Gods Of War by Def Leppard

Album: Hysteria (1987)

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This is as close to a protest song as you're going to hear from Def Leppard. Inspired by what he saw on the news, lead singer Joe Elliott takes on world leaders and their penchant for starting wars that others will have to fight. It's the only track from Hysteria with any political overtones, and it drew scoffs from some critics who dismissed it as silly coming from the band that gave us "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Elliott articulated his frustration in a 1988 interview with Q, where he said: "I can write 'Gods Of War' - 'Oh yeah, another Heavy metal holocaust song'! People won't look past the ends of their noses; they think we're all Spinal Tap or Bad News. Nobody will pick up the details of 'Gods Of War' like they do a Morrissey song."
Towards the end of this song, you hear recordings of US President Ronald Reagan addressing terrorists, telling them that they can run but can't hide.
MTV VJ Alan Hunter (one of the original five video jockeys from the early years) shares his thoughts about Def Leppard in the book MTV Ruled the World - The Early Years of Music Video: "Def Leppard was easy for me to embrace. They weren't just heavy rock 'n' roll. I didn't love the heavier stuff. I mean, look, I got into Motley Crue... but they were so lightweight, it just didn't get me going. It was fun to see a band like that, that had been kicking around for a while, that finally, across the ocean, found great success on MTV. And it was really only because of MTV. No one would have heard about them on radio. I don't think they were being played on radio at all at the time. So that was the other 'weirdo phenomenon,' that MTV was the first portal for so many bands, and they didn't even bother with radio."
This song is a great example of the contributions of Def Leppard's guitarist Steve Clark, who died of a drug overdose in 1991. He would come up with different riffs and guitar ideas that producer Mutt Lange would use to build the songs. "Gods Of War" started with a riff he came up with.

Comments: 13

Pat from TexasSounds like a tribute to America and President Regan. See you DL in Arlington Texas August 12, 2024!
Pancho Ramos from Florida UsaI don't concern myself with the opinions of long gone v Jay's. The bottom line is that Def leppard is a true success story of a group of true talented musicians who stuck to their formula and became
One of the best rock groups on the world. Not only are they great talented musicians ...they all play and they all sing very very good. I love many bands but Def leppard is one of my go to favorite bands.
Kieran from Brisbane, AustraliaI disagree with what Alan Hunter was saying about Leppard only making it in America cos of MTV like Duran Duran did. They also toured hard and got much airplay via FM radio, although admittedly MTV did play a large part in their success, as Leppard were very much rock posterboys in the 80's and perfect for TV. Few bands defined the 80's and early MTV better than DL.
Chase from Mooresville, Nc"We will not cave in"-Ronald Reagan
Splat from Williamsville, DeThe other voice heard at the end of the song is that of (then) British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Oh, and listening to the voiceover/sound effects section of the song with headphones is quite the sonic experience!
Dave from Melbourne, AustraliaSteve Clarke came up with the riff apparently according to the Classic Albums doco.
Linc from Beaumont, TxThis was the voice of the '80s (as much as Genises' Land of Confusion)- as the cold war ended and the Berlin wall came down, etc - it was one of those where were you when moments and we all kinda took a moment to reflect.
Michael from San Diego, CaI love the powerful beginning to this song, with the pounding drums and raring guitars....also love the sound clips of Ronald Reagan & Margaret Thatcher near the end!
Milagros from Lima, PeruI JUS LOVE THIS SONG!IS THE BEST SONG FROM THIS GREAT BAND!
Brendan from Easton, CtThe song is all about the leaders of the world who engage in these wars. Joe Elliot himself said as much in an interview in 2005.

There was an incident in 2004 with Def Leppard playing this song in Florida. In the middle of the song on the big screen, they had a picture of George W. Bush giving the finger to the audience. I won't pass judgment, I will only say that the governor of Florida (Jeb Bush, coincidence?) was furious and ordered them to take it out.
David from Taylors Falls, Ms"Today we have done..what we had to do..."
This song is awesome! It's fun to play on bass...
Jordan from Edmonton, Canada"He counted on america to be passive, he counted wrong." Is what is said by President Ronald Reagan.
Jordan from Edmonton, CanadaThis song starts off with sounds of explosions gun's firing and marching in the background until the song picks up. It is then ended with sounds of planes bombing and explosions chanting, military leaders adresing armies, along with other war sounds

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