When heavy-metal veterans Def Leppard [ tickets ] originally formed in 1977, they called themselves Deaf Leopard--but quickly altered the spelling in homage of Led Zeppelin [ tickets ]. By 1979, they had a loyal following and were credited as leading the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. In 1983 the single "Photograph," from their set "Pyromania," launched Def Leppard into the stratosphere. With the success of the singles "Rock of Ages" and "Foolin'," the album was so hot it reportedly sold six million copies in that year alone and is now certified Diamond by the RIAA, representing US shipment of 10 million copies. It's considered a classic. Fans can catch Def Leppard this summer throughout the US and Canada when they tour in support of their new album, "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge"--an outing scheduled to begin June 23 in Camden, NJ.

In 2007 the band stopped in Concord, CA during their "Downstage Thrust Tour" and LiveDaily’s Tim Mosenfelder was there to get photos.