Monday, 5th October 2015
Sheffield 1995
Def Leppard Day was celebrated in the band's home city of Sheffield, England 20 years ago today on 5th October 1995.
Local fans, led by Rosie Glover, had sent a letter to Sheffield Mayor David Heslop asking him to honour the band. The Sheffield Star newspaper promoted the campaign urging readers to support it and many hundreds of people did.
The band had just released the single When Love & Hate Collide a few days before. It would become their biggest UK hit single reaching Number 2.
As part of the promotional activities this event was organised by the local council to honour the band for their contribution to the city.
Events included a donation to the National Centre For Popular Music, a civic reception, the releasing of thousands of 'Vault' balloons in Tudor Square, plaques being unveiled at Crooke's Workingmen's Club and Don Valley Stadium and an acoustic concert at The Wapentake club.
Read about the events that took place below along with some photos from the day.
Def Leppard Day 1995 - Photos
Event Details - Crookes Workingmen's Club Plaque Unveiled
A plaque sponsored by the Sheffield Telegraph was unveiled outside of the Crookes Workingmen's Club in Mulehouse Road, Sheffield. The band had played at least two early shows here. One famously photographed by Ross Halfin for Sounds magazine. The plaque was in honour of them playing an early gig at the venue and all the success they went on to achieve.
Event Details - Town Hall Mayor Reception/Council Resolution
The band and their family members had tea with the Mayor in his council chambers. They were also presented with a special Council Resolution to thank them for their services to Sheffield. A Keys To The City honour had been asked for but the Mayor was not able to grant that wish.
Visitors Book Signing - Joe Elliott 1995 Magazine Interview Quote
"Did you see what I wrote?. I signed it; 'Joe Elliott - International Rock Star and Ambassador for Sheffield!' Followed by an exclamation mark. It was a joke. Make sure you put that in!."
Event Details - Tudor Square Balloons
Joe released 10,000 'Vault' promotional balloons in this square which is just outside the famous Crucible Theatre (home of the World Snooker Championships). This event was sponsored by local radio station Hallam FM and the band were introduced by the late DJ Dave Kilner. They were also presented with gift packs from the City of Sheffield. Each of the balloons had a card attached with details of a contest to win the band's entire back catalogue on CD.
Event Details - Don Valley Stadium Plaque Unveiling
A gold plaque was unveiled in the reception area of the stadium to mark the fact the band were the first to play and sell out the venue in June 1993. Live photos were placed around the plaque.
Event Details - National Centre For Popular Music
The band became the first musicians to make a donation to the new centre. They presented them with a signed Ibanez Destroyer guitar. The first musicians to do so. It eventually opened in March 1999 but due to a lack of visitors closed down in 2000. It is now the Student's Union bar for the Sheffield Hallam University.
Event Details - The Wapentake Acoustic Concert
A nine song acoustic concert filmed for the 'Video Archive' VHS. Two new songs from 'Slang' were played for the first time - 'All I Want Is Everything' and 'Where Does Love Go When It Dies'.
Venue owner Olga Marshall originally booked the band on 8th February 1979 and paid them 15 pounds. She presented him with another 15 pounds payment during the show introduction. Joe wrongly tried to correct the announcer who introduced them by saying they played there in 1978.
View a photo gallery and videos from this show.
Olga Marshall - 1995 Magazine Interview Quote
"We've had a lot of bands play here over the years. But Def Leppard were very keen. They're nice lads, too."
- Def Leppard - Sheffield 1995 Show Page
- Def Leppard - Vault Tour 1995
- Def Leppard - 2015 Tour News
- Previous News - 28th September 2015