The Day Def Leppard Made History

10/14/2011
. (Gibson) On this day in 1988, Def Leppard became first act in chart history to sell seven million copies of two consecutive LPs, with Pyromania (released in 1983) and Hysteria. Gibson takes a look back: It was a long dry spell for Def Leppard, but it culminated in one of the most amazing achievements in rock history.

Back in 1983, Def Leppard had hit the big-time. The band's third album, Pyromania, turned into a multi-platinum smash, largely due to the success of singles "Photograph," "Rock of Ages" and "Foolin'" (all Top 40 hits in the U.S.). Although the album didn't go over huge in their native Britain, Def Leppard were genuine superstars in America.

About a year after the release, the Leps entered the studio to capitalize on their success with a follow-up record, sure to be another hit. But it wouldn't be that easy.

Early into pre-production of Animal Instinct (as the record was to be called), producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange dropped out from the project, due to a hectic work schedule. Moving on without their Pyromania partner, Def Leppard began work with Meat Loaf collaborator Jim Steinman. However, there was a difference of vision between the two camps. Steinman wanted to record a raw rock record. Leppard wanted a shinier pop/rock release. more on this story

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