Def Leppard is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pyromania via social media by sharing all sorts of fun facts about the album.
The latest is all about the band’s iconic use of the Union Jack, specifically the sleeveless shirt Joe Elliott wears in the music video for “Photograph.” (Of course, we’d also be remiss in not mentioning drummer Rick Allen’s killer Union Jack trunks in the video.)
Anyway, Elliott recalls having a budget of £25 (About $33 USD) and picking up the Union Jack shirt on a whim the day before the video shoot.
“I bought these plastic trousers that were too short so I had to get leg warmers…Adidas boots, handcuff belt,” said Elliott. “I’ve got 8 quid left, and there’s this Union Jack shirt for £7.99. Outfit done. It wasn’t some big plan. It was just all I had.”
Let this be a lesson: Even when your back is against the wall, and you have few options, you just might do something iconic. Joe Elliott certainly did.
Pyromania turned 40 back in January. In addition to “Photograph,” the album featured two other hits: “Rock of Ages” and “Foolin’.” Since its release in 1983, Pyromania has sold over 10 million copies in the United States. The album received “Diamond” status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA.) The band shared their thoughts on the album and its legacy in the video below.
