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44 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Play First North American Show In SANTA MONICA

Def Leppard 1980. Def Leppard 1980

Def Leppard played their first ever North American show in Santa Monica, CA, USA on this day in 1980.

The band's first show on US soil took place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium opening for Pat Travers.

The first of nine shows supporting Pat and his band who were touring for the 'Crash And Burn' album.

This first American tour ran from the end of May until early August and would see them play large arenas for the first time supporting the likes of Judas Priest, Ted Nugent and the Scorpions.

Following its UK release on 14th March 1980 the 'On Through The Night' album had come out on 26th March in the USA.

The band had already played well over 50 shows all around Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) from late January until the end of April. Playing everywhere from Aberdeen in the North of Scotland to Exeter in the South of England.

Pat Travers had played a UK tour in March 1980 with Girl as openers featuring Phil Collen and Simon Laffy. The backing band featured future Whitesnake drummer Tommy Aldridge and guitarist Pat Thrall.


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Def Leppard 1980.

Read the full 'Santa Monica 1980' show story in the Lep History section.

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