The Farr Side: 'Hysteria' at 35

Many bands throughout the rock era have created a stir, but only one could create the hysteria of Def Leppard.

Of course, I’m talking about the band's iconic album, “Hysteria.” This month marks the 35th anniversary of the LP’s release on Aug. 3, 1987.

“Hysteria” is one of those albums that never gets old. The music is timeless and is appreciated just as much today as it was when it was new. Let me tell you, if you didn’t own this cassette, you were out of the loop.

It’s astounding to know this album may not have materialized. The band experienced a number of setbacks with production, style ideas and pressures from record execs to top their previous release, the massively successful “Pyromania” from 1983.

But that wasn’t the worst. The band’s drummer, Rick Allen, had lost his left arm in an accident in December 1984.

Some bands might have replaced their bandmate in such a situation, but members of Def Leppard did what they needed and wanted to do. All had been friends since they were kids and they stuck by their friend and drummer.

The band experienced some producing glitches with John “Mutt” Lange, Jim Steinman, Neil Dorsfman and Nigel Green during this period, all of which had different visions for the band’s next project. This put off members Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Phil Collen, Steve Clark and Allen.

Allen’s story is destined for the big screen someday. His ability to re-create himself and learn to play drums in a  different way is nothing short of spectacular. To do so, and come back even more powerful than before, is deeply inspiring. Kudos to the band members for taking care of their own.

Lange returned, but was sidelined again from a leg injury from a car crash, while lead singer Elliott was recovering from mumps.

Lange’s ultimate goal was to make a rock album equal to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” That has been the case for numerous artists since “Thriller” was released. However, with all Def Leppard had endured, this might have been the best goal to set. Lange wanted every track to be a potential hit single. For younger readers, this at a time when album songs were released in their entirety all at once when the album was released.

“Hysteria,” at the time was the most expensive album ever made in the U.K. It cost $5 million and would have to sell more than five million copies to break even. Not a simple task back then, unless you were Michael Jackson.

The album was a massive smash in the U.K., but didn’t start off that way in the U.S. The first single, “Women,” cracked the Hot 100, but peaked at No. 80. Hoping to appease “Pyromania” fans, the group quickly opted to go big and release “Animal,” a song that opened the door for a slew of hits. Lange’s “Thriller” hope was beginning to show.

“Animal” peaked at No. 19, but then came the biggie: “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” This song was one of the coolest rock songs ever and to think it was a last minute addition to the album. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” hit No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

The title track, “Hysteria,” reached No. 10. “Armegeddon It” peaked at No. 3. “Love Bites” was a No. 1 single and “Rocket” reached No. 12.

If you’re keeping track, that’s seven hit singles, which in all respects is "thrilling."

“Hysteria” remains one of the all-time biggest-selling albums with sales in excess of 26 million copies. The music is as relevant and popular today as it was 35 years ago.

Happy birthday, “Hysteria!”

David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Def Leppard's 'Hysteria' at 35