Animal

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Animal" by Def Leppard from their iconic 1987 album Hysteria, and Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wild trivia about this song! According to a post on X, "Animal" was one of the most challenging tracks to record for the album, taking two and a half years to perfect. First written by guitarist Phil Collen in 1984, the band struggled to capture the right sound, cycling through producers like Jim Steinman and even attempting to self-produce with engineer Nigel Green before Robert "Mutt" Lange returned to finalize it. The song’s demo was one of the few tracks Rick Allen recorded on an acoustic drum kit before his 1984 car accident, which cost him his left arm. Allen later laid down the beat using a four-track tape and electronic triggers, giving the song its distinctive pulse. Despite the grueling process, "Animal" became Def Leppard’s first UK Top 10 hit, peaking at #6, as noted in an X post.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from the song’s lyrical nod to Neil Young’s album Rust Never Sleeps, with the line "Like the restless rust, I never sleep." This subtle reference adds a layer of depth to the track’s raw energy. Music journalist Catherine Fearns, in a 2017 blog post, described "Animal" as having a "subtle beauty" with its complex guitar layers and Joe Elliott’s whispery, almost Californian vocal style, which evokes the American dreams of the late ’80s despite the band’s Sheffield roots. The song’s creation was so intricate that Fearns noted it’s nearly impossible to transcribe its guitar parts, a testament to the band’s innovative approach. Interestingly, "Animal" has rarely been covered by other artists, as its unique essence is tough to replicate without losing its magic.

Def Leppard’s journey to rock stardom began in Sheffield, England, in 1977, rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene. The band formed when vocalist Joe Elliott met guitarist Pete Willis and bassist Rick Savage, later joined by drummer Rick Allen and guitarist Steve Clark. Inspired by the raw energy of punk and the musicianship of metal, they honed their sound in local pubs, building a devoted following. Their self-titled debut EP in 1979, funded by band members and their families, caught the attention of BBC Radio, leading to a deal with Mercury Records. Their first album, On Through the Night (1980), appealed to metal fans, with early supporters including Dimebag Darrell of Pantera. The 1981 release High’n’Dry, produced by Mutt Lange, introduced Phil Collen, replacing Willis, and polished their sound with hits like "Bringin’ On The Heartbreak." This set the stage for their 1983 breakthrough Pyromania, which sold over 10 million copies and established them as global rock icons.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Def Leppard through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and news about releases like their 2022 album Diamond Star Halos. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, including posts celebrating milestones like the 36th anniversary of "Animal." Fans can also join the vibrant r/defleppard community on Reddit, known as the Official Rock Brigade, with over 5,000 members sharing concert memories and cover versions. Another great spot is the Def Leppard Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts post about everything from vinyl collections to live show experiences. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like Def Leppard UK, which offers detailed discographies and tour archives.