Def Leppard Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Def Leppard band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Def Leppard is a legendary British rock band that emerged from Sheffield in 1977, becoming a defining force in the genres of hard rock, glam metal, and pop rock. Known for their infectious melodies and high-octane performances, the group originally consisted of Joe Elliott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass), Steve Clark (guitar), Pete Willis (guitar), and Rick Allen (drums). Over the years, the lineup evolved with the addition of Phil Collen (guitar) following Pete Willis’s departure, and later, Vivian Campbell (guitar) after Steve Clark's untimely passing. Def Leppard's music is characterized by its blend of heavy riffs and anthemic hooks, appealing to a wide audience and cementing their status as icons of the 1980s rock scene.
How to Sound Like Def Leppard
Def Leppard's sound is a powerful mix of melodic precision and raw energy, creating a polished yet driving auditory experience. Their music is anchored by harmonious guitar riffs and soaring vocals, with tracks often featuring intricate layering and dynamic shifts. To emulate their style, one might focus on a blend of classic rock warmth and modern metal edge, as achieved with guitars like the Gibson Les Paul Custom and amps such as the Marshall JCM800 2203, which provide the rich, powerful tone that underscores their sound. The use of effects processors like the Fractal Axe-Fx II adds depth and versatility, allowing for the signature blend of heavy distortion and lush, ambient textures that are pivotal to Def Leppard's enduring musical legacy.
Discography
On Through The Night (Remastered)
1980
High 'N' Dry
1981
Pyromania
1983
Hysteria
1987
Adrenalize
1992
Retro Active
1993
Slang (Deluxe Edition)
1996
Euphoria
1999
X
2002
Yeah!
2006
Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
2008
Mirror Ball – Live & More
2011
Viva Hysteria
2013
Def Leppard
2015
Raw - Early BBC Recordings
2019
Too Many Jitterbugs - B-Sides and Rarities
2019
When The Walls Came Tumbling Down – Live In Oxford
2019
The Early Years
2020
Hits Vegas (Live)
2020
Hysteria At The O2 (Live)
2020
X, Yeah! & Songs From The Sparkle Lounge: Rarities From The Vault
2021
Diamond Star Halos
2022
Drastic Symphonies
2023
Live At The Leadmill
2024
Diamond Star Heroes Live From Sheffield
2025
Get the Def Leppard Sound
Want to sound like Def Leppard? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
