Kick

The Zoo Crew is spinning “Kick” by Def Leppard, the lead single from their 2022 album Diamond Star Halos, and the Zoo Freaks are loving its glam-rock vibe. This track, a late addition to the album, was written by guitarist Phil Collen with songwriter Dave Bassett, initially intended for another artist. Collen shared it with the band, saying, “Do you think this could be a DL song before I pass it along to someone else?” The response was a resounding “Hell yeah!” from the group, as noted by guitarist Vivian Campbell in a post on X. The song’s infectious hand-clap groove and soaring vocals channel influences like T. Rex and The Glitter Band, with Collen telling Billboard it “represented where we were at” with its nostalgic yet fresh energy. The music video, directed by Anuk Rohde at the Ken Fox Troupe Wall of Death in Cambridgeshire, UK, embraced a circus-like atmosphere, reminiscent of their 1987 “Animal” video, adding a gritty, Mad Max-inspired edge that some fans found underwhelming compared to their classic visuals.

Another tidbit about “Kick” comes from its promotional rollout. Def Leppard teased the song and album with a clever campaign, using tarot card-themed posts and a microsite where fans could hear “readings” from band members, as detailed on Def Leppard Report. The band also shared bloopers and behind-the-scenes vlogs from the video shoot, with one X post highlighting Rick Savage’s on-set antics, keeping fans engaged. Critics like Louder Sound praised “Kick” as a “stadium-ready” anthem, though some fans on fan blogs noted its commercial polish over the raw edge of early albums like High ‘n’ Dry. The song’s recording was unique, done remotely across three countries—Joe Elliott in Ireland, Rick Savage in England, and Collen, Campbell, and Rick Allen in the US—allowing the band to craft it without timeline pressures during the pandemic.

Def Leppard formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977, emerging from the working-class steel town’s pub scene. Originally called Atomic Mass, the band was founded by teenage friends Joe Elliott (vocals), Pete Willis (guitar), and Rick Savage (bass), later joined by Steve Clark (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums). Inspired by glam rock icons like David Bowie and the raw energy of punk, they honed their sound in local gigs, with Elliott’s distinctive voice and the dual-guitar attack of Willis and Clark shaping their early style. By 1979, they’d changed their name to Def Leppard—a nod to Elliott’s playful misspelling—and caught the attention of producer Tom Allom, leading to their debut album, On Through the Night (1980). Despite mixed reactions from UK fans who felt they were chasing American audiences, the album’s success landed them tours with AC/DC and Ted Nugent, cementing their place in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

The band’s breakthrough came with 1983’s Pyromania, produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, which blended metal’s grit with pop’s polish, spawning hits like “Photograph” and selling over 10 million copies in the US. Tragedy struck when Allen lost his left arm in a 1984 car accident, but his determination to play with a custom drum kit and the band’s support kept them moving forward. Hysteria (1987), another diamond-certified album, solidified their global stardom with seven hit singles, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” Despite losing Clark to alcoholism in 1991, the addition of Vivian Campbell kept the band resilient, and they’ve since sold over 100 million records, earning a 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their anthemic roots keeps Zoo Freaks rocking.

Stay connected with Def Leppard through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates, tour news, and Captain’s Log videos from Joe Elliott. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Def Leppard Report for album spotlights or join communities like the Def Leppard Fans Facebook group to share Zoo Freak passion. For tour history and fan archives, check out Def Leppard UK, a treasure trove of band lore.