Armageddon It

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! Your groovy Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Armageddon It" by Def Leppard from their iconic Hysteria album, and we’ve got some righteous trivia to share. The song’s title is a clever wordplay, sounding like “I’m a-gettin’ it,” a nod to playful innuendo, as confirmed by frontman Joe Elliott in the liner notes for Vault: Def Leppard Greatest Hits. This vibe channels a mix of T. Rex glam and Eddie Cochran’s rockabilly, giving it that sing-along groove perfect for our airwaves. Guitarist Phil Collen once shared on a podcast that the song started as a loose idea during their 1984 Dublin writing sessions, but its chorus needed a punchier hook, so they reworked it with producer Mutt Lange to nail that stadium-rock energy. The track, released as the sixth U.S. single from Hysteria in 1988, hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its massive appeal.

Dive deeper, and you’ll find the song’s creation was no easy ride. Def Leppard recorded "Armageddon It" during the grueling Hysteria sessions, which spanned three years due to setbacks, including drummer Rick Allen’s life-changing car accident in 1984 that cost him his left arm. The band’s commitment to keeping Allen shone through as he adapted with a custom electronic drum kit, adding a unique texture to tracks like this one. The music video, pieced together from live footage shot at Denver’s McNichols Arena in February 1988, was a last-minute pivot after the band nixed another concept video, reflecting their focus on raw, live energy. Fans on X still rave about its staying power, with posts noting it as a setlist staple, cementing its legacy as a fan favorite.

Now, let’s rewind to how Def Leppard kicked off their wild ride. Hailing from Sheffield, England, the band formed in 1976 when bassist Rick Savage, drummer Tony Kenning, and guitarist Pete Willis, all schoolmates, started jamming as Atomic Mass. Joe Elliott joined as vocalist, suggesting the name Deaf Leopard, which they tweaked to Def Leppard for a less punk vibe. Their raw energy caught the ear of Radio 1 DJ John Peel after Elliott boldly handed him a self-produced EP in 1979, leading to early airplay. By 1980, their debut album On Through the Night hit the UK Top 15, marking them as leaders in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal alongside Iron Maiden. With Phil Collen replacing Willis in 1982 and Vivian Campbell joining later, the band’s lineup solidified, blending gritty metal with pop hooks that defined their 80s dominance.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Def Leppard on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and throwbacks. For the ultimate fan experience, check out the Def Leppard Rock Brigade Concert Club, offering exclusive merch and VIP packages. Join fellow fans in the Def Leppard Fans Facebook group, a vibing community swapping stories and concert pics. So, crank up "Armageddon It," and let’s keep the Zoo airwaves rocking!