leppardhysteriaDef Leppard – Hysteria (Clark, Collen, Elliott, Lange, Savage) b/w Ride Into The Sun (Clark, Collen, Elliott, Savage) 1987

The title track from one of the biggest selling albums of all time may have seemed like one of the least natural singles but then Animal and Women were hardly tipped to be commercial successes when they were culled from this self-contained hit factory.

Thanks to Mutt Lange’s masterful production, Andy Airfix’s striking artwork and the ability to craft a video perfect for America’s MTV generation, Leppard changed the perception of what made a hit single in the late 1980s. Hysteria is, in fact, one of the finest tunes the Sheffield band ever penned with its haunting melody and passionate chorus.

Released as a deluxe edition poster bag (!) in the UK this seven incher folds out to reveal the classic pyramid logo on one side and a publicity shot straight from the era on the other – bleached denim and permed hair the order of the day.

The lowest charting of Leppard’s seven UK singles from the album of the same name (26), this classic tune nevertheless broke America’s top 10 with ease and it represents the sound of the hair metal era. Backed with the jaunty Ride Into The Sun it commands a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere.