Def Leppard is a renowned British rock band that emerged in the late 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s and beyond. Known for their infectious melodies, soaring harmonies, and a fusion of hard rock and pop sensibilities, Def Leppard became one of the leading acts of the era’s hair metal movement. The band’s lineup has remained relatively stable over the years, consisting of Joe Elliott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar), and Vivian Campbell (guitar).
Moreover, The Band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has two albums with the RIAA diamond certification: Pyromania and Hysteria. This makes them one of only five rock bands with two studio albums that have sold more than 10 million copies in the US. The group was voted No. 31 in VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock” and No. 70 in the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” lists. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted Def Leppard in 2019.
History of the band
The origins of Def Leppard can be traced back to Sheffield, England, where a group of teenagers with a shared love for rock music formed the band in 1977. They began their career with a more raw and heavy sound influenced by acts like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Def Leppard independently released their debut EP, “The Def Leppard E.P.,” in 1979, which garnered attention and eventually led to a record deal with a major label.
In 1980, the band released their breakthrough album, “On Through the Night,” featuring the hit single “Rock Brigade.” However, it was their second album, “High ‘n’ Dry” (1981), that solidified their position in the rock scene. Songs like “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” and “Let It Go” showcased Def Leppard’s melodic hooks and energetic performances, earning them a growing fan base.
Def Leppard’s most significant success came with their 1983 album, “Pyromania.” This record became a global phenomenon, propelled by iconic hits such as “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin’.” The band’s signature sound, characterized by layered guitars, catchy choruses, and Joe Elliott’s distinctive vocals, captivated audiences and set them apart from their contemporaries.
1987 – 2019
Def Leppard’s next album, “Hysteria” (1987), elevated their success to even greater heights. It spawned numerous hit singles, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Armageddon It.” The album’s polished production, memorable hooks, and stadium-sized anthems solidified their status as one of the most successful rock bands of the era.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Def Leppard continued to release albums and tour extensively. They experimented with their sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock and pop while still retaining their core identity. Some notable albums from this period include “Adrenalize” (1992), “Slang” (1996), and “X” (2002).
Also Read: The Rolling Stones Orginal Members Ages
Def Leppard’s enduring popularity is a testament to their timeless songs and their ability to connect with audiences across generations. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide, received multiple awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
With a career spanning several decades, Def Leppard remains an influential and beloved rock band, continuing to tour and entertain fans with their electrifying live performances and the enduring appeal of their iconic hits.
Meet the members of Def Leppard
The band’s members‘ careers and compositions have undergone numerous changes. This group is still a powerful and important force in the rock music scene. while, Tony Kenning, Pete Willis, and Steve Clark all served as band members in the past. Vivian Campbell, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Rick Savage, and Phil Collen are the current members.
The following are the current members of Def Leppard.
- Rick Savage
- Joe Elliott
- Rick Allen
- Phil Collen
- Vivian Campbell
Ages and Names Of Def Leppard Band Members
The ages of Def Leppard members are:
| Def Leppard Members Names | Ages |
|---|---|
| Rick Savage | 62 Years old |
| Joe Elliott | 63 years old |
| Rick Allen | 59 years old |
| Phil Collen | 65 years old |
| Vivian Campbell | 60 years old |
Current members of Def Leppard
Rick Savage
Rick Savage is the bass guitarist of the British rock band Def Leppard. Born on December 2, 1960, in Sheffield, England, Rick Savage co-founded Def Leppard in 1977 alongside lead vocalist Joe Elliott. The band achieved significant commercial success in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Hysteria.”
Savage is known for his melodic bass lines and harmonies, contributing to Def Leppard’s signature sound. He has remained an integral member of the band throughout their career, despite various lineup changes and personal challenges.
Outside of his work with Def Leppard, Rick Savage has been involved in other musical projects, including his solo efforts and collaborations with other musicians. He continues to tour and record with Def Leppard, delighting fans with their classic rock anthems.
Savage is married to Paige Savage, with whom he shares three children, Jordan, Tyler, and Scott (plus a child from a previous relationship). In 2013, the family relocated to Enniskerry; they later moved back to Sheffield in 2016.
Joe Elliot
Joe Elliot is a British singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Def Leppard. Born on August 1, 1959, in Sheffield, England, Elliot co-founded Def Leppard in 1977 and has been with the band ever since.
Def Leppard gained significant commercial success in the 1980s with their album “Pyromania” (1983) and the chart-topping album “Hysteria” (1987), which produced several hit singles including “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Hysteria.” Joe Elliot’s distinctive vocals and the band’s melodic hard rock sound helped establish them as one of the leading bands of the era.
Over the years, Joe Elliot has remained the frontman of Def Leppard, and the band has continued to release new music and tour extensively. They have sold millions of albums worldwide and are known for their energetic live performances. Def Leppard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Apart from his work with Def Leppard, Joe Elliot has also been involved in other musical projects. He formed the side project Down ‘n’ Outz in 2009, focusing on the music of Mott the Hoople and British glam rock. Elliot has also made guest appearances on albums by various artists and has collaborated with other musicians.
Elliott’s first marriage to Karla Ramdhani ended in divorce in 1996. While serving on the crew for the X record tour in 2003, Elliott and Kristine Wunschel became friends. On September 1, 2004, they were wed. They have two children: a daughter named Lyla who was born in July 2016 and their first kid, Finlay, who was born in December 2009. He and his wife Kristine welcomed Harper into the world in February 2020, and he and Kristine revealed the news on SiriusXM in March 2022.
Rick Allen
Rick Allen is an English drummer best known as the drummer for the rock band Def Leppard. He was born on November 1, 1963, in Dronfield, Derbyshire, England. Rick Allen joined Def Leppard in 1978 at the age of 15, becoming the band’s drummer and contributing to their rise to fame in the 1980s.
In 1984, Rick Allen faced a life-altering event when he was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of his left arm. Despite this setback, he was determined to continue playing the drums and worked with engineers to develop a custom electronic drum kit that allowed him to control multiple drum pads with his feet and right arm.
Rick Allen’s resilience and determination inspired many, and he continued to play with Def Leppard after his accident. The band released several successful albums in the following years, including “Hysteria” (1987), which became one of their most popular and commercially successful records.
Over the years, Rick Allen has received numerous awards and accolades for his drumming skills and contributions to music. He is known for his distinctive drumming style, incorporating intricate rhythms and powerful performances. Outside of Def Leppard, Rick Allen has also been involved in various side projects and collaborations. He has worked on solo material and has made guest appearances on albums by other artists.
From 1991 through 2000, Allen was Married to Stacy Lauren Gilbert. After being charged with domestic violence in 1995, Allen received a work crew sentence and a requirement to attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. He is married to Lauren Cuggino Monroe, a musician who has worked with Allen on a few of her albums.
Phill Collen
Phil Collen is an English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard. He was born on December 8, 1957, in London, England.
Collen joined Def Leppard in 1982, replacing the band’s previous guitarist, Pete Willis. He made his debut with Def Leppard on their album “Pyromania” (1983), which was a huge success and helped propel the band to international fame. Collen’s guitar work and songwriting contributions played a significant role in the band’s sound and success throughout the 1980s.
Some of Def Leppard’s most well-known songs featuring Collen’s guitar work include “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” “Hysteria,” and “Photograph.” His style blends elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and melodic pop, characterized by catchy riffs, melodic solos, and layered harmonies.
Apart from his work with Def Leppard, Collen has also been involved in other musical projects. He released a solo album titled “Man-Raze” in 2005 and formed a blues-based rock band called Delta Deep in 2012. Additionally, he has contributed to various side projects and collaborations over the years.
He was married to Jacqueline Collen-Tarolly (1989) and Anita Thomas-Collen (1999). He married actress and costume designer Helen L. Simmons in 2010. Rory (born 1990), Samantha (born 2004), Savannah (born 2009), Charlotte (born 2014), and Jaxson (born 2018) are his five children.
Vivian Campbell
Vivian Campbell is an accomplished rock guitarist known for his work with various bands, most notably Def Leppard. Campbell was born on August 25, 1962, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He began playing guitar at a young age and gained recognition for his exceptional skill and musical talent. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Campbell played with several bands in his native Ireland before joining the British rock band Sweet Savage in 1983.
However, Campbell’s breakthrough came in 1982 when he joined the legendary rock band, Dio. He replaced guitarist Jake E. Lee and played on Dio’s most successful albums, “Holy Diver” (1983), “The Last in Line” (1984), and “Sacred Heart” (1985). Campbell’s distinctive guitar work and contributions to Dio’s sound earned him widespread acclaim.
In 1992, Campbell joined Def Leppard, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. He replaced guitarist Steve Clark, who had passed away. Vivian Campbell’s first album with Def Leppard was “Adrenalize” (1992), which was a commercial success and featured hits like “Let’s Get Rocked” and “Make Love Like a Man.”
Since joining Def Leppard, Campbell has remained a core member of the band, contributing his guitar skills and songwriting abilities. He has played on subsequent albums like “Slang” (1996), “Euphoria” (1999), “X” (2002), “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge” (2008), and “Def Leppard” (2015).
Apart from his work with Dio and Def Leppard, Vivian Campbell has also collaborated with other artists and bands, including Whitesnake and Riverdogs. He has displayed his versatility as a guitarist, adapting to different musical styles and showcasing his technical prowess.
Campbell and his ex-wife Julie Campbell have two daughters, and they currently reside in New Hampshire. On July 4, 2014, Campbell wed his longtime girlfriend Caitlin Phaneuf after their divorce.
Former Members of Def Leppard
Steve Clark
Steve Clark was an English musician best known as the co-lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard. He was born on April 23, 1960, in Hillsborough, Sheffield, England. Clark joined Def Leppard in 1978 and played a significant role in the band’s success throughout the 1980s.
Steve Clark’s guitar work was a key element in Def Leppard’s signature sound, characterized by melodic hooks and harmonized guitar solos. He contributed to the band’s breakthrough albums, such as “High ‘n’ Dry” (1981), “Pyromania” (1983), and “Hysteria” (1987).
However, Steve Clark faced personal struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, which affected his health and ability to perform. On January 8, 1991, at the age of 30, he was found dead in his London home. The cause of death was ruled as a mixture of alcohol and prescription drugs.
Clark was engaged to an American model, Lorelei Shellist, the two have been together seven years. Shellist revealed in her autobiography, Runway Runaway, that Clark’s addictions played a major role in their breakup
Pete Willis
Pete Willis is an English musician, best known as a former guitarist and founding member of the British rock band Def Leppard. He was born on February 16, 1960, in Sheffield, England.
Willis co-founded Def Leppard in 1977 along with Rick Savage, Tony Kenning, and Joe Elliott. The band achieved significant commercial success in the 1980s with their albums “Pyromania” (1983) and “Hysteria” (1987), which featured hits like “Photograph,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and “Love Bites.” Willis played guitar on Def Leppard’s first two studio albums, “On Through the Night” (1980) and “High ‘n’ Dry” (1981), before departing from the band in 1982.
After leaving Def Leppard, Pete Willis was replaced by Phil Collen, and the band continued to enjoy success throughout the 1980s and beyond. Willis struggled with alcoholism during his time with the band, which ultimately led to his departure. However, he continued to pursue music and played with various bands, including Gogmagog and Roadhouse.
Willis married Lindsay Smith in 1985 and had two sons, Luke and Andrew. The family resides in Crookes, Sheffield. Although Pete Willis is no longer an active member of Def Leppard, he made occasional guest appearances with the band on stage during special events. His contributions to the early sound and success of Def Leppard remain significant, and he is considered a key figure in the band’s history.
