Date sent: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 19:36:28 +0100 From: "Ed H" Subject: DL in Classic Rock magazine Sleevenotes : Def Leppard - Hysteria >From Classic Rock (May 2002) BRITISH ARTIST ANDIE AIRFIX, THE MAN behind the artwork for all Def Leppard sleeves since 'Pyromania, came to the attention of the band's manager, Peter Mensch, after designing a Thompson Twins album sleeve. He has also worked for Judas Priest, Metallica and Led Zeppelin, but the 'Hysteria' sleeve remains his most recogniseable. But, as Airfix explains, his original instructions from the band were somewhat vague. "It was a typical Def Leppard brief. I was given no title or songs," he laughs. "The album was originally going to be called 'Animal Instinct', so a sleeve was designed around that. I was really into the idea of having something turning around to look at you, so that illustration had an eagle, a lion and a shark which all blended into each other. Later on the title was changed to 'Hysteria', so we had to completely rework things." Featuring a contorted face dissolving into an intricate backdrop, the sleeve was both intriguing and striking. But what were Airfix's aims when designing it? "Well, the triangle was the basis for a recognisable image, as it was one of their original logos, so that was used as a starting point," he explains. "Then it was just a case of creating an image that was frightening in some respects. So the full-on face is almost human, but the side view isn't and retained the animal aspect. The implication that this thing was turning around to look at you made it scarier." With the recording of the album taking over two years, Airfix had creative freedom to develop the sleeve, but continued to liaise closely with the band at studios in Ireland and Holland. "They trusted me immensely, and their input was basically to say if they liked it or not. Maybe there were a couple of people who didn't like it quite as much as the Pyromania art, but I think in the end they all recognized it was a really strong cover. Airfix has been talking to Leppard about designing the sleeve for their latest album, "X", but nothing is yet certain. Likewise, the record - which has been made with various producers including Pete Woodroofe, Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith) plus Sweden's Andreas Carlsson and Per Aldeheim (Backstreet Boys, N'Sync) - is expected to contain some surprises. Joe Elliott commented. "It's not necessarily gonna be a metal record. Right now we're into just making a good rock record that appeals to more then just someone with a Metallica t-shirt on."