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DEF LEPPARD Celebrates 40th Anniversary Of Pyromania With Deluxe Expanded Edition

By Larry Petro, News Monkey
Saturday, March 2, 2024 @ 10:39 AM

Out April 26th

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To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their iconic album Pyromania, DEF LEPPARD are set to release a deluxe expanded edition - in April 2024.

Fans can listen to "Photograph - Rough Mix Version (Unfinished Vocal)" on all streaming platforms on March 1st. The track is an unreleased demo version from the band's vaults of one of their most celebrated songs - taken from the forthcoming taken PYROMANIA anniversary edition.

Originally released in 1983, Pyromania launched DEF LEPPARD into rock legend status. The album featured global hit singles "Photograph", "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)" and "Rock of Ages" and the went on to achieve platinum status across the globe (including a # 2 chart entry in the USA). Pyromania has since become one of the biggest selling rock albums of all time and alongside it's follow up - Hysteria - has made DEF LEPPARD one of only five rock bands in history to have two albums with a coveted RIAA Diamond Certification (over 10 million sales in the USA alone). A massive feat within the music industry still to this day.

The album also saw Phil Collen replace guitarist Pete Willis and the first of the classic DEF LEPPARD line ups was born...

Joe Elliott says, "A labour of love and I loved every minute of it !!.... Rediscovering dusty old cassettes which were brilliantly restored by Ronan and finding the long lost unfinished "11th track" was a journey only few of us are lucky enough to take ... what a trip !!"

Phil Collen says, "Pyromania is a really special album for obvious reasons. It was the first time we all worked together with Mutt Lange, and I was able to play with my incredible friend Steve Clark - who was such a gifted and wonderful guitarist. I am incredibly proud of the album and what we collectively achieved."

In tribute to this milestone, this deluxe edition has been executive produced by lead singer Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh with mastering by Andy Pearce.

Rick Savage says, "Right from the very early days we had a specific idea of how we wanted to sound. A massive wall of guitars and drums supporting huge vocals and melodies. That vision came to fruition with the making of Pyromania. Even now it still has that special quality that made it such a ground-breaking record. It's a testament to the songs that they remain the fans' favourites and true cornerstones of any LEPPARD show. 40 years?? It doesn't even seem like 40 days."

This deluxe edition has been prepared in conjunction with lead singer Joe Elliott who has acted as executive producer. PYROMANIA, the anniversary edition, will be released on 4-CD/Blu-Ray Box, 1LP Half Speed Master, 2LP Black Vinyl, 2LP Coloured Vinyl (D2C Exclusive), 2CD and digitally.

This deluxe set comes with 4-CD's consisting of the original album, a whole disc of unheard demos recently re-discovered by Joe Elliott while combing through the vaults, an unreleased demo "No You Can't Do That" and two defining live shows from the era - from the LA Forum (USA) and Westfalen Halle in Dortmund (Germany).

The Blu-Ray contains an Atmos mix of the album (overseen by Giles Martin) as well as 5.1/Stereo and instrumental mixes. Also included are five promo videos from the time.

The album also appears as a Half Speed Master for the first time.

The book contains the history of the album written by Mojo and Classic Rock writer Paul Elliott (who has conducted new interviews with band members), as well as rare and unseen photos by noted photographer, and long time band collaborator, Ross Halfin.

The 4-CD/Blu-Ray Box tracklisting is as below

CD One: Album Re-Mastered

"Rock Rock (Til You Drop)"

"Photograph"

"Stagefright"

"Too Late for Love"

"Die Hard the Hunter"

"Foolin'"

"Rock Of Ages"

"Comin' Under Fire"

"Action! Not Words"

"Billy's Got a Gun"