Political Beats: Episode 144 - Steve Singiser on Def Leppard

Host: Scot Bertram
Co-Host: Jeff Blair
Guest: Steve Singiser
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Podcast: Political Beats by National Review

Introduction

Political Beats, hosted by Scot Bertram and Jeff Blair of National Review, delves into the intersection of politics and music by exploring the musical passions of political figures. In Episode 144, the duo welcomes back Steve Singiser, a former contributing editor at Daily Kos Elections and current contributor at Down Ballot. The episode focuses on Def Leppard, a British hard rock band renowned for their influence in the 1980s music scene.

Steve Singiser’s Background and Connection to Def Leppard

Steve Singiser shares his extensive background in political journalism and his deep-seated passion for rock music, particularly Def Leppard. He recounts how his love for the band began in childhood, influenced by growing up as an MTV enthusiast in the early 1980s.

[05:29] Steve Singiser: "I think almost by default, anybody of a certain age, who came of age in the early '80s and was an MTV kid, it's almost unavoidable that you became a Def Leppard fan."

Def Leppard’s Rise to Fame: Early Years and Initial Albums

The conversation traces Def Leppard's origins in Sheffield, England, their formation, and the release of their early work, including the Def Leppard EP and their debut album, On Through the Night. Steve emphasizes the band's precociousness and determination to achieve success despite their young ages.

[27:19] Steve Singiser: "They had barely played live together when they sort of willed themselves into existence by putting together this EP."

Scot and Jeff reminisce about their personal connections to Def Leppard’s music, highlighting iconic tracks like "Photograph" and "Foolin'".

Exploration of Key Albums

Pyromania (1983)

Pyromania marked a significant turning point for Def Leppard, showcasing their collaboration with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. The album featured hits like "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages," which became staples on MTV and radio.

[35:11] Scott Bertram: "Foolin' is the best song on the record... it attracts you in myriad ways."

The discussion touches on the album's production quality, Lange's influence, and the band's evolving sound, which balanced hard rock with pop sensibilities.

Hysteria (1987)

Hysteria is hailed as Def Leppard's magnum opus, characterized by its meticulous production and numerous hit singles such as "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Love Bites," and "Animal." Steve praises the album's songwriting and production, despite acknowledging its lack of lyrical depth.

[84:03] Steve Singiser: "Hysteria is set up like a masterclass in... finding a way to make the listener want more."

The episode delves into the challenges faced during its creation, including Rick Allen's tragic car accident and Steve Clark's struggles with alcoholism. Despite these setbacks, Hysteria achieved monumental commercial success, selling over 22 million copies combined with Pyromania.

[90:32] Jeff Blair: "It's legitimately one of the best albums of the late '80s and certainly one of the best hugely commercial ones of that era."

Adrenalize (1992)

Following the loss of drummer Rick Allen's arm and the departure of guitarist Steve Clark, Adrenalize represents a period of resilience and adaptation for the band. The album features hits like "Let's Get Rocked" and "Make Love Like a Man."

[112:50] Scott Bertram: "Adrenalize is an album, a mirrored album split into two... the older songs and the songs that Clark contributed to are much better."

Steve and Jeff discuss the album's divided reception, attributing it to the absence of key figures like Mutt Lang and Steve Clark. While some tracks maintained the Def Leppard essence, others struggled to resonate with fans and critics alike.

Slang (1996) and Euphoria (1999)

Slang attempts a departure from Def Leppard’s established sound, embracing a darker, more introspective tone. However, the album fails to captivate audiences, criticized for lacking strong hooks and cohesion.

[148:47] Jeff Blair: "Euphoria is... trying to get them back to a classic sound, but it's only somewhat successful."

Euphoria seeks to return to form but is hampered by internal band issues and changing musical landscapes, leaning more towards late '90s rock trends that didn't align with Def Leppard's strengths.

Defining Moments and Challenges

The episode highlights pivotal moments in Def Leppard's career, including:

• Rick Allen’s Accident: Detailing how Rick overcame the loss of his arm, becoming known as the "One Arm Drummer" and innovating his drumming technique to continue performing.

  [117:02] Jeff Blair: "They didn't leave Rick behind; instead, they found ways to support him."

• Steve Clark’s Struggles: Addressing Clark’s battle with alcoholism and his eventual tragic passing, which deeply impacted the band and influenced their subsequent musical direction.

  [113:26] Steve Singiser: "He had gone... his personal best was in the .05 5.6 range. It should kill you."

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Despite facing significant challenges, Def Leppard remains a prominent figure in rock music. Hysteria continues to be celebrated for its production prowess and enduring hits, while their influence extends to numerous bands that followed.

[166:02] Scott Bertram: "If I'm introducing someone to Def Leppard, these aren't necessarily my five favorite songs. Photograph is my first song because for so many Def Leppard fans in America, that's our intro point."

Steve emphasizes the importance of Pyromania and Hysteria as essential albums for understanding Def Leppard's impact and legacy in the rock genre.

[163:41] Steve Singiser: "If you want to understand Def Leppard at its best, it's those two albums and... the hooks that they put on... it's a lot of fun listening to those two because there's not a hiccup for the songs."

Notable Quotes

• Jeff Blair on Hysteria:

  "It sounds so pristine, it's so perfect. It sounds not organic, but everything is undeniable—the songs, the hooks."
  [88:44]

• Steve Singiser on Def Leppard's Resilience:

  "They knew how to put together a piece that just meshes for a guy who was brought in off the street to replace the guitarist, to come in and just have his sound mesh quickly."
  [29:20]

• Scott Bertram on Mutt Lang’s Influence:

  "Mutt Lang co-wrote all the songs on Pyromania as well. He was involved."
  [79:35]

Conclusion

Political Beats Episode 144 provides an in-depth exploration of Def Leppard's music and career through the knowledgeable lens of Steve Singiser. The discussion offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of how Def Leppard navigated the tumultuous landscape of the music industry, overcame personal and professional challenges, and cemented their legacy in rock history. Through shared anecdotes and critical analysis, Bertram, Blair, and Singiser honor Def Leppard's contributions to music while acknowledging the complexities behind their enduring success.

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