Def Leppard in Conversation, Royal Festival Hall 2023

Def Leppard appeared at the Royal Festival Hall last night to discuss their new book ‘Definitely – The Official Story of Def Leppard.’

 

The evening was an entertaining ninety minutes covering the history of the band. With the loss of Steve Clark, and Rick Allen’s accident that led to him becoming a pioneer as a one armed drummer, the band have probably had more ups and downs that most. What came through loud and clear was that from the beginning the band were determined to overcome all obstacles, pulling out the stops to get themselves a permanent studio space, to self release an EP that led to attention from Sounds and record labels, and to get in a position to play Stadium gigs.

The band’s affection for their original home town Sheffield was also proudly displayed with many references to landmark events in the band’s career connected with the city. The book is apparently full of images of material collected by Joe Elliott and his mum (still alive at 91) over the years to give a lot of personal band input into its history, as well as images from Ross Halfin to which the band now own the rights. After a difficult period in the nineties when Nirvana wrecked the Rock Scene the band are now back on top. Joe Elliott commented that in the context of a lifetime such periods were temporary, a bit like “turbulence”.

The band were disarmingly honest about issues such as Joe and Phil’s anxiety dreams that no one will come to gigs or will leave once the band start playing and how they took heavy inspiration from The Next Band learned how to self market and self release to get those first crucial rungs on the ladder. They also had a sense of humour about their more extravagant outfits and when, as they got older, for some of them, jokingly likened to a “bag of potatoes” it was time to cover up more. The band were also incredibly down to earth giving details of how much they used to earn (Joe eight pounds a week, five to his mum and one to pay for the rehearsal studio which cost five pounds a week split across the band to a pound each). They were at pains to emphasize that their families had always been supportive, lending the band money to release those crucial first releases and allowing band members from other parts of the country to stay on the couch. The band said they were super respectful of their families, having paid all money that was lent back and paid off their parents’ mortgages after the band did well. Apparently one factor in deciding to hire Phil Collen was that he spoke well of his family. Another touching detail was that the band’s record deal was signed at Rick’s house, necessarily so, as at only 15 his parents had to sign the deal for him!!

Not everything was portrayed as super wholesome though, this is Rock n Roll after all. There were also some references to escapades with young ladies when the band was young, free and single.

Quite a bit of time was devoted to how the line up of the band evolved and tribute was paid to Steve Clark, in particular by Vivien Campbell who explained that while performing Steve’s solos with his own vibrato and tone he preserves the essence of them when performing. The band’s various connection with other bands like Vivien’s membership of Dio and Phil’s membership of Girl with Phil Lewis (now LA Guns) were also weaved into the conversation. Def Leppard’s teamwork, chemistry, work ethic and genuine friendships were obvious from their interaction.

 

Rick Allen discussed his drum gear and explained that, while it was now software, rather than hardware based, it hadn’t changed that much with its use of foot pedals. He told funny stories about how when being treated for his injury his arm, that he had no control over touched up the nurse, who apparently took it very well due to the circumstances. He matter of factly recounted how his joy at being back playing with the band at Donington the first time after his accident was tempered by his description by Ozzy before Def Leppard played as the ‘freak show’ but how all was righted when Ozzy was big enough to apologise and admit after the gig that he was wrong.

The band were hugely influential on the NWOBHM scene, indeed Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy told Joe that after hearing the band’s first album he was thinking of breaking Thin Lizzy up. That was devastating as a fan to a 22 year old Elliott. I suspect it was one of those moments when the band realised the effect they were having. By way of recompense later on Joe was instrumental in remixing older Thin Lizzy material at the Def Leppard studio.

Credit was also given to Mutt Lange as Producer and the band’s techs and Roadies for the contribution they had made to the band’s sound.

The band are about to go on tour with Motley Crue and will be doing a smaller gig in their home town Sheffield which will be streamed for those who can’t get there.

Perhaps the band still haven’t realised how big they are. Joe Elliott said he could take a shit on the stage tonight and it would not be reported. Joe, we have news for you, it would have gone viral!!

Text by Dawn Osborne

Photos by Ryan Sebastian