Billy’s Got a Gun

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Billy’s Got a Gun" by Def Leppard from their iconic album Pyromania, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, the closer on Pyromania, has some wild trivia behind it. According to The Def Leppard Vault, the song’s eerie instrumental outro, sometimes called "The March of the Dreaded Ziltrons," came from drummer Rick Allen messing around with random numbers on a Linn drum machine, later layered with band contributions and producer Mutt Lange’s magic. It’s a creepy, synth-heavy vibe that fits the song’s dark tale of a fugitive on the run. Fans on Reddit have even speculated it could double as a James Bond theme, with its cinematic tension and gritty title—imagine 007 dodging danger as those guitars wail!

Another cool tidbit comes from guitarist Phil Collen, who shared on X in 2022 that "Billy’s Got a Gun" is one of his favorite Pyromania tracks and still pops up in live sets, like during their Stadium Tour. The song’s live rarity adds to its mystique—it was barely played after the Pyromania tour ended in 1984, only resurfacing briefly in 1987, 2002, and during their 2019 Las Vegas residency, as noted on Def Leppard UK. The band rehearsed it for their 2019 Sin City shows, thrilling fans with its return, and it was featured in the 2020 live release Hits Vegas (London to Vegas), captured at Planet Hollywood. The song’s dark lyrics, inspired by a bluesy "I shot my baby" vibe but amped up with gothic metal chords, give it a haunting edge, as The Beachwood Reporter pointed out in 2006.

Def Leppard kicked off their journey in Sheffield, England, in 1977, riding the wave of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Originally called Atomic Mass, the band was formed by teenage mates Rick Savage (bass) and Pete Willis (guitar), with Joe Elliott joining as lead singer after convincing them he was the voice they needed. Drummer Rick Allen came on board soon after, and guitarist Steve Clark completed the early lineup. Their raw energy and DIY spirit landed them a deal with Bludgeon-Riffola, and their 1980 debut, On Through the Night, cracked the UK Top 15. But it was their work with producer Mutt Lange on 1981’s High ‘n’ Dry and 1983’s Pyromania that skyrocketed them to global fame, blending gritty riffs with polished hooks. Despite challenges—like Allen losing an arm in a 1984 car accident and Clark’s passing in 1991—the band persevered, with Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell joining to form their longest-standing lineup since 1992.

Zoo Freaks can keep up with Def Leppard on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and more. Fans also flock to Def Leppard UK for detailed tour and song histories, and The Def Leppard Vault for a deep dive into band memorabilia. On Facebook, groups like Def Leppard Fans and Rock Brigade are buzzing with diehards swapping stories, setlists, and love for the band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, there’s no shortage of ways to rock out with Def Leppard!