http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1571668

Leppard's lads jet in to mark their spot!

GLOBE-TROTTING rockers Def Leppard unveiled their very own bit of hometown 
pavement - as Sheffield made them the latest famous sons to be honoured with a 
bronze star.
And singer Joe Elliott told waiting crowds: "It's a pleasure to be on the same 
pavement as Gordon Banks."
The former England hero and city-born goalkeeper was the first to get his name 
on the Walk Of The Fame outside the Town Hall.
Def Leppard flew into town ahead of their show at Hallam FM Arena tonight and 
were clearly proud to be honoured in the city that spawned one of the world's 
biggest-selling rock bands.
"It is very special that people recognise we have made a positive contribution 
to what we decided to do for a living," he said on the steps of the Town Hall.
New Mayor Jackie Drayton, who was swift to show off her air-guitar abilities 
for fans, described the Lepps as "great ambassadors for our city".
She said: "You have done a great great service to Sheffield. Made In Sheffield 
is an important brand - it's on cutlery, it's on steel, and it's also on music."
Def Leppard played their first public gig at Westfield School almost exactly 28 
years ago and went on to become one of the UK's biggest music exports. They 
remain one of the greatest English success stories in the USA where they are 
enjoying massive sell-outs shows.
Just bass player Rick Savage lives in Sheffield these days, but he said the 
city remained in the hearts of all members of the band, even guitarists Phil 
Collen and Vivian Campbell who come from London and Belfast respectively.
"This is special even for the guys who do not come from here," he said. "The 
band came out of Sheffield. It's not even a question of being honoured, we're 
kind of thankful for being remembered - to still be around people who know who 
we are."
Rick was also inspired to see the council, which asked Sheffielders to nominate 
candidates for bronze stars, celebrating something positive.
"It's part of Sheffield culture that people, and I count myself in this, tend 
to underrate themselves," he added. "There's a lot of good around here and it's 
a great city to live in - and I don't think people recognise that enough."
Drummer Rick Allen, whose mum and stepdad Kath and Jim Daly were there for the 
ceremony, agreed. "This is really good. Any kind of honour is, especially when 
it's somewhere you are so connected to. Everybody feels really good about it.
"Sheffield is the nucleus of this band, It's part of our DNA and all I ever 
knew until I was 16 years old. Even though I am from Dronfield, Sheffield was 
the place I would come to to have fun and meet friends."

17 June 2006

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