Def Leppard Turns Tragedy Into Hysteria
Joe Elliott, Rick Savage Reveal Making Of 1987 Blockbuster Album
Coming off the 7x platinum selling Pyromania album, Def Leppard were emerging on top of the Rock heap in ’83-’84. Attempting to follow-up the massive seller quickly, Def Leppard were hard at work recording their next album by the winter of 1984 when a tragic freak car accident would leave drummer Rick Allen without his left arm. It would be another two and a half years of intense work in the studio, including a switch back to producer Mutt Lang, before Hysteria would finally be released to a long awaiting fanbase. Joe Elliott tells IN THE STUDIO host Redbeard about a comical encounter with legendary Stones singer Mick Jagger that drove home the ridiculousness of there 4 1/2 year gap between albums.
“We had Mick Jagger come in and do two solo albums in the same complex when we were doing the first one (Hysteria). (Elliott imitating Mick says) “Bloody Hell, you guys are still here? Weren’t you here doing that album when I was doing She’s The Boss?” “Yeah” (replies Elliott) (Jagger imitation) “Well, I’ve done that one, I’ve toured. I’ve had two kids, done a Stones album and toured and now I’m back doing my next solo album and your still here.” (laughter) - Joe Elliott
