January 20, 1983 - Def Leppard Released Pyromania

[Pete]

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On this day, January 20, 1983, Def Leppard released their third studio album, Pyromania, a record that catapulted the band into international superstardom. Featuring iconic tracks like Photograph, Rock of Ages, and Foolin’, the album reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and became a defining release of 80s rock.

Produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, Pyromania showcased Def Leppard’s polished sound, blending hard rock with melodic hooks and radio-ready anthems. The album sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone, earning a Diamond certification and solidifying Def Leppard as one of the biggest bands of the decade.

Fun Fact: The music video for Photograph became a staple on MTV, helping to usher in the era of music videos as a key promotional tool for rock bands.

Trivia Question: What was the name of Def Leppard’s drummer who famously overcame the loss of his arm to continue playing with the band?