Steve Clark (1960-1991) left such an indelible mark on Def Leppard’s legacy.
It’s astounding that Steve performed on only four of Def Leppard’s albums (On Through The Night, High ‘n’ Dry, Pyromania, and Hysteria), which is a testament to the impact he had in shaping the band’s music, trademark sound, and, ultimately, its identity.
Even decades after his passing, it’s practically impossible to discuss some of Def Leppard’s greatest songs without mentioning how Steve Clark played a key role, literally and figuratively: Steve’s unmistakable opening riffs of “Photograph” and “Wasted,” his guitar intros to “Gods Of War” and “Foolin’,” the unforgettable “Switch 625,” and so many other Def Leppard songs he co-wrote and performed on.
Without Steve Clark, Def Leppard undoubtedly would not be where it is today, nor would the band have reached the stratospheric heights of success they achieved with Pyromania and Hysteria.
“Steve had more swagger than anyone I’d ever seen. His whole thing was that he wasn’t a standard player. He’d come up with ideas that other guys wouldn’t do. Like the solo in [the song ‘Hysteria‘]… He came up with the whole melody and it almost reminded you of a Japanese garden. It had these weird note choices, really beautiful.” — Phil Collen, MusicRadar.com
Steve was such an integral part of Def Leppard, helping to lay the foundation that the band still stands upon today.
Feelin’ Like It’s Over…
Def Leppard fundamentally changed on January 8, 1991, when Steve Clark died.
Fans’ hearts sank that day as well when MTV interrupted their regularly scheduled programming with “breaking news” and a graphic of Steve’s face on the screen. It was confusing, shocking, sad, and so tragic to then hear MTV’s Kurt Loder announce the grim news of Steve’s death.
In an instant so much changed for the band and its fans.
Aside from the human tragedy of Steve’s life ending at the far-too-young age of 30, numerous other, albeit less important, realizations began to sink in over time: Def Leppard lost one of its original, core members; there would be no more ‘Terror Twins’; hearing “Photograph” performed live, especially its iconic, opening riff (Steve’s creation), would never be the same; Joe Elliott could no longer playfully call out to Steve live in concert with his classic line “C’mon, Steve. Get it!” during “Armageddon It,” and so on.
Moreover, it was hard to fathom Def Leppard without Steve Clark’s legendary and irreplaceable on-stage presence.
This video is just one example showcasing Steve’s fierce, spine-tingling live performances:
Steve Clark’s Death: Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
Steve Clark’s death occurred in a pre-social media era. As a result, fans didn’t have a universal online platform to grieve or even discuss the situation with millions of other heartbroken Def Leppard fans.
Instead, most were glued to their television sets, watching MTV to get the latest updates, and hoping to hear from the band to share in their loss.
The image of a very somber Joe Elliott discussing Steve’s passing during an interview on MTV remains fresh for many viewers…
Up to that point, Def Leppard fans had been waiting years for the band’s follow-up to Hysteria, but it all seemed so inconsequential the day Steve Clark died.
All of a sudden, it became a question of if or how Def Leppard — a two-guitarist band — would resume, not what their next album might sound like.
Fortunately, Def Leppard would ultimately persevere, overcoming yet another tragedy. (You can read much more about Def Leppard in this must-read book.)
Stand Up! Kick STEVE Into Motion!
Adrenalize was the first Def Leppard album not to feature Steve Clark’s guitar contributions on record. (Phil Collen performed the guitar duties, including Steve’s, working off of his original demos as a guide.)
It would have been nice, though, and even a bit therapeutic for heartbroken fans back in the day to hear some of Steve’s actual guitar contributions on the record. For instance, an Adrenalize gem like “Stand Up! (Kick Love Into Motion).” What was Steve’s initial approach to the track? What melodies would he have showcased, and how would he have performed them?
In case you weren’t aware, answers to those questions may actually exist, courtesy of a supposed demo of Steve’s original guitar solo for “Stand Up! (Kick Love Into Motion)” that has been on the internet for years. Phil Collen reportedly confirmed its existence years ago, saying that the demo is legitimate and that it’s him and Steve performing together.
Just like the old days.
If you’ve never heard it before, enjoy the emotive melodies of what is allegedly Steve’s chill-inducing “Stand Up!” solo:
One Def Leppard fan made an admirable, extra effort to incorporate Steve’s demoed guitar solo into the full-length version of “Stand Up! (Kick Love Into Motion),” which begins at about the three-minute mark:
Steve Clark’s Legacy
Def Leppard’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame provided the band with yet another opportunity to look back and reflect on what Steve meant to them, as a band member and friend.
Joe Elliott summed it up beautifully in his very poignant acceptance speech:
“It was Pete [Willis], after a chance meeting in a college canteen, both reaching for the same guitar magazine, who introduced us to the late, great Steve Clark. Over the following 10 years, Steve made a massive musical contribution to this band, his incredible and unique riffs helped shape some of the most important songs we will ever write and it really does go without saying that we love him and we miss him every day.”
The band has mentioned in interviews over the years that unreleased material from Steve does exist. One can only hope they release it someday.
Steve Clark Will Never Be Forgotten
Hearing material like the “Stand Up! (Kick Love Into Motion)” guitar demo is a nice reminder that though Steve may be gone, his presence remains. And though he will never be part of any new music Def Leppard records, Steve is undoubtedly still with the band in spirit, playing along with his Gibson Les Paul guitar slung low, riffing as only he can.
Much has been said about Steve in many fine, well-deserved tributes over the years, whether spotlighting his personal ups and downs, the demons he fought, and so on. But what I prefer to think about when I’m reminded of Stephen Maynard Clark, no matter the anniversary, is simply the exceptional work he left behind.
Def Leppard and its fans were so fortunate to witness Steve’s genius in the short amount of time he was with us. Though forever missed, Steve and his immeasurable contributions will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Steve.
robbie ellis says
Brilliant article.
Cinda Relli says
I was so excited to see that a formal tribute of Steve has finally been written. I began to cry as I read it. It reflects the real Steve: the beautiful man he was, his heart that overflowed with love, and his beautiful soul, filled with compassion, thoughtfulness, and a desire to always ensure that others were happy. His guitar style was his own, his original personal playing style gave Def Leppard their own “signature sound,” and it was that authentic sound that showed how gifted and immensely talented he was. No one can dispute the fact that if it not for Steve, Def Leppard would not have risen to their incredible popularity!
Thank you dear Steve, you will forever be a Guitar Legend.
Def Leppard Report says
Thank you for your thoughtful comment — a tribute to Steve in and of itself!