Today in Def Leppard History: “Animal” Unleashed in 1987 — A Wild Ride Returns in Vegas
By [Your Name] | July 21, 2025
Las Vegas, NV — July 21, 1987 — a date that would forever mark a turning point in rock history. On this day, British rock band Def Leppard released “Animal,” the first single from their long-awaited Hysteria album. It wasn’t just a song — it was a declaration. After years of personal trials, creative delays, and shifting musical landscapes, Def Leppard came roaring back with a new sound, a new era, and one of the most iconic tracks of the ‘80s.
Now, 38 years later, that same fire is burning bright under the neon lights of Las Vegas, where Def Leppard is celebrating the anniversary of “Animal” during their electrifying “Def Leppard Hits Vegas” residency at Planet Hollywood’s Zappos Theater.
And just like in 1987, they’re not holding anything back.
The Birth of a Classic
“Animal” was more than just another single — it was a comeback. The song marked the band’s first major release since drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a near-fatal car crash on New Year’s Eve, 1984. The road back had been long and difficult, as the band poured years into what would become their landmark album Hysteria.
“Animal” was the breakthrough they needed — a sleek, melodic, high-energy anthem that combined glam rock grit with polished pop hooks. It became the band’s first Top 10 hit in the UK and helped ignite a wave of global momentum that would turn Hysteria into a 12x Platinum juggernaut.
“It took us forever to get it right,” guitarist Phil Collen once said. “But once we nailed ‘Animal,’ we knew we were onto something massive.”
Fast-Forward to 2025: A Vegas Celebration
As part of their summer residency, Def Leppard is bringing fans back to where it all started. On Sunday night — the 38th anniversary of “Animal’s” release — they performed the track with special visuals recreating the original 1987 music video and rare behind-the-scenes clips from the Hysteria sessions.
The crowd, a sea of leather jackets and vintage tour shirts, erupted as the opening riff rang out, chanting every word. Giant LED screens flashed the familiar snarling wolf from the single’s cover art, while a remixed version of the video played overhead in retro VHS style.
“It still gives me chills,” said longtime fan Amanda Greene, who flew in from Toronto for the show. “You hear those first notes and suddenly you’re back in your bedroom, blasting it on cassette, dreaming about being on stage.”
Rick Allen’s Triumph Continues
Of all the moments that drew emotion, Rick Allen’s drumming stood front and center. Still performing with his one-arm custom kit nearly four decades later, Allen received a standing ovation mid-set.
“Rick’s story is the backbone of this band,” frontman Joe Elliott told the audience. “And ‘Animal’ was the song that proved we weren’t done. Not even close.”
Indeed, the performance was a reminder of the band’s resilience. From Allen’s accident, to guitarist Steve Clark’s tragic death in 1991, to the shifting trends of rock and pop, Def Leppard has endured — and thrived.
From “Animal” to Anthem
“Animal” now holds a place as a permanent setlist staple, not just for its legacy, but for its energy. It remains one of the most beloved tracks from Hysteria, an album that also gave the world “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Hysteria.”
And in Vegas, the band is making sure new generations don’t just hear the song — they feel it.
“You don’t last this long by standing still,” said bassist Rick Savage. “We’ve always evolved, but some songs — like ‘Animal’ — are pure magic. You don’t mess with that.”
What’s Next?
With the Vegas residency extended through the fall due to demand, Def Leppard shows no signs of slowing down. Rumors swirl of a new studio project in the works, possibly collaborating with other rock heavyweights they’ve toured with in recent years.
But for now, it’s all about celebrating the past — with volume.
“Animal” may have been released in 1987, but in the heart of Las Vegas, it sounds as fresh, fierce, and alive as ever.
Let me know if you’d like this adapted for a fan newsletter, social media post, or used as a script for an anniversary tribute video!
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