On this day March 14 1980 Def Leppard released their debut studio album On Through the Night marking the beginning of their rise as one of the biggest rock bands of the 80s. The album featured a raw and energetic sound heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.
On Through the Night reached number 51 on the US Billboard charts and helped establish Def Leppard’s presence outside of the UK. Songs like Rock Brigade and Wasted showcased the band’s hard rock edge setting the stage for their later mainstream success.
80s insight: While On Through the Night gained attention some British fans criticized the band for appealing to American audiences too soon leading to the infamous “Def Leppard is not a British band” chants at the 1980 Reading Festival.