Top Ten Def Leppard Songs

I’m off to Málaga in southern Spain on Friday for a long weekend with some of my old university mates and I’ve been a little busy to post anything for a couple of weeks. With that in mind I thought I would squeeze in a top ten songs post, this time for a band I’ve liked for a few decades, the hard rock band from Sheffield, England – Def Leppard. 

Sheffield is 38 miles east of Manchester and has always been an industrial city, being most famous for the steel industry. It’s no surprise that the city gave birth to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. Def Leppard managed to conquer both the UK and the USA and were absolutely huge in the 1980s and 1990’s on both sides of the pond. I have memories of their first album in 1980, when I was already on the path of loving heavy metal and hard rock and since that time they have just become huge. 

The band has had its share of tragedy over the years with the death of their original guitarist, Steve Clark, as well as their drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a terrible car accident. Yet they have prevailed and Rick has amazed absolutely everyone by continuing to be able to drum even with one arm. 

I have been fortunate enough to see them three times in total. The very first time I saw them was in Birmingham at the National Exhibition Centre in 1992 and that is still one of my favourite concerts of all time.

I thought that I would post my ten favourtie songs by the band from over the decades. When you see this list, bear in mind that I love progressive rock and that some of the songs listed below may well be less well known than the huge hits. A person who thinks that he or she is their biggest fan may well frown at my choices. I don’t really care if I’m honest because these are the ones that appeal to me most. 

Of course, this is my list right now and if I were to listen again to their entire catalogue this time next year, I would probably change my mind. 

Let’s dive in shall we?

10. Go – from “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge” (2008)

This is the newest song on the list and is the opening song on the 2008 album “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge”. To be honest, I think as Def Leppard progressed through the decades, they kind of lost that hard edge that they had in their early material. Yet when I heard this song, I was taken back to their more raw earlier work and it is a fantastic way to start an album. 

9. Die Hard The Hunter - from “Pyromania” (1983)

Apparently Joe Elliott says that this song was inspired by the movie First Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone in his first outing as John Rambo. I love that movie but I wasn’t keen on the sequels to be honest. As for the song, it is a fine addition to an album that propelled the band to stardom over in the United States. 

8. Run Riot – from “Hysteria” (1987)

The “Hysteria” album was absolutely bloody huge and many great songs were released as singles here in the UK. However, of the remaining songs some of them were a little heavier and less radio friendly and this is where I settled in to enjoy the album. “Run Riot” is a fantastic rock song and epitomises everything I love about the band. I love the rebellious nature of the lyrics, which to a certain extent is what heavy metal is partially about. 

7. Pour Some Sugar on Me - from “Hysteria” (1987)

I find this song a little strange and a little quirky and, being a weirdo myself, it appeals to me. Unlike the previous song in my list this is a really radio friendly driving song from “Hysteria” and it has something about it that I like. Of course, it was one of their biggest hits and when you see them perform it live, the entire audience joins in the very catchy chorus. 

6. From the Inside – from Retroactive (1993)

“Retroactive” is a compilation of B-sides and previously unreleased songs containing some songs that didn’t quite make the cut to appear on any of their previous albums. Yet for me there were some great songs on it, starting with this one. You will find this to be the strangest song in the top ten because it is not a typical Def Leppard song. The band were asked to perform with a band from a different genre and that band was Hothouse Flowers, an Irish rock band that uses traditional Irish music in their repertoire. The song itself is about drug misuse as seen from the drug itself rather than the addict. I think is is a wonderful song with a great melody, despite its rather melancholy subject matter. 

5. Paper Sun – from “Euphoria” (1999)

This is my favourite song from the album “Euphoria” by far and is a very dark and emotional song about a terrorist atrocity that occurred in Omagh, Northen Ireland in 1998. The power of the music and the lyrics reflect the tragedy that occurred that day as well as the struggle of the families of the victims to deal with it. Despite the subject matter it is a wonderful song. 

4. Desert Song – from “Retroactive” (1993)

“Desert Song” was apparently something that the band were considering adding to “Hysteria” but, in the band’s eyes at least, wasn’t good enough to make the cut. I would have said that that was a disappointment because it is certainly good enough to be one of the best on that album in my humble opinion. However, I am delighted that it appeared as the opening song on “Retroactive” because that way it didn’t just gather dust in Def Leppard’s chest of forgotten music and I was, and still am, able to enjoy this excellent rock song. And what a great way to start an album.

3. Rocket – from “Hysteria” (1987)

I just love this song. It was one of the best songs performed live when I saw the band in Birmingham back in 1992. It pays homage to some of the UK’s classic artists like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, the Beatles, David Bowie and many more. It includes in the middle of the song a wonderful almost tribal drum piece. When I saw them live, the bassist, Rick Savage, stood next to the drum kit and the whole thing was slowly raised up in the air going really high as he and Rick Allen played a great bass/drum piece. Yes, it is a radio friendly song but the single version misses the best bit of the song. I have therefore posted the album version which is the best version in my opinion. 

2. Rock of Ages – from Pyromania (1983)

I loved the 1970’s glam rock scene in the UK and Def Leppard borrowed that sound and merged it with a more modern (at the time) hard rock feel to produce the best song on “Pyromania” and my second favourite Def Leppard song. Again this was a highlight from that first Def Leppard concert. The band performed a much longer version of the song and Joe Elliott ran around the huge circular stage getting the crowd to scream “Rock of Ages Rock of Ages Still Rollin’ Rock an’ Rolling”. It was brilliant. 

1. Pearl of Euphoria – from Slang (1996)

Slang isn’t regarded as the best album by Def Leppard yet there are some very good songs on it. I think the production on the album was different and some people preferred the style of the earlier albums. I liked it because it sounded different and it stands alone as a great album in my opinion. “Pearl of Euphoria” is the last song on the album and is different again from the other songs, making it totally unique in my eyes. There is a driving, brooding bass line that switches something on in my mind and I find that exciting and fascinating. It appeals to me as a progressive rock fan first and foremost and that is why it is nestling at the top of my list. Sadly, I have never heard them perform it live, although the second time I saw the band live, it was played after the band left the stage and the lights went up. I annoyed my mate because I wanted to stay and listen to it instead of beating the crowds. It was worth the wait in my eyes. I am absolutely certain that few, if any, other Def Leppard fans will agree with me on this. 

Great Gigs

Mrs PM paid £120 to see Madonna at the Manchester Evening News Arena last week. Last night I paid £30 to see Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction at the same venue.

Why the difference in price?

Well you could argue that Madonna is, arguably, the greatest pop star in the world and has been for decades, especially after the recent death of Michael Jackson (did you know he’d died by the way? I think I saw something on the news).

I used to have a major crush on Madonna, though her music certainly didn’t float my boat. Mrs PM asked me if I wanted to see her and I would have gone had the ticket price been around £40, just to say that I had seen her. The £120 price tag put paid to that.

Mrs PM enjoyed the show but, because Madge danced around a lot, her voice suffered apparently. I don’t think Mrs PM would see her again, certainly not at that price.

As we talked about the show, I began thinking about all of the concerts I have been to over the years. I have lost count to be honest and I wonder exactly how much I have spent. I’ve decided to share some of the best with you. I have seen some amazing acts, not necessarily because of the music but the experience as well. Below are some of the greatest gigs and live performances I have seen (in no particular order):

Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band – Bramhall Lane Sheffield (Sheffield United FC), 1988

Although I wasn’t a huge fan of “The Boss”, I thought that seeing him perform would be quite a good experience. I knew quite a lot of his songs, as I had a mate back in Walsall who was a huge fan. The album “Tunnel Of Love” had just been released and Bruce Springsteen was riding on a wave of popularity following “Born In The USA”. To be honest, I was just curious and my expectations were fairly low.

How wrong I was. Bruce Springsteen was magnificent. The first three songs he sang blew me away, the best being “She’s The One”, one of my favourite songs by the man. He was on stage for well over three hours (in two separate stints) and when the concert ended I wanted to stay for more.

Highlight: “She’s The One”

Alice Cooper – Manchester Apollo, 2000

I went to see Alice Cooper for the show rather than the music. I was only familiar with “Poison” and “School’s Out” and I had heard the title track of his current album “Brutal Planet”, which was enough to justify seeing him. The Apollo is a snug place and we had great seats at the front in the stalls with a perfect view of the stage.

And what a show it was. Alice Cooper is brutal and his show tells a story. By his own admission, the stage persona is a horrible person, who commits atrocities as he sings. Ultimately, he ends up in a strait jacket half way through the show and is punished by being brutally slain (in this case he was beheaded), before returning to life with “Feed My Frankenstein”. The great thing about this show was that I was introduced to classic Alice Cooper songs such as “Elected”, a song I had never heard before, but absolutely love.

Highlight: “Elected”

Def Leppard – Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, 1992

Def Leppard were the biggest rock band on the planet when I saw them in 1992. Unlike normal gigs, Def Leppard built the stage in the middle of the arena with the crowd all the way around, so absolutely everybody got a fantastic view of the band as they belted out all of their very best songs, up to and including the “Adrenalize” album.

During “Rocket”, the drum kit rose really high into the air, making me feel a little worried for Rick Allen. The encore was fantastic; Jo Elliott running around the immense stage whipping up the crowd to sing along to the extraordinary “Rock Of Ages”. This was Def Leppard at their absolute peak.

Highlight: “Rock Of Ages”

Queen – Knebworth, 1986

This is still, to date, the biggest gig I have ever been to. Supporting Queen were Big Country and Status Quo and they warmed the place up nicely. However, when Queen took the stage, it was as if we had been transported to a different place ruled by Freddie Mercury.

He was outrageous and absolutely mesmerising. The rest of the band played their part of course but Freddie was the leader; every one of us was in thrall and I have never seen such a great front man. We were quite a distance from the stage and had to rely on screens to see the band properly, which was a bit of a pain, but I enjoyed to concert nonetheless. I’m glad I can say that I saw Freddie Mercury before his sad death a few years later.

Highlight: “Radio Ga Ga” – 120,000 people clapping their hands in unison.

Foo Fighters – Manchester Evening News Arena, 2007

David Grohl is a legend and I leapt at the chance to see the Foo Fighters even though the ticket price exceeded my upper limit.

Our seats were quite far from the stage but that didn’t matter too much as they did an acoustic set almost directly in front of at the half way point. I’m sure he looked at us when he said “I haven’t played a song for you guys yet” before playing “But Honestly”.

I’ve seen the Foos three times in total, the other two times were in sports grounds in front of huge crowds. However, paradoxically, the Manchester Evening News Arena, a huge venue in its won right, the show seemed much more intimate, and therefore the best of them.

Highlight: “But Honestly”

Aerosmith – Monsters Of Rock, Castle Donnington, 1990

The Monsters Of Rock festival in 1990 was headlined by one of my favourite bands, Whitesnake, with Aerosmith in support. I had discovered Aerosmith in the late eighties with the release of “Permanent Vacation” and had become a big fan. That year, I drove my ex-wife up the wall with “Love In An Elevator” – she hated it.

After Thunder, the Quireboys and Poison, we decided to get a little closer to the stage, just as Aerosmith appeared. They blitzed through their set so magnificently that I barely had time to catch my breath. They pumped out song after song with consummate ease; Steve Tyler had the audience in the palm of his hand.

Whitesnake were, to be honest, a disappointment after Aerosmith. The difference was that Whitesnake seemed to be a bunch of egotistical individuals but Aerosmith were a team. It was a real shame that Aerosmith weren’t the headline act.

Highlight: “Rag Doll”

Metallica – Manchester Evening News Arena, 2009

I was never into Metallica in the 80’s but in recent years the band has grown on me immensely. Last year, I bought “Death Magnetic” and I have to admit it is one of the best albums I own. With a little bit of apprehension, I allowed a mate to persuade me to see the band. I feared that they would be a little too thrashy for me. I was so wrong.

Like Def Leppard, the stage was in the centre of the arena so we had a fantastic view of the band. The laser show that kicked off the gig (to “That Was Just Your Life”) was breath-taking (see the picture above). The music was polished, professional and perfect, something I didn’t expect at all.

I will have no hesitation seeing them again on their next tour.

Highlight: “The Day That Never Comes”

Whitesnake – Liverpool Royal Court, 1984

I am a huge fan of early Whitesnake, particularly the early 80’s material. In 1984, a couple of years before Whitesnake became absolutely huge. I saw the band at the Royal Court in Liverpool, a relatively intimate venue for a band like this. The line up was the classic one, featuring Jon Lord (from Deep Purple), Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden. However, what made this special was the presence of Cozy Powell on the drums.

This was the first time I saw the band and it was the best by far. David Coverdale was immense on stage and his voice was perfect. Halfway through the gig, Cozy Powell was allowed ten minutes or so to turn the stage into a crazy zone. He performed an outstanding drum solo to my favourite piece of classical music, “Mars, The Bringer Of War” from The Planet Suite by Gustav Holst, complete with an amazing light show.

This really was Whitesnake at their very best.

Highlight: Cozy Powell’s drum solo

Rammstein – Manchester Evening News Arena, 2005

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen this crazy bunch of Germans live. Complete with flame throwers and a cooking pot (don’t ask) they produced one of the most mesmerising, strange yet enjoyable shows I have ever seen.

The music was superb and the heavy industrial rock music whipped the crowd into an absolute frenzy. Almost everybody in the English speaking audience was singing along with the German lyrics, including myself.

If you like pyrotechnics, flames and fun you will not be disappointed seeing this controversial band.

Highlight: “Feuer Frei” complete with flame throwers.

Rush – Manchester evening News Arena, 2004

Rush can do no wrong in my eyes; they are quite simply the greatest band on the planet. I have seen them four times (not nearly enough) but the best one was their 30th Anniversary Tour where they played most if not all of their greatest songs from their hugely successful career.

With eighteen albums behind them, they had a colossal number of songs to choose from, and I believe they got their set absolutely spot on. There were so many songs that they were on stage for well over three hours, including a short break.

The concert was clinical, spectacular and perfect. Long may they reign and, please guys, come back to Manchester again.

Highlight: “La Villa Strangiato”

Sometimes I think I’m getting a little too old for concerts, particularly since my music of choice is generally loud and heavy. Yet when I think back on the concerts above and the great music that these and other bands are producing, I reconsider and say, so what? You are as old as you feel, and these guys make me feel young.

100 Rock Songs (61 To 70)

Ten more. Chronological again …

(61) Def Leppard – Desert Song

Def Leppard are huge and appeal to those whose favourite genre isn’t necessarily rock music. Their most successful albums are commercially very good, but nothing from “Hysteria” or “Pyromania” enters my list of favourite songs. Some of the band’s best songs are not those that were thrust into the American charts. The first entry for the band comes from 1993’s “Retroactive”. “Desert Song” is the first song on the album and is a mean and moody rock song that pushes all the right buttons. Those who like the commercial efforts will probably loathe this song but to me it represents the band at their brilliant best. Wonderful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3UW2fR4x1Q

(62) Coverdale Page – Absolution Blues

“Absolution Blues” is another magnificent track from the brilliant Coverdale Page album. This track is more upbeat and Coverdale shrieks alongside Page’s guitar. What a shame they didn’t combine their talents to produce more albums. Unforgettable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwchxtO6cA

(63) Rush – Stick It Out

“Stick It Out” from the album “Counterparts” is not a typical Rush song; it is a lot heavier than they normally present to their fans with massive emphasis on the guitar and very little keyboard. Alex Lifeson uses his guitar talent to inject darkness into the song that you wouldn’t normally associate with the band. Top tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrquiUCuID4

(64) The Wildhearts – TV Tan

The man behind the Wildhearts, the enigmatic Ginger, is a flawed genius. He has the knack to write highly infectious punky rock songs that are so addictive you play them over and over again. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated rock stars in Britain. The album “Earth versus the Wildhearts” is a work of brilliance. I heard “TV Tan” on a late night rock show and was so obsessed with it that I bought the album, playing repeatedly for months. The man can do no wrong. Brilliant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8y-M_0UffE

(65) Coverdale Page – Don’t Leave Me This Way

With both Coverdale and Page being fans of the blues it was inevitable that there would be at least one bluesy song on their album. And what a song it is. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is so breath-taking it brings tears of joy every time I hear it. Close your eyes, turn up the volume and listen to one of the best blues rock songs you will ever hear. Blues at its peak.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcv6PiwkKEI

(66) Rush – Cut To The Chase

“Cut To The Chase” is another song from “Counterparts”, one of the best albums by Rush. Of all the songs by the band, this one is oddly addictive. Many won’t consider it to be one of their best but I find it fascinating. Again the keyboards have been minimised in favour of Alex Lifeson’s guitars to produce a great song. Sadly it is not widely available but certainly worth listening to if you are lucky enough to grab a copy of “Counterparts”

(67) Terrorvision – Discotheque Wreck

“Discotheque Wreck” is the best song from Bradford’s Terrorvision. They’re not everybody’s cup of tea but I really like the song – it’s amusing and fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF-Cf3MhP4w

(68) Deep Purple – Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming

When Ritchie Blackmore finally walked out on Deep Purple, I was bitterly disappointed. My favourite line up disintegrated before my eyes. I saw the band at the Manchester Apollo on that ill-fated tour and there was clear tension between Blackmore and Gillan. Blackmore’s replacement was Steve Morse and the band returned with the album “Purpendicular”. Despite the crap title, the album was terrific. “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” is the best song on that album and highlights just how good a guitarist Steve Morse is. The song is a wonderful bluesy number with great guitar. Beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7xF51AFkys

(69) The Wildhearts - Caprice

“Caprice” is a fantastic song from the genius that is Ginger. Taken from the album “P.H.U.Q.”, the song shows the Wildhearts at their sonorous best. A true fist-pounder, it pushes all the right buttons and, typical of the Wildhearts, takes you on wonderfully heavy journey before ending abruptly just as you want more. Fantastic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI0Dcrzfcu4

(70) Def Leppard – Pearl Of Euphoria

My favourite song by Def Leppard is a really obscure track from the album “Slang”. “Pearl Of Euphoria” is the last song on the album and, despite the title, is moody and dark. Sadly once again the song is not easily available so I implore you to listen to “Slang” and fast forward to the last song. You will definitely not regret it. Truly magnificent.

71 to 80 to follow …