Formed Sheffield, England, 1977.

The roots of Def Leppard are to be found in the band Atomic Mass, who featured bassist Rick Savage, guitarist Pete Willis and drummer Tony Kenning. Into the picture soon came vocalist Joe Elliott, and the name Deaf Leopard, which was soon adapted to the now familiar mis-spelling. Second guitarist Steve Clark was recruited in time for the first set of gigs in the summer of 1978, before Kenning was replaced by Frank Noon. This line-up was responsible for the first Def Leppard recording - the three-track single "Getcha Rocks Off", released in a limited edition of just 1000 copies on the band's own Bludgeon Riffola label.

In 1979, the line-up settled when Rick Allen joined as drummer. Radio airplay and music press interest led to the band signing to Phonogram, which handled the debut album, On Through The Night (1980). Despite its Top 20 success, the press felt its overly polished sound was a deliberate ploy for American success, and the accompanying single, "Hello America", appeared to support the charge. Still, they toured the States to encouraging response, although British reactions were poor at the 1980 Reading Festival.

Back in the studio, they began a fruitful and long-lasting partnership with producer Robert 'Mutt' Lange on High'N'Dry (1981). It was a vast improvement on its predecessor, but its British success was once again overshadowed at the time by its US sales. Another personnel change was inevitable, as Pete Willis's drinking was becoming increasingly problematic; in 1982, he was replaced by Phil Collen.

Pyromania (1983) was the first real demonstration of both Leppard's songwriting ability and Lange's meticulous production. It was released to cautious praise in Britain, but in America it sold over seven million copies and spawned several major hits, especially "Photograph". Britain was starting to slowly take notice, but cruel fortune was ready to bring the band back to earth.

On New Year's Eve 1984, Rick Allen was involved in a serious car accident near Sheffield, losing his left arm. Amazingly the drummer refused to be beaten and set about working out how he could continue in the band, eventually succeeding with the help of a custom kit that allowed him to trigger rolls and fills with his feet. He was able to resume his duties for the recording of the next album, which took three years and cost a million pounds to make. Yet Hysteria (1987) proved to be an instant rock classic, and marked a spectacular breakthrough in the band's homeland. Its first spin-off single release, "Animal", hit the Top 10, while the LP was an immediate chart-topper, and a tour sold out. Stateside, Def Leppard became the first band ever to have successive albums sell over seven million copies.

With worldwide sales of Hysteria topping fourteen million, Def Leppard had a tough act to follow, but aimed to release a fifth album by the summer of 1991. However, Steve Clark's alcohol problems were worsening, and despite taking time off to sort himself out, such efforts were in vain. On January 8, 1991, Clark was found dead, aged just 30.

The remaining quartet threw themselves into recording Adrenalize, more polished and likable commercial rock, which was released in March 1992. Weeks later, the band unveiled their new guitarist, ex-Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Vivian Campbell, at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. The world tour was yet another triumphant passage, including an emotional homecoming at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium, by which time Adrenalize had sold over six million copies.

The usual epic wait for a new album was made bearable by stopgap releases: Retro-Active (1993), a fine collection of B-sides, remixes and unreleased studio material, wrapping up Steve Clark's time in the band, and a greatest hits set, Vault (1995). Finally, Slang (1996) appeared, a bold, contemporary release, combining the classic Leppard sound with the rootsiness of Retro-Active. It's been greeted with acclaim from fans and critics alike, proving again that the band's renowned perfectionism has always been worth waiting for.

Pyromania (1983; Bludgeon Riffola/Phonogram). Credit for this breakthrough album is often given to producer Lange, who co-wrote all the songs, but time proved that Def Leppard had plenty to offer in their own right: "Rock Of Ages" and "Photograph" remained great crowd-pleasers.

Hysteria (1987; Bludgeon Riffola/Phonogram). A masterclass in commercial hard rock. No duff tracks to be found, and at least half have already attained 'classic' status.

Retro-Active (1993; Bludgeon Riffola/Phonogram). The 'other side' of Def Leppard. Recorded in days rather than years, the songs are forced to stand up for themselves without the aid of huge production, and do very nicely.

Slang (1996; Bludgeon Riffola/Phonogram). The long wait well rewarded with Leppard's updated 90s sound.