43 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD's ON THROUGH THE NIGHT North American Release

Sunday, 26th March 2023

Def Leppard 1980

Def Leppard released their debut album On Through The Night 43 years ago today on 26th March 1980 in the USA and Canada.

The album had already been released in the UK and worldwide on 14th March.

It had been recorded at Startling Studios in Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England. A country home owned by ex Beatles drummer Ringo Starr which was featured in John Lennon's 'Imagine' promo video.

The estate is located between the Ascot Racecourse to the West and the Thorpe Park Resort to the East. Just under 30 miles to the South West of central London and only 15 miles from Reading where they would play a festival show in August 1980.

The band partied and messed around on motorbikes in the grounds of the large estate which even contained a life-size Dinosaur statue. This was captured in photos later used for the High 'n' Dry album's inner sleeve.

The album released was preceded by the first single 'Hello America' which almost became their first Top 40 hit in the UK.

The album peaked at Number 15 in the UK chart and would spend 8 weeks in the Top 100 from late March to early May.

It was produced by Tom Allom who had previously worked with Judas Priest. The band had initially wanted to work with Mutt Lange but would have to wait until album number two.

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