteria’ in 1987

Named after the hysteria that occurred with the media during Rick Allen’s accident, Def Leppard released their fourth studio album. Hysteria was a massive success in 1987. It hit No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and the UK Albums chart simultaneously. Hysteria is the band’s best-selling album to this day, and it generated seven hit singles. Most of the albums’ singles dominated charts, with “Love Bites” being the band’s only No. 1 hit. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” narrowly missed becoming a No. 1, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Animal” became the band’s first top-10 hit in their homeland, the UK, peaking at No. 6 on the UK Singles chart. Additionally, “Armageddon It” reached No. 3 on the Hot 100, becoming the band’s third top-10 hit in the US.

What was intended to be a follow-up to Pyromania became a comeback album for Def Leppard. Their story is a grand example of perseverance and musical innovations.