29 years ago we lost the amazing Steve Clark Of Def Leppard
TC here and I remember it like it was yesterday. The guitarist from one of my favorite bands was dead. It was hard to process. Steve Clark was such a monster on guitar and Def Leppard had just returned a few years earlier after a devastating accident that left their young drummer without his arm. It was such a blow for the band and the fans.
Steve’s playing had a unique, borderline sleazy sound that separated Def Leppard from so many bands of their era. He “punked it up” just enough. Rumor has it he auditioned for the band by playing a Skynyrd tune. He wore his guitar low like his idol Jimmy Page and his work on Def Leppard classics like “Wasted” from “On Through The Night” and “Switch 625” off High And Dry are perfect examples of his artistry and signature sound. His work on “Love Bites” from Hysteria (his final full album with the band) turned what could have been a simple ballad into an edgy, power MONSTER.
The song “White Lightning” off Lep’s Adrenalize was written for Steve and so was Tesla’s “Song And Emotion”.
He was called “The Riffmaster” by his bandmates because he was. And he is missed for sure.
Long live Steamin’ Steve Clark….
TC