You Think You Know Def Leppard?
As justly famous as Def Leppard has become, there are still plenty of lesser-known facts hidden away in their platinum-plated career. This new video explores everything from the unique spelling of their name to their long-ago first gig, from the weird happenstance that led to tragedy for one of their stalwart members to the lingering riddles inside one of their biggest hit singles.
Well before Def Leppard began packing arenas everywhere in the '80s, it seems they once smuggled beer into a much more intimate venue for the band's debut appearance. You'll never guess where, and how. Speaking of head-scratchers, we dug deep into Def Leppard's liner notes in search of a mystery man who joined them on keyboards for 1983's breakthrough smash Pyromania. The name, familiar to early viewers of MTV, might surprise you.
Did you know that long-time drummer Rick Allen could potentially have walked away miraculously unharmed from a scary December 1984 accident that took his left arm – if not for a terrible twist of fate? We'll also share the forgotten story of the lost first single from Def Leppard's 1987 mega-hit Hysteria.
Finally, we sort through the mysteries of the group's 1988 No. 2 U.S. hit "Pour Some Sugar on Me," with help from founding frontman Joe Elliott. Spoiler alert: There may be some parts even he can't explain.
See Def Leppard and Other Rockers on the Top 100 Albums of the '80s
The 10 Worst Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs
More From Ultimate Classic Rock
![Def Leppard and Journey Launch 2024 Tour: Set Lists and Video](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2018/02/Def-Leppard-Journey-Dimitrios-Kambouris-Ethan-Miller.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Def Leppard Promises ‘Drastically Different’ Show for Summer Tour](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/06/attachment-gettyimages-1403388771.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hear Def Leppard and Tom Morello’s New Song, ‘Just Like ‘73′](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2024/06/attachment-def-morello.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Def Leppard Offers Snippet of New Song ‘Just Like ’73’](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2024/06/attachment-Def-Lep-tease-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Win a Trip to San Antonio to Experience Def Leppard’s ‘Summer Stadium Rock’ Tour with Journey and Steve Miller Band](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2024/05/attachment-featured_1600x1067-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Joe Elliott Says Online Imposters ‘Are Really Starting to Piss Me Off’](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/05/attachment-elliott.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Joe Elliott Is Tired of People Calling Def Leppard ‘Metal’](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2024/05/attachment-Joe-Elliott-DL.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How a ‘Drunken Rampage’ Helped Def Leppard Score a Massive Hit](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2024/05/attachment-Joe-Elliott-83.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Def Leppard ‘Joined the Big Leagues’ With ‘Pyromania’](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2024/04/attachment-def-leppard-daily-express-hulton-archive-getty-images.jpg?w=980&q=75)