Let It Go

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin Let It Go by Def Leppard from their 1981 album High ’n’ Dry! This track, originally titled When the Rain Falls with different lyrics during a 1980 performance at the New Theatre in Oxford, was transformed under the meticulous guidance of producer Robert "Mutt" Lange. The song’s AC/DC-inspired riff and Joe Elliott’s powerhouse vocals helped it climb to number 34 on the US Mainstream Rock charts. Record World praised its "twin-guitar barrage, Joe Elliott’s go-for-broke vocal, and the sensory overload of Mutt Lange’s production." The music video, shot on July 22, 1981, at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool, doubled as the single’s cover photo shoot, capturing the band’s raw energy alongside videos for High ’n’ Dry (Saturday Night) and Bringin’ On the Heartbreak.

Fun fact: Let It Go is the second most-played song from High ’n’ Dry after Bringin’ On the Heartbreak, a staple in Def Leppard’s live sets during tours for High ’n’ Dry, Pyromania, and Hysteria. After a hiatus, it roared back into their setlists in 1999 and has been a frequent crowd-pleaser since. A 2020 Guitar World interview with Joe Elliott highlighted Lange’s impact, noting how his perfectionism reshaped the track from its earlier incarnation. On X, fans celebrated the 40th anniversary of High ’n’ Dry in 2021, with Def Leppard’s official account sharing a facts video and asking fans to name their favorite track from the album.

Now, let’s rewind to how Def Leppard got their start. Formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977, the band emerged as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It all began when teenage friends Rick Savage (bass), Pete Willis (guitar), and Joe Elliott (vocals) started jamming under the name Atomic Mass. Drummer Rick Allen joined soon after, and guitarist Steve Clark completed the early lineup. Inspired by bands like Thin Lizzy, UFO, and Judas Priest, they honed their melodic yet hard-hitting sound. Their 1979 self-released The Def Leppard EP caught the attention of Phonogram/Mercury Records, leading to their debut album, On Through the Night, in 1980. Despite mixed UK reviews for its American-friendly sound, it built a loyal fanbase, setting the stage for High ’n’ Dry and their eventual global dominance with albums like Pyromania and Hysteria.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Def Leppard on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and throwbacks. Fans also gather at sites like Def Leppard UK for tour history and news, or join the Def Leppard Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow diehards. For deeper dives, check out the r/defleppard subreddit, a hub for discussions and fan stories. So, let it rock, let it roll, and let it go with Def Leppard!