“How Def Leppard crafted a hit song in 10 steps: ‘You can’t turn this chorus down!'”
It was 1987 when Def Leppard released their groundbreaking album, Hysteria, which aimed to shatter expectations and redefine rock music. Lead singer Joe Elliott expressed the band’s intention to create something exceptional, stating that they wanted to surpass the norm of rock and appeal to a broader audience. Hysteria quickly became a pivotal album for Def Leppard, setting significant milestones for the band’s career.
This album marked the band’s most successful release, selling over 25 million copies worldwide and achieving the top spot on both the UK and US album charts. The making of Hysteria was not a simple process, costing £2 million and taking more than three years to complete. Despite the challenges, drummer Rick Allen found great personal significance in finishing the album after losing his left arm in a tragic accident. Tragically, guitarist and founding member Steve Clark passed away shortly after the album’s release due to his battle with alcoholism.
The creation of Hysteria was filled with tumultuous moments, as Joe Elliott recalled the madness that ensued during the recording process. This ambitious project aimed to be the equivalent of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in the hard rock genre, with each track having the potential to be a standalone hit. The album’s most pivotal track, “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” emerged as the final song to be written and recorded.
The genesis of Hysteria can be traced back to Dublin in February 1984, where Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, and Phil Collen collaborated with producer Mutt Lange. Over two years later, in October 1986, the album was completed, only for Joe Elliott to introduce a new idea inspired by Aerosmith’s successful collaboration with hip-hop group Run-D.M.C on their hit “Walk This Way.”
Influenced by this innovative fusion, Joe Elliott steered Def Leppard towards creating their own rock-rap hybrid with “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” When Elliott shared an early version of the song with producer Mutt Lange, it immediately resonated with him. The infectious hook captured Lange’s attention, leading him to endorse the song wholeheartedly. This pivotal moment marked the birth of one of Def Leppard’s most iconic tracks, solidifying the band’s innovative approach to music.
In retrospect, Def Leppard’s journey to create Hysteria exemplifies their dedication to breaking boundaries and refusing to conform to traditional rock norms. The album’s enduring success stands as a testament to their fearless experimentation and willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.