Steve's personal "Armageddon It" sweatshirt, worn during the Hysteria Tour, circa 1987. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Steve Clark wore this kilt at the final show of the 1986 Monsters of Rock tour in Mannheim, Germany. This show was the last warm-up performance in preparation for the Hysteria Tour, and to mark the event, Steve and Phil wore matching kilts during the encore. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Rick, Joe, Phil, Sav, and Steve kneel in front of a jet at the top of the Hysteria Tour, 1987. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Western Union Mailgram addressed to Phil Collen notifying him that Hysteria's "Armageddon It" would receive a 1990 ASCAP Award. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Hysteria "Worth the Wait" t-shirt design transparency for Brockum, 1987. The shirt spoke truth. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Photograph of a custom sheet cake from promoter John Scher and Monarch Entertainment commemorating Def Leppard's three sold-out Hysteria Tour shows at the Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey, September 1988. These three New Jersey in-the-round shows rocked over 20,000 fans each. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Joe wears a sleeveless Sex Pistols t-shirt and white studded jacket during a Hysteria Tour performance, 1987. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Mercury Records promotional ad in support of "Love Bites", the follow-up single to "Pour Some Sugar On Me". The advert was clipped from The Album Network Magazine dated 29 July 1988. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Print proof of the Def Leppard Live: In the Round, In Your Face VHS case art, released 7th March, 1989. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
January's entry in the 1989 Def Leppard wall calendar features the band performing on the Hysteria Tour, in-the-round configuration. Photo by Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
In the Round, In Your Face advert clipped from the September 1989 issue of Metal Hammer. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe, Phil, Sav, and Steve a rare line-up on the Hysteria Tour, in-the round configuration. Rick is playing to the opposite side of the audience. Rick often said, "I had the best seat in the house." Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Steve Clark kept this clipping from a cover feature found in issue 208 of Kerrang!, October 1988. The article included Ross Halfin photos from a Hysteria Tour performance, in-the-round configuration. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Steve Clark kept this clipping from a cover feature found in issue 208 of Kerrang!, October 1988. The article included Ross Halfin photos from a Hysteria Tour performance, in-the-round configuration. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Sound check on the Hysteria Tour, circa 1988. Rick stands barefoot with Joe, Phil, and Steve warming up in the background. In-the-round was the preferred set up for this tour, but during the summer of 1988, playing larger amphitheaters called for a half-stage configuration with the drums on higher risers. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
A full stage look at the in-the-round configuration from the Hysteria Tour, circa 1988. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A view from the top of the Hysteria Tour in-the-round configuration. This shot speaks to the intimacy and energy of the surrounding audience. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Hysteria Tour, in-the-round configuration, circa 1988. Pioneering light designer Howard Ungerleider deployed lasers under the stage using trap doors and mirrors. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A lights-up view of the Hysteria Tour, in-the-round configuration, circa 1988, with fog effect starting to pour onto the stage. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe, Sav, Phil, and Steve play to opposite sections of the audience while Rick holds court center stage, Hysteria Tour, circa 1988. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Lights up, pre-show Hysteria Tour, circa 1988. At showtime the curtains would drop to reveal in-the-round staging. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The final song of the Hysteria Tour was usually a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band." The encore offered a chance for Steve, Sav, Phil, and Joe to play to each section of the in-the-round audience as a single unit. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe connects with the crowd, Hysteria Tour, circa 1988. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Steve, Sav, Joe, and Rick sit on the steps of the Hysteria Tour stage, 1988. The final summer of the Hysteria Tour saw the band moving into amphitheaters to satisfy overwhelming demand, and the in-the-round configuration had to be shifted to a traditional half-stage set. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Thirty-two tons of scaffolding, lights, and sound equipment were flown above the band every night of the Hysteria Tour when using the in-the-round configuration. It took approximately four hours to set up the stage and three hours to strike. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Joe, Sav, and Steve during the Hysteria Tour encore of "Travelin' Band," circa 1988. Phil remarked that the lighting rig that was suspended above the band for in-the-round performances appeared "extra-terrestrial." Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Steve and Joe captured from above on the Hysteria Tour, in-the-round staging, circa 1988. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
In-the-Round staging was a workout for the band. Joe, Sav, Phil, and Steve were constantly on the move playing to the surrounding audience, and Rick played on a rotating drum riser. Phil noted, "Not a bad seat in the house. But it meant we had to work extra hard as it was like having four front rows." Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Hysteria collage art proof print featuring headshots of the band inside of Tron-style lines and Def Leppard logos. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
PolyGram promotional photo of Rick, Phil, Joe, Steve, and Sav sitting on flight cases. A printed note on the bottom right reads "do not use after March 1988." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sample of screened art on white fabric featuring an album chart design. T-shirts printed with this image were produced to celebrate Hysteria conquering the US Billboard charts in July 1988. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Steve, Joe, and Sav celebrate their Metal Edge Magazine 1988 Readers' Choice Award. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav leans against a tall flight case in a backstage area on the Hysteria World Tour, 1988. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Bludgeon Riffola promotional poster celebrating the success of Hysteria, and Def Leppard's nomination and upcoming performance on the Brit Awards, February 1989. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe, Rick, Phil, Sav, and Steve catch a breath backstage post-show on the Hysteria Tour, circa 1988. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Full-page advert clipped from The Album Network Magazine, 1988, promoting the release of "Pour Some Sugar On Me," and the continuing Hysteria World Tour. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Full-page advert clipped from Billboard Magazine, July 1988, celebrating Hysteria's quadruple platinum status. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Steve, Phil, Joe, Rick, and Sav have a laugh during a promotional photo shoot, circa 1987. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Steve's own personal Hysteria LP with insert signed by all five members of the band. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Steve's own personal Hysteria LP with insert signed by all five members of the band. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Steve, Joe, Sav, Phil, and Rick relax in comfy tour robes just moments after leaving the Hysteria tour stage, 1988. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
1987 Hysteria Tour book. This portion of the tour began June 1987 in Holland and ended New Year's Eve 1987 in Tampa, Florida. From the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
1987 Hysteria Tour book. This portion of the tour began June 1987 in Holland and ended New Year's Eve 1987 in Tampa, Florida. From the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Steve Clark's own 1989 American Music Award statue, presented to the band for Hysteria, the Favorite Heavy Metal Album of the year. From the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Photo of Def Leppard's 1988 appearance on the German television show "Spruch Reif." Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Andie Airfix original artwork with handwritten notes for the "Armageddon It" single sleeve. From Richard Clark-Monks, The Andie Airfix Collection.
Andie Airfix's Hysteria's logo in development, with cut outs, glued pieces, and ink splatters. Phil described Airfix's process of creating art with the band as similar to making a record. "You record a demo and sometimes you're not even sure what it is - it's an expression." From Richard Clark-Monks, The Andie Airfix Collection.
Before it was Hysteria, Def Leppard's follow up to Pyromania was entitled "Animal Instinct," and UK artist Adrian Baumgartner began developing this striking creature cover art. From the Collection of Adrian Baumgartner.
Whiteboard message from the team at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, dated 10 September 1988, congratulating Def Leppard on their record-setting sell-out time. This Hysteria Tour stop was initially scheduled for 9 September 1988 but was delayed due to a hurricane. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
25 July 1981, Def Leppard played the final UK show of the High 'n' Dry World Tour at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, England. Special guests that night were More and Lionheart. Next stop was New Haven, Connecticut, to open for Ozzy Osbourne. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Joe, Rick, Steve, Sav, and Pete celebrate the release of the Def Leppard EP, 1979. Note a copy of the EP hot off the presses in the hand of the fellow-partier in the back corner. Def Leppard had only been playing together four months before their first session in the recording studio. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Soaked to the bone from rain, Sav and Joe line up with kilted Steve and Phil for the encore song "Travelin' Band", Maimarktgelande, Mannheim, Germany, Monsters of Rock, 31 August 1986. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Def Leppard played two nights in April 1988 at Wembley Arena with supporting act Loverboy. The second show was added after the first date's swift sell-out. Joe remarked that playing this legendary venue was "another dream come true for this band". From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Steve and Phil relaxing on the set of the "Women" music video shoot, May 1987. Filming took place inside of a large warehouse in Amsterdam, Holland. The band would later return to the same warehouse to film the "Rocket" video. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Rick, Phil, and Viv sit together to work on material for Slang in a rented villa in Southern Spain, 1994. Phil recalled, "We had this villa. We set a drum kit up in there and it was a very creative period...very different and experimental for us...very rough and less processed." From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Phil and Rick participate in a press conference in support of the Slang World Tour performances in South Africa, December 1996. The band played in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Def Leppard celebrates their imprint ceremony at the Hollywood RockWalk, Guitar Center, Hollywood, California, 5 September 2000. The event included the band capturing their handprints (and a footprint from Rick) in cement, and an induction speech from Queen's Brian May. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
One of Def Leppard's proudest moments was their homecoming show at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, England, 6 June 1993, to a crowd of nearly 50,000 fans. Rick Allen described the show: "I was pretty overwhelmed by the whole thing, I must admit. The fact that there were so many people that I knew in the audience or backstage, and they were all really rooting for us gave me a sense that we'd really sort of made it." The stadium commemorated this event with a wall display for Def Leppard featuring a plaque and framed photos in the lobby. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
A gold plaque was placed in the reception area of the Don Valley Stadium commemorating Def Leppard's 1993 sold out inaugural show at this hometown venue. Sadly, the plaque no longer stands as the stadium was demolished in 2013. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Sav and Joe work the crowd at the Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Tennessee, 2015 World Tour, August 2015. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Flyer for Def Leppard's third public performance, opening for the Human League at The Limit, Sheffield, England, 11 September 1978. Joe recalls, "We'd frequented this place for years as punters just going down to watch other bands and drink and what have you. And they had these...what you call 'free festivals'. Or you didn't get paid to play but they let everybody in for free, so you were guaranteed a full house...we had a fanbase of friends that came down and just took over the front bit and made noise and made us feel important." From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Ticket (numbered 0001) for Viv's first performance with Def Leppard, McGonagles, Dublin, Ireland, 15 April 1992. The show gave the band an opportunity to officially welcome Viv to the Def Leppard family, as well as warm-up for the televised Freddie Mercury tribute a few days later. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Original yellow label for the B-side of the Def Leppard EP, released May 1979. The yellow colour denotes that this was made for the EP's second pressing which had a run of only 15,000. This loose label was found inside Joe Elliott's personal scrapbook. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Joe Elliott's personal notebook with handwritten notes detailing Def Leppard's first public performances. The notebook registers the show date, location, and fee the band was paid (if any). Note the speed with which the band goes from their first public show at Westfield School, 18 July 1978 to recording the Def Leppard EP at Fairview Music Recording Studio, 18 November 1978. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Poster from a live rehearsal, Atlantic Hotel, Ballybunion, Ireland, 10 August 1986. This show was the fourth of five warm-up shows in preparation for Rick's official return to live performances, post-accident. It also marks the last night that Rick would use the back-up assistance of drummer Jeff Rich. Six days later, the band would play Monsters of Rock at Castle Donington to over 60,000 fans. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Autographed plaque from the members of Journey to Def Leppard commemorating over one million tickets sold on their 2018 North American co-headliner tour. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Autographed promotional poster from Def Leppard's induction into the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Framed Billboard chart from the week Hysteria finally hit the number one spot, 23 July 1988. The record had been on the charts for 49 weeks before finally conquering the Top Pop Albums category. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Sav, Pete Willis, Rick, Joe, and Steve celebrate the success of the Def Leppard EP with then-managers Frank Stuart-Brown and Pete Martin, circa 1979. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
PolyGram Records promotional photo in support of Pyromania, circa 1982. This marks one of Phil's first official photo shoots with the band. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Press kit in support of Hysteria, including a page on Rick's new drum kit. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Early photocopy of a Def Leppard logo draft designed by artist Dave Jeffrey, 1978. Jeffrey recalls that this was "a preliminary sketch before the final artwork" that would be used on the Def Leppard EP. As to the final design's direction, Jeffrey says, "I remember considering that the leopard needed to be more adult and aggressive, as against the 'pussycat' look in the sketch." From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
The 1981 High 'n' Dry Tour took the band back to Corpus Christi, Texas where they found a little piece of home, as seen in this clipping from Joe's personal copy of Sounds magazine. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Handwritten production credits from On Through The Night, Def Leppard's debut full-length studio album, 1980. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Promotional poster for Slang, 1996. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Article clipped from Metal Edge magazine featuring in interview with Viv on his new role as Def Leppard guitarist, 1992. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Poster from the kickoff performances of the Pyromania Tour UK leg, beginning with a stop at Apollo Theatre, Manchester, England, 21 February 1983, with supporting act Rock Goddess. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Def Leppard in action during the filming the "Slang" music video, Occidental Studios, Los Angeles, April 1996. The video was directed by Nigel Dick who also worked on the videos for "Rocket", "Work It Out", and "Rock On". Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Def Leppard perform on the set of the "Foolin'" music video, Ritz Theatre, Elizabeth, New Jersey, June 1983. The video was directed by David Mallet, who also directed the videos for "Photograph", "Rock of Ages", and "Me & My Wine". Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Early iterations of the Def Leppard logo, including versions incorporating a second stroke on the letter "f" and housed inside of a triangle. The first professional logo designed for the band was created by artist Alan Schmidt and used on the cover of On Through The Night. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Steve, Phil, Joe, Rick, and Sav stop for a moment in a backstage hallway, post-show on the Pyromania Tour, 1983. Phil remembers, "We were really good as a band by the time we finished the Pyromania Tour...it was probably the most exciting period of our whole career. I think the first time you make it and the first time you go platinum, double platinum and quadruple platinum, it’s unbelievable just how everything changes around you, even though you’re exactly the same.” Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A t-shirt from the mysterious "Word Shirt" series, circa 1988, with the letters "DITDFD" on the front and an image of a US Billboard Top 200 Album Chart (with Hysteria in the top spot) on the back. The acronym "DITDFD" stands for "Dicks In The Dirt For Days". Joe recalls that this printing was likely done because "all the shows in the summer of ‘88 were sold out way in advance - to the point we were doing multiple nights in every city pretty much!" From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe, Rick, Steve, Sav, and Pete lean against a building during a High 'n' Dry stop in California on a warm November day in 1981. The High 'n' Dry Tour took place over seven months through Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Holland, Spain, England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the US. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Tour itinerary book from the X Tour leg covering March through May 2003. Viv recalled the high-quality shows of this period: "The biggest buzz for me was that on the leg we played in North America in May and June, we were playing at our absolute best. I don't believe we can actually play any better than that." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
French record sleeve for the "Animal" single, 1987. The text reads, "Animal. The new Def Leppard album is coming. 3 years of work. 12 tracks. 63 minutes of great rock 'n' roll. Complete Hysteria! Animal is the 1st single." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Photocopy of handwritten Hysteria track-listings on Windmill Lane Recording Studios stationery. There is a handwritten note referring to the album as "LP 4" indicating that the band had not yet agreed on its title. Note song title variations throughout the list, the inclusion of tracks "Ring of Fire", "Fractured Love", and "Touch", and the notable absence of "Pour Some Sugar On Me". From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Photocopy of an Associated Press article, 11 April 1984, reporting that Def Leppard conquered a Gallup Youth Survey as the top-rated band amongst US teens. The article noted that the band's popularity with both male and female fans destroyed the theory that heavy metal music is "favored by young men and despised by young women." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Two-page promotional spread from PolyGram celebrating the multiplatinum success of Pyromania and Hysteria. This advert was clipped from a 1988 issue of Billboard magazine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Clipping from Sounds magazine, 11 August 1979, reporting Def Leppard's first major recording contract with Phonogram. In the article, Joe says, "We're very pleased... No more day jobs for us." The band met at Rick Allen's home for the contract-signing since Rick was only fifteen and his father needed to sign on his behalf. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Setlist for the summer leg of the Rock of Ages Tour, 2005. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Burrelle's transcript from WBNS-TV, Eyewitness News, Columbus, broadcast date 25 May 1983. Journalist Dave Keller reported on the mad rush to buy tickets for an upcoming Pyromania Tour stop at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Def Leppard performs onstage as part of their 12-date Sin City Residency in Las Vegas, Nevada, at Zappos Theatre in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The residency ran from 14 August to 7 September 2019. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Brian May visits Viv, Joe, Sav, Phil and Rick backstage at a meaningful Slang Tour stop at Wembley Arena, November 1996. The band was thrilled to play at this legendary venue. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Autographed original artwork of the Adrenalize Eye.
Signed by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Rick Allen and Vivian Campbell.
PRE ORDER - Signed / Edition Numbered / Framed
ONLY 45 Available for purchase!
Autographed original, alternative artwork for the Adrenalize album, digitized and reproduced as a high-quality art print.
Signed by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Rick Allen and Vivian Campbell.
PRE ORDER - Signed / Edition Numbered / Framed
ONLY 45 Available for purchase!
Autographed official Def Leppard Vault 45th Anniversary Commemorative plaque! Celebrate over 100 Million albums sold worldwide, 2,100 concerts in over 50 countries and 45 years of Def Leppard!
Signed by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Rick Allen and Vivian Campbell
PRE ORDER - Signed / Edition Numbered / Framed
ONLY 45 Available for purchase!
Adrenalize promotional sample CD featuring alternative art design by Andie Airfix, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Band portrait with Joe, Phil, Sav, and Rick used in the Adrenalize CD booklet, March 1992. Photo: Pamela Springsteen. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Promotional poster in support of Adrenalize, 1992. Photo: Pamela Springsteen. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Photo transparency of the Adrenalize eye, 1992. The base of the artwork was a photograph of a human eyeball (belonging to photographic retoucher Miles Kendrick). From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Adrenalize pinback button, circa 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
After Show laminate pass from the Def Leppard stop at Theaterfabrik, Munich, Germany, 24 May 1992. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Print proof for a decal featuring Adrenalize artwork by Andie Airfix, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Faxed correspondence containing Adrenalize CD disc and LP label designs by Andie Airfix, February 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sample insert booklet for the UK release of Adrenalize, Bludgeon Riffola label, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Print proof of draft CD cover art for Adrenalize incorporating the working title "Adrenalin", circa 1992. From the Collection of Def
Leppard.
Tour artwork draft with handwritten notes by Andie Airfix, 1992. The Adrenalize eye sits atop an exploding flag with space for tour dates underneath. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick's personal ribbed tank with Adrenalize art on the fabric covering the left side. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) plaque presented to Joe Elliott in June 1992 to commemorate Adrenalize selling 70,000 copies in Australia. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Signed Adrenalize art lithograph numbered 1/1000. This lithograph was included in the 1994 commemorative Adrenalize mahogany box set. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Artwork draft by Andie Airfix used on the "Make Love Like a Man" single, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
BPI (British Phonographic Industry) plaque presented to Joe Elliott in 1993 to commemorate Adrenalize selling 300,000 copies in the UK. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Adrenalize "Seven Day Weekend" Tour t-shirt, 1992. The shirt lists early dates from the North American leg, beginning with New York. From the collection of Def Leppard.
Rick, Viv, Joe, Phil, and Sav sit together on a curb during the Adrenalize "Seven Day Weekend" Tour, 1993. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Early concept art for Adrenalize by multi-disciplinary artist and author John Warwicker, circa 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe, Phil, Sav, and Rick stand by a rustic wall in this Adrenalize promotional photo, 1992. There is a handwritten note of approval on the left corner of the mat. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Rick, Viv, Phil, Joe, and Sav look up in this Mercury Records promotional portrait in support of Adrenalize, 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star shoes featuring "Seven Day Weekend" Tour artwork, circa 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Adrenalize belt buckle design by Bulldog Buckle Company, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
"She's Too Tough" handwritten lyrics written and signed by Joe, circa 1985. The song was recorded by Joe as a demo in 1985, included as a bonus track on the Japanese release of Adrenalize in 1992, and used as the B-side of "Heaven Is" in 1993. Joe's demo was later included in the "Action" single in 1994. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Spiral-bound tour book for the Australia and New Zealand legs of the "Seven Day Weekend" Tour, July 1992. The tour book includes itineraries, a personnel list, travel details, and information on local attractions. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Black and white contact sheet featuring ten images of Rick, Sav, Phil, Joe, and Viv, circa 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The official Def Leppard Vault 30th Anniversary RIAA certified 3x platinum sales plaque of the Mercury Records album “Adrenalize”.
Autographed official Def Leppard Vault 30th Anniversary RIAA certified 3x platinum sales plaque of the Mercury Records album “Adrenalize”
Signed by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, and Vivian Campbell
PRE ORDER - Signed / Edition Numbered
ONLY 25 Available for purchase!
Slang promotional slide of Rick, 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A list of facts from Rick, circa 1983, when his greatest hope was "to be successful and respected as a musician." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick sits for a Pyromania-era promotional photo, circa 1983. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick waits backstage, just outside of the Band Hospitality room on the Adrenalize "Seven-Day Weekend" Tour, 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A handwritten letter of encouragement from Rick to fans along with a "Stick Rick" self-portrait. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick's white and orange plaid shirt by Zoo York, worn circa 2013. The left sleeve and side stitching are both personalized with Def Leppard embellishments. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick's feet, both left and right, labelled. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick behind his kit, Slang-era, circa 1996. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Paiste Rude cymbal advert, circa 1983, featuring a photo of Rick by Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Portrait of Rick wearing a white Def Leppard t-shirt, November 1990. Photo: Ross Halfin/Vereecke. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick plays live on the Pyromania Tour, 1983. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Faxed correspondence from March 1997 of a hand-drawn diagram detailing Rick's Slang Tour drum set up. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Copy of an article from the October 1983 issue of Circus magazine examining Rick's drumming on "Photograph." The article was written by Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice and features a photo by Mark Weiss. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick warms up on a practice pad during a Hysteria Tour stop, circa 1987. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick filming on the set of the "Make Love Like a Man" video, 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick lays down drum tracks for Euphoria at his home studio in California, circa 1998. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick takes a quick breather during a performance on the High 'N' Dry tour, 1981. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick performing at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington, August 1986. This show marked Rick's first major return to the stage after his accident. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick performing live during the On Through the Night Tour, 1980. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick performs on the 2014 Summer Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
An intimate backstage shot of Phil on the Pyromania Tour, circa 1983. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil is wearing a black leather jacket with sleeves rolled up in this Pyromania promotional shoot, 1983. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
It's a 1983 Pyromania load-in, so Phil takes some time to relax outside the venue. Note the classic Union Jack shorts, a true Leppard staple. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav and Phil playing at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, Texas, 29th April 1983. This concert marked the first night of Def Leppard headlining their own US tour after the band spent four days rehearsing and turning a 45-minute show into an hour-an-a-half spectacular. Photo: Mark R. Swindler. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil strikes a pose in front of a tiled wall during an offstage moment on the 1983 Pyromania Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A list of Def Leppard Fan Club questions answered by Phil Collen, circa 1983. From the collection of Def Leppard.
Terror Twins Phil and Steve are ready to start some fires on the 1983 Pyromania Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil plays his legendary, 1980 Ibanez Destroyer at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, Texas, 29th April 1983. Photo: Mark R. Swindler. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Post-show Pyromania elation backstage at the LA Forum, September 1983. Queen's Brian May was a special guest that evening and played along for the encore "Travellin' Band." Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil is holding his Ibanez Destroyer while standing in front of a fireplace at the Booterstown house in Dublin, Ireland where the band wrote and rehearsed Hysteria, 1984. He is wearing his own personal robe and one slipper. While Phil had already recorded Pyromania with the band, Hysteria was the first Def Leppard album he worked on from scratch. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil standing in front of a frozen lake and a domed building with statues, circa 1984. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil is wearing a garter on his arm with a rose secured on the head of his guitar during this Pyromania tour performance at the Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, Texas, 29th April 1983. Photo: Mark R. Swindler. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil wearing a black suit with polka dot shirt and holding his Ibanez Destroyer, circa 1984. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil sings during a Pyromania tour performance at the Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, Texas, 29th April 1983. Photo: Mark R. Swindler. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil and Steve hit it off quickly once Phil joined the band. Here they share a laugh as Phil rests his arms on Steve's shoulder. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Copy of "Guitarists Uncaged" article in the magazine, Guitar for the Practicing Musician, December 1983. The article includes an interview with Phil, Steve, and Pete Willis, and sheet music. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Copy of "Getting High on Metal" article from the newspaper, The Springfield Daily News, September 1983. The piece notes the band's "latest addition Phil Collen." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil holding his Ibanez Destroyer with one hand and tucking his other hand into a brown leather jacket in this Pyromania promotional picture. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Circus magazine, Anniversary Edition, October 1983. This "Best of Circus" edition features an article on Def Leppard's transition to a "supergroup" and notes Phil replacing Pete Willis. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Phil holding his Ibanez Destroyer while standing in front of a fireplace at the Booterstown house in Dublin, Ireland, where the band wrote and rehearsed Hysteria, 1984. While Phil had already recorded Pyromania with the band, Hysteria was the first Def Leppard album he worked on from scratch. He wears his own personal robe. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil playing his Gibson while sitting on the toilet, 1984. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Photocopy of the "Def Leppard Comes of Age" article from the Illinois Entertainer, May 1983. The piece focuses on the success of Pyromania with a quotes from Joe and "the band's newest member, ex-Girl guitarist Phil Collen." From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil's camo fatigues were a staple on the Pyromania tour. After his luggage was stolen from a Florida hotel room, some fans were kind enough to take him to a nearby army surplus store to replace his wardrobe. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Def Leppard Vault Signature Series Glass featuring Phil Collen!
This custom printed multi-purpose CLEAR glass (stripes on image are to showcase logo only. Image background on actual glass is clear) has been created to celebrate Phil joining Def Leppard in 1982.
Phil Collen records Euphoria at Joe's Garage in Dublin circa 1998. Photo: Denis O'Regan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Joe, Rick, Viv, and Sav sit in an ornate room for this Euphoria promotional portrait, 1999. Photo: Danny Clinch. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Full-stage photo of the 1999/2000 Euphoria World Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick Allen preparing for an appearance on Colorado's KRDO-TV in September 1999. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe leans into the mic on the 1999/2000 Euphoria World Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv dishes up a plate during a family-style meal with Rick, circa 1999. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav provides harmonies on the 1999/2000 Euphoria World Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Correspondence of a poster draft for Def Leppard's Euphoria World Tour in Japan. The poster lists concert dates for the Tokyo and Yokohama performances (September 20 - October 4, 1999). Some handwritten notes throughout. Sent July 16, 1999. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil and Viv are a back-to-back guitar unit in this 1999 promotional photo for Euphoria. Photo: Danny Clinch. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv, Phil, Joe, Rick, and Sav stretch out on a bench for this 1999 Euphoria band portrait. Photo: Danny Clinch. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe points to the camera on the 1999/2000 Euphoria World Tour. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Outtake from a series of band portraits of Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Vivian Campbell, Joe Elliott, and Phil Collen taken during a Euphoria album art shoot, 1999. From the collection of Def Leppard.
This colour proof dated 19th April, 1996 is only one of many steps in the design process of the Slang 12" LP art. The handwritten notes in green marker on this inner sleeve design would go back to the art department for correction. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
This English poster catches the success of the Slang Tour in November 1996 by featuring shows added at Sheffield Arena, NEC Arena in Birmingham, and Wembley Arena. Special guests for this leg were English rockers Terrorvision. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The band enjoys a beach break on swings for this Slang promo portrait, circa 1996. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
It's all palm trees and L.A. sunshine in this Slang promo portrait of the band, circa 1996. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil and Rick sit in the L.A. summer sun during this Slang promotional shoot. The band did their pre-tour rehearsing in Los Angeles before kicking things off with a radio broadcast event on the UCLA campus. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav relaxes against a palm tree while Joe and Viv catch an ocean breeze in this 1996 promotional shot for Slang. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A relaxed Viv sits in a hotel room by the beach, Los Angeles, 1996. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Joe, Sav, Rick, and Viv grab some beach time on a windy Los Angeles day in 1996. The band had been rehearsing in L.A. to prepare for the Slang Tour and were just about ready to share their efforts with the world. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A promo band portrait captured at a Los Angeles beach, 1996, just before the start of the Slang Tour. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick catches a break at a restaurant counter in this candid portrait from 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav in a candid portrait from 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv, Sav, Joe, Phil, and Rick pose in all black against a black background for this Slang promotional portrait, 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe wears a silver metallic coat in this promotional photo shoot which took place just before the start of the Slang Tour, 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick sports all black and is drum-ready in this Slang promotional photo shoot. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe, Rick, Viv, Phil, and Sav lounge together in a red velvet booth, 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick in between takes of the Slang video, as directed by Nigel Dick, 1996. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Joe is the focus of this Slang video take from 1996. The director, Nigel Dick, had previously worked with the band on their video for "Rocket." Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A behind-the-scenes look at how a track-mounted camera dolly was used to get dynamic shots for the Slang video in 1996 - this one has Viv as the focus. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A stark and striking Slang promotional portrait of Joe for Mercury Records, 1996. Photo: Cynthia Levine. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
In March of 1997, the South American Slang Tour dates were being prepared for printing. This faxed correspondence includes updates and corrections. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The cover of a spiral-bound tour itinerary book that details travel from May to August 1996 for the Slang World Tour, aka the "None More Black" Tour. Contained within: venue information, flight numbers, hotel accommodations, a personnel list, and after-show travel plans from Bangkok all the way to Little Rock. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A page from the spiral-bound tour itinerary book that details travel from May to June 1996 for the Slang World Tour, aka the "None More Black" Tour. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A page from the spiral-bound tour itinerary book that details travel from July to August 1996 for the Slang World Tour, aka the "None More Black" Tour. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Daily travel sheet from a spiral-bound tour itinerary book that details flight, hotel, and after show travel plans for the Slang World Tour stop in Seoul, Korea. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A travel sheet from the Slang Tour itinerary book lists hotel accommodations, venue information, and planned events for 4th July, 1996. This day’s plans included a soccer match with radio station WYSP, a performance at the Blockbuster-Sony Music Entertainment Centre, then a quick after-show flight to Boston. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
This travel sheet details a day from the Slang World Tour, aka the “None More Black" Tour. 19th July, 1996 found the band performing at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, New York, where special guest Ian Hunter from Mott the Hoople sang lead on a rendition of “All the Young Dudes.” From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A page from the Slang Tour itinerary book notes upcoming tour dates. When this sheet was put together, the Northern California performances were still being scheduled. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Personalized Def Leppard Vault 25th Anniversary Commemorative plaque.
This authentic gold record award contains:
A 12” vinyl record; The official RIAA numbered hologram; Personalized engraved inscription plate; Printed plexi glass; Graphic background; Black wood frame; Official Def Leppard Vault / Definitive Authentic Certificate of Authenticity.
From his earliest days in Sweet Savage, Viv watched Def Leppard's career with admiration. Here he reminisces on Belfast in the 1970's, hearing "Wasted" for the first time, and Ronnie James Dio's take on Leppard.
Viv holds his Gibson Les Paul in this Adrenalize tour photo shoot, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv and Phil stand side by side in this early portrait as Def Leppard's new power guitar line-up, 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv laying it all out there, playing on the Adrenalize stage floor, 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv remembers his first impressions of seeing Def Leppard live in 1987 and his amazement at the pure strength, energy, and striking personalities of the band.
Rick, Sav, Phil, Joe, and Viv strike lounging poses in a portrait session in support of the Adrenalize Tour, 1992. Joe's leather jacket can also be seen in the Jackets Required section of the Vault. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
In 1992, Def Leppard unveiled a new lineup, now with heavy-hitter Vivian Campbell of Dio fame. This Adrenalize publicity portrait for Mercury Records is one of the first to introduce Viv. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Ross Halfin captures the band in the heart of Hollywood at 1800 Ivar Ave, not far from Capitol Records. It was a sunny December day in Los Angeles, 1992, as Rick, Sav, Joe, Phil, and Viv prepared for an Adrenalize performance at the Forum. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
With the recording of Adrenalize complete, Def Leppard was ready to become a 5-piece again. Viv was also in a state of transition and ready to take Joe's call.
Relaxed and happy, Joe and Viv perform for this Slang promotional shoot, 1996. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv is up against the ropes in this boxing ring promo portrait for Slang, 1996. Photo: Kevin Westenberg. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv stops for a break with the LA Times in this candid shot by acclaimed photojournalist Donna Ferrato, July 1995. Photo: Donna Ferrato. From the Collection of Def Leppard
How much rehearsal did the band put in before Viv's big Def Leppard debut?
A smiling Viv, who had only recently found his musical home with Def Leppard, is ready to warm up with Rick playing in the background. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
This striking 1992 Adrenalize publicity portrait for Mercury Records is one of the first to introduce Vivian to the world as Def Leppard's new guitarist. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv takes a much-deserved break in front of an ancient Teotihuacan pyramid at the close of the Adrenalize Tour, September 1993. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute was Viv's first official concert with the band, but what about his first unofficial gig?
Phil, Joe, Rick, Viv, and Sav leave the audience screaming for more at the Freddie Mercury Tribute - A Concert for Life. An audience of 72,000 in-person, and an estimated billion viewers via television and radio welcomed Viv to the band for his very first large Def Leppard show, 20th April 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv takes the Adrenalize stage by storm in this live portrait from 1992. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Sav, Joe, Viv, and Rick take a final bow for the last show of the Adrenalize Tour, 29th September, 1993 in Mexico City. With Viv's first tour as the band's guitarist complete, Def Leppard would soon be back in the studio recording Slang. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Thirty years after Steve Clark’s passing, Viv still feels the power of his presence in Def Leppard.
The last stop of the Adrenalize Tour was in Mexico City, Mexico, September 1993. What better way to cap off this blood-pumping 244-stop tour than a day trip with Sav, Viv, Phil, Joe, and Rick to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan? From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A rare look at the Viv behind the console during the recording of Slang in Marbella, Spain, circa 1995. Photo: Denis O'Regan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv supplies a confident and easy smile in this Euphoria promotional shot, 1999. Photo: Andy Earl. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv is lord of the stage in this drummer's-eye-view photo, Euphoria Tour circa 2000. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav, Joe, Phil, Viv and Rick circle up for this Adrenalize-era Mercury Records promotional portrait, 1992. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Def Leppard makes a mountainside stop during the Adrenalize Tour, 1992. Sav, Rick, Joe, Viv, and Phil enjoyed the scenery and a more relaxed fashion aesthetic during this worldwide 17-month touring adventure. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Let's Get Shamrocked custom printed multi-purpose CLEAR pint glasses. You can use them as cocktail shakers or glasses for hot and cold beverages – even beer!
Def Leppard had their third public performance at Sheffield's legendary nightclub The Limit, 11 September 1978. The Limit was a favourite hangout for the Lepps even when they weren't playing. The club closed in 1991 and was later demolished. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Def Leppard's first public performance was 18 July 1978, at Sheffield's Westfield School for an end-of-term dance. Although the show had a few technical stumbles, the crowd of about 150 students cheered and demanded an encore. Upon returning home, Joe was sneaking past his parents' bedroom as not to wake them. "My Dad came out and said, 'How did it go, Lad?' and I just went crazy. 'Oh, it was great! They were cheering for us. It was like a real band. They all clapped and came down to the front of the stage, just like they do on TV on Top of The Pops.' He was real happy for me, too. From then on, I had their blessing to go out and play rock and roll." From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Founded in 1926, the Crookes Workingmen's Club (now the Crookes Social Club) on Mulehouse Road hosted Def Leppard for some of the band's first shows. Sav remembers, "We played here back in '79. I think it was like the seventh or eighth gig we ever did...It was actually quite a big gig for us because me and Joe, literally stone's throw away, lived here and grew up here...It holds a lot of fond memories for us. It was one of the stepping stones for us to get to the next level."
Another important step forward in the band's career happened at Crookes WMC – meeting photographer Ross Halfin for the first time, 5 June 1979. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
One night in 1978, Joe picked up a stone and wrote on a wall outside Sheffield City Hall, "Def Leppard will play here in 1980!" True to his prediction, the band performed at City Hall 10 April 1980, a sell-out show no less, with all their friends and family in attendance. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
How many times did young Lepps climb these stairs toward a small rehearsal space inside a cutlery factory? Sav recalled: "We spent most of our lives in here when we weren't doing our day jobs." From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium, captured days before opening, June 1992. Def Leppard played Don Valley's inaugural show and was honoured with a section of the stadium lobby dedicated to the band as hometown heroes. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Ticket from the 6 June 1993 performance at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, England, the stadium's inaugural show. Def Leppard was proud to play this important event with nearly 50,000 fans in attendance. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Ticket for the Def Leppard Mirrorball Tour stop at Motorpoint Arena Sheffield (also known as Sheffield Arena), 13 December 2011. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Steve stands outside beautiful Sheffield Town Hall during a Christmas break from the Pyromania Tour, 1984. Photo: Lorelei Shellist. Courtesy of the Lorelei Shellist Private Collection.
Statuette given to Def Leppard commemorating two packed homecoming shows at Sheffield Arena, 23 and 24 June 1992. From the Collection of Joe Elliott.
Def Leppard celebrates Sheffield in Corpus Christi, Texas, 1981. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Steve, Sav, Joe, Pete Willis, and Rick discover a reminder of home during the On Through The Night Tour in Corpus Christi, Texas, 1981. Photo: Ross Halfin. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Vault-exclusive mini-documentary! Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Producer Nick Patrick, Arranger Eric Gorfain, and Producer Ronan McHugh discuss the concept and creation of Drastic Symphonies. Video: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
A video monitor captures part of the Yorkshire manor house used for Drastic Symphonies art design. This area was eventually used for the album's cover art. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Initial album art concept photo taken by Ellen Wright-Martin for Drastic Symphonies. The album cover photo was later shot by Aron Klein, then retouched and designed by Neil Davies. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Daylight illuminates the location of the Drastic Symphonies cover art photo, 2022. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Creative Director Ellen Wright-Martin works with distressed mannequins for Drastic Symphonies art and video design, 2022. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Lights outside the windows add atmosphere to the Yorkshire manor house where Drastic Symphonies photography and video took place, 2022. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Creative director Ellen Wright-Martin had her team project Def Leppard videos over distressed mannequins for the Drastic Symphonies visualizers, 2022. Wright added, "We also used the footage taken at Abbey Road of the orchestra playing to add movement and to show the workings of making this album." This mannequin featured Union Jack flags painted on the eyelids. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
The Drastic Symphonies design team photographs the abandoned manor house in preparation for the album's album art and videography, 2002. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Drastic Symphonies album art photography and videography took place at a dilapidated manor house. Ellen Wright-Martin found the location after some early inspiration from Phil. "After chats with Phil, he showed me a wonderful photo of a derelict hall with a piano inside. This was the springboard I used to track down a location. What we found was a wonderful abandoned Manor House in the depths of Yorkshire." Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Hand-drawn draft of the Drastic Symphonies gatefold art, designed by Ellen Wright-Martin, 2002. Wright-Martin developed the mannequin motif for the album's art design based on a suggestion from Joe Elliott. "Joe mentioned using mannequins in one of our chats about the creative for the album. This was then developed into semi-destroyed mannequins set out in the formation of an orchestra, all posed with their instruments in hand, mid-performance." Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Hand-drawn draft of the Drastic Symphonies back cover art, designed by Ellen Wright-Martin, 2002. Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Hand-drawn draft of the Drastic Symphonies cover art designed by Ellen Wright-Martin, 2002. Wright-Martin described her inspiration for Drastic Symphonies' art design: "I wanted to take all the visual cues that you would expect from rock and orchestral and bring them together to form something visually, as beautiful and haunting as the music itself." Courtesy of Ellen Wright-Martin.
Eric Gorfain's notes for "Hysteria" as recorded for Drastic Symphonies, March 2022. Photo: Eric Gorfain.
Arranger Eric Gorfain's notes for "Love Bites" as recorded for Drastic Symphonies, March 2022. Photo: Eric Gorfain.
Eric Gorfain's notes for "Bringin' On the Hearbreak" and "Switch 625". Eric described the inspiration: "I wrote an arrangement for 'Bringin’ on the Heartbreak' and the band loved it so much that they said, could you add 'Switch 625'? I thought they’d never ask! I loved working with the original tracks, led by Steve Clark’s and Pete Willis’ guitars." Photo: Eric Gorfain.
Arranger Eric Gorfain's Drastic Symphonies song chart. Eric explained, "With so many songs in the mix, I had to keep a chart of what instruments played on what song to make sure we could plan the recording sessions at Abbey Road accordingly." Photo: Eric Gorfain.
Arranger Eric Gorfain's Drastic Symphonies recording notebook. "I buy a new notebook for every album I work on, but I needed to do something special for this project. The album didn’t have a title yet, so I privately referred to it as 'The Royal Leppard' or 'Leppard Royale'." Photo: Eric Gorfain.
Joe and Phil listen to a Drastic Symphonies recording session in the Abbey Road control room, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Recording engineer Simon Rhodes sits at Abbey Road's AMS Neve 88RS 60-channel console during a Drastic Symphonies session, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The band surveys the studio from above, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Sav chats with Drastic Symphonies arranger Eric Gorfain, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Rick gets a photograph of the Drastic Symphonies recording set-up for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
The band talks inside Abbey Road's Studio 2, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Viv greets the day in Abbey Road's Studio 2, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Drastic Symphonies sheet music is at the ready, Abbey Road Studios, March 2022. Photo: Eric Gorfain.
Joe plays Abbey Road's legendary Hammond RT-3 organ, March 2022. According to the studio website, this organ "...features on nearly every Beatles album, used by each respective member at one time or another, as well as by Sir George Martin. Over the years, countless other jazz, rock and pop recordings made at Abbey Road feature this instrument, including Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon". Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Arranger Eric Gorfain, Producer Ronan McHugh, Producer Nick Patrick, Conductor Robert Ziegler, and Recording Engineer Simon Rhodes inside Studio 2, Abbey Road, March 2022. Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.
Phil, Viv, Joe, Sav, and Rick stand outside Abbey Road Studios, March 2022. Drastic Symphonies arranger Eric Gorfain speaks to the significance of recording there: "This is hallowed ground for musicians. Walking through the door from the control room then down the stairs to the tracking room is special for any musician, no matter how many times you get to do it." Photo: Ryan Sebastyan. From the Collection of Def Leppard.