Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott turns 65 today
The British Hard Rock band remains one of the strongest and hardest working bands in the business for over 40 years
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott turns 65 today
Joe Elliott was born Joseph Thomas Elliott on August 1, 1959, in Sheffield, England. Growing up in a working-class family, Elliott was exposed to music at an early age. Influenced by bands like T. Rex, Mott the Hoople, and David Bowie, he developed a passion for rock music. He attended Tapton School in Sheffield, where he met future Def Leppard guitarist Pete Willis.
In 1977, Elliott joined a band called Atomic Mass, which soon changed its name to Def Leppard. With Elliott as the lead vocalist, the band solidified its lineup, which included Rick Savage on bass, Tony Kenning on drums, and Pete Willis on guitar. Shortly after, Steve Clark joined as a second guitarist, and Rick Allen replaced Kenning on drums. The band gained a following in the late 1970s with their energetic performances and catchy, hard-rock sound.
Def Leppard released their debut album, “On Through the Night,” in 1980. Though it had moderate success, it was their second album, “High ‘n’ Dry” (1981), that started to gain them significant attention. The band’s big breakthrough came with their third album, “Pyromania,” in 1983. Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the album featured hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages,” catapulting Def Leppard to international fame. The album sold over 10 million copies in the US alone.
In 1987, Def Leppard released “Hysteria,” which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Featuring hits such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Armageddon It,” the album showcased Elliott’s distinctive vocals and the band’s polished production. Despite personal tragedies, including drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a car accident, the band persevered, with Allen continuing to play using a specially designed drum kit.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Def Leppard continued to release successful albums, including “Adrenalize” (1992) and “Euphoria” (1999). They maintained their status as one of the leading rock bands, known for their powerful live performances and enduring hits.
In the 2010s and beyond, Def Leppard continued to tour and release new music, including their self-titled album “Def Leppard” in 2015. Elliott also pursued side projects, such as his involvement with the rock supergroup Down ‘n’ Outz, which pays tribute to Mott the Hoople and related acts. In 2019, Def Leppard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joe Elliott married Karla Rhamdani in 1989, but the couple divorced in 1996. In 2004, he married Kristine Wunschel, and they have two children together. Elliott splits his time between homes in Dublin, Ireland, and Los Angeles, California. He remains close to his bandmates and continues to be the driving force behind Def Leppard’s ongoing success.
Joe Elliott’s powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence have made him one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history. His contributions to Def Leppard have helped the band achieve global success, with over 100 million records sold worldwide and they are one of only five rock bands with two original studio albums selling over 10 million copies in the U.S.
Look back at the 1987 music video for “Pour Some Sugar On Me”, one of Def Leppard’s biggest hits
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