Def Leppard Tickets

About Def Leppard

Def Leppard is a legendary rock band that originated in Sheffield, England, in 1977. The founding members included bassist Rick Savage, guitarist Pete Willis, and drummer Tony Kenning. They later brought in charismatic lead vocalist Joe Elliott, who is credited with naming the band. Originally called “Deaf Leopard,” the name was altered to “Def Leppard” to give it a less punk feel, aligning with their evolving musical identity.

In their formative years, Def Leppard was part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, which helped shape the heavy metal genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band’s classic lineup solidified with the introduction of guitarist Steve Clark and the young drummer Rick Allen, who joined the group at just 15 years old after Kenning left. Their self-produced debut, The Def Leppard E.P., caught the attention of influential DJ John Peel, leading to a major label deal and early success in the UK.

However, it was their third studio album, Pyromania, released in 1983, that catapulted them to international fame. Produced by the talented Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the album represented a significant departure from Def Leppard’s heavy metal roots, steering towards a more polished and radio-friendly hard rock sound. This shift was critical in bridging the gap between the heavier aspects of rock and the more melodic elements of pop music. Pyromania featured hit singles like “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin’,” and it sold over ten million copies in the US alone, earning Diamond certification and transforming Def Leppard into rock superstars.

Building on this success, their next album, Hysteria, released in 1987, became even more successful, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. The album featured a staggering seven hit singles, including the chart-topping ballad “Love Bites,” the anthem “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and the title track “Hysteria.” The layered harmonies, catchy choruses, and polished production defined Def Leppard’s sound during this era and set the standard for many rock bands that followed.

Def Leppard’s ongoing legacy includes a string of enduring hits that have become staples of arena rock. Tracks like “Animal,” “Let’s Get Rocked,” and “Two Steps Behind” remain fan favourites and consistently feature in their live performances. Their reputation as a premier live act is supported by their impressive touring history, with landmark tours such as the Pyromania Tour (1983-1984) and the extensive Hysteria Tour (1987-1988), which solidified their status as global rock icons. In the years that followed, they continued to tour the world extensively, often co-headlining with other music giants like Journey, KISS, and Mötley Crüe. Their successful ventures include The Stadium Tour in 2022 and The World Tour in 2023.

Throughout their esteemed career, Def Leppard has achieved two Diamond Awards for both Pyromania and Hysteria, recognising over ten million sales each in the US. This remarkable achievement places them among a select group of only five rock bands to reach this milestone multiple times. Their signature sound, characterised by rich vocal harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, and a pop sensibility, a hallmark of producer Mutt Lange’s influence, helped define the ’80s pop-metal era. The band’s impact on the music industry was further solidified with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. To date, Def Leppard has sold over 110 million albums worldwide and continues to draw a diverse and passionate audience across generations.

Def Leppard tour tickets

Def Leppard’s June/July 2026 UK arena tour, their first headline run in the country since 2018, is set to be a major classic rock event, visiting cities like London, Glasgow, and their hometown of Sheffield. Fans can expect a “brand new show” promising a mix of their greatest hits, such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Hysteria”, alongside some surprises, which may include material from a potential upcoming album, with American rock band Extreme joining them as the special guests for all the UK dates.

Def Leppard Show Dates