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Def Leppard is one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time. The band has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and has produced 20 top 40 hits, including “Photograph,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and “Rock of Ages.”
Despite their massive success, there are still some things that even diehard fans may not know about the band. Here are 10 of the best-kept secrets about Def Leppard:
1. The band’s name was inspired by a magazine article
The band’s original name was Deaf Leopard, but they changed it to Def Leppard after reading an article in the British music magazine Melody Maker. The article was about another band called The Who, and referred to them as “deaf leopards.”
2. The band almost had a different lead singer
Joe Elliott was not the original choice to be the band’s lead singer. In fact, the band’s original drummer, Tony Kenning, was originally supposed to be the frontman. However, after Kenning left the band, Elliott stepped up and took over vocal duties.
3. They were one of the first bands to use music videos to promote their songs
Def Leppard was one of the first bands to realize the power of music videos. The band’s video for “Photograph” was played heavily on MTV, and helped propel the song to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
4. The band has had to deal with tragedy
Tragedy has struck the band on several occasions. In 1984, guitarist Steve Clark died of alcohol poisoning, and in 1991, drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a car accident.
5. They’ve been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2004
Despite their massive success, Def Leppard has yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band became eligible for induction in 2004, but has yet to receive the honor.
6. They’ve had some unusual stage props
Over the years, Def Leppard has used some unusual stage props during their live shows. One of the most notable examples is the giant inflatable banana that was used during their performance of “Pour Some Sugar on Me” at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards.
7. They once had a hit song with a children’s choir
In 1992, Def Leppard teamed up with the English Chamber Choir to record a cover of the Christmas carol “Silent Night.” The song was a hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
8. They’ve sold more than 65 million albums in the United States
Def Leppard is one of the best-selling bands of all time, having sold more than 65 million albums in the United States alone.
9. They were inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019
In 2019, Def Leppard was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band joins a select group of musical acts that have been given this honor, including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson.
10. They’re still touring and making new music
Def Leppard is still going strong, even after more than 40 years together. The band is currently touring in support of their latest album, “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge,” and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
