Def Leppard's sound moves with the times
If a band's success is measured solely by the sheer number of times it has overcome adversity, then Def Leppard is one of the most successful rock bands of all time. During the '80s, their glossed-out production and two-fisted rock anthems with party-hardy lyrics made them the kings of glam rock.
After drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a car accident in 1984, the band soldiered on, releasing Hysteria, still their most successful album. When the '90s arrived, the band faced the alcohol-related death of guitarist Steve Clark and the rise of alternative rock, which lumped the band in with the hair metal contingent.
"In the 90s, we were fairly despised by a lot of the newer acts," says guitarist Phil Collen. "But you stick in there, and it comes around."