35 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Win 2 American Music Awards For HYSTERIA

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Tuesday, 30th January 2024

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Def Leppard 1989

Def Leppard won two American Music Awards during the Hysteria album era on this day in 1989.

The 16th annual American Music Awards show took place on 30th January 1989.

The venue was the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA.

It was jointly hosted by Rod Stewart, Anita Baker, Kenny Rogers and Debbie Gibson.

At this time the event had two special categories for 'Heavy Metal'.

Def Leppard won 'Favourite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist' ahead of Guns N' Roses and Van Halen (Presented by Gene Simmons of KISS).

The 'Hysteria' album was also recognised as the 'Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album' (Presented by New Edition).

This was again ahead of Guns N' Roses (Appetite For Destruction) and Van Halen (OU812).

The band were in Holland at the time recording 'Adrenalize' and about to take a break to promote the 'Rocket' single.

The Hysteria album had been released on 3rd August 1987.

It was currently at Number 7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and had sold 9 million copies.

The current American single 'Armageddon It' was at Number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the seventh single 'Rocket' set to follow in March 1989.

'Rocket' had become the sixth UK single released on the same day there as this ceremony.

Watch the presentation of both awards below.

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Hysteria 1987.

American Music Awards - 30th January 1989 Quotes

Favourite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist - Def Leppard

Gene Simmons - "Thanks Rod. Nice to be here thank you. Before we get to the award just a couple o words about the history of Heavy metal. I know it's your favourite music genre. In England in the 60s Cream and The Who inspired Led Zeppelin and became the founders of Heavy Metal."

"Some American bands Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Blue Oyster Cult and Van Halen followed. There was even a band who decided to paint their faces..I don't know why."

"Here we are in the 80s and the Heavy Metal genre is more popular than ever. This is the award for the Favourite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist here are the nominees."

"Def Leppard. Guns N' Roses. Van Halen."

"And the winner...Def Leppard!."

"Def Leppard can't be with us tonight. They're in Holland working on their new album. And I'm honoured to accept their award for them. thank you."

Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album - Hysteria

New Edition - "The nominees are Appetite For Destruction - Guns N' Roses. Hysteria - Def Leppard. OU812 - Van Halen."

"And the winner is - Hysteria - Def Leppard."

"They're not here so we're gonna accept this award for them so maybe we'll just take this home OK."