Saturday, 20th July 2024
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37 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Release Classic ANIMAL Single From The HYSTERIA Album

Animal 1987. Def Leppard 1987

Def Leppard released their classic Animal single on this day in 1987 in the UK.

The first single to be released from the 'Hysteria' album in the UK.

It was also the first single release since 1984 when 'Photograph' was re-released in the UK and the remix of 'Bringin' On the Heartbreak' came out in America.

It was released on 20th July 1987 and would become the band's first ever hit single in their homeland following many press articles on their comeback and Rick's return to drumming.

It reached Number 6 in the UK Top 40 singles chart.

The "new" single was actually already three and a half years old by the time it was released having been written in Spring 1984 at the band's house in Dublin as they started work on 'Hysteria'. Joe completed his lead vocal in July 1985 at Studio Des Dames in Paris, France.

The first Top Ten single of the band's career and the first of six Top 40 hits in the UK from the 'Hysteria' album.

The success was also helped by appearances on many TV shows performing a playback version of the song such as The Roxy and Top Of The Pops. The band performed the song on Top Of The Pops in mid August, their first broadcast appearance on the legendary show.

Def Leppard were now in the music mainstream in the UK for the first time. This single helped send the forthcoming album to Number One upon its release and resulted in a sold out 17-date tour in August/September.

The single sleeve featured the center of what would turn out to be nine segments of the main 'Hysteria' album cover.

Initially released on 7" and 12" as well as cassette.


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Def Leppard 1987.

Read the full 'Animal Single' story in the Lep History section.

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