The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Dangers of Shooting Hysteria
Capturing the full-stage, in-the-round experience of the Hysteria tour necessitated Ross Halfin hanging from the ceiling, high above the crowd. The legendary rock photographer remembers this terrifying feat.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Sav's Punk Jacket
Halfin snapped this iconic portrait of the band in West Hollywood, California, circa 1988. Sav wears the punk-inspired leather jacket from the "Rocket" video.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Steve and Phil at Buckeye Lake
Steve and Phil are dressed for the heat at the Buckeye Lake Music Center in Thornville, Ohio, 6th August, 1988.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Steve's Encore Tribute to Jimmy Page
Halfin shares that Steve's Hysteria encore look was an homage to his rock hero, Jimmy Page.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Phil Getting Healthy
Halfin discusses Phil's changing health regimen and this early portrait of Phil’s journey, Los Angeles, 1987.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
One-of-a-Kind Pyromania Colour Portrait
Why is this the only band portrait in colour that remains from this Pyromania-era photo session?
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Steve Warming Up
Steve in a rare moment of warming up backstage before a Hysteria show, 1988. Note his bandaged hand, perhaps this accounts for the unusual occurrence?
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Sav with Fan Banner
Sav displays a fan-crafted banner backstage during a Hysteria stop in Virginia, January 1988.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Steve and Phil: Guitar Unit
Steve and Phil were an incredibly close guitar unit with a legendary friendship. Halfin gives us a peek into that relationship here, circa 1988.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
The Def Leppard Line-Up
The classic "Def Leppard Line-Up Shot," taken in Denver, 1988.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Laughs in Holland
Too much makeup and an unknown prompt from Halfin makes for a candid laugh from the band. This photo was shot in Holland during the recording of Hysteria.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Cornfield Summer
A photo tribute to Led Zeppelin, in a cornfield somewhere in Kansas, August 1988.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Hysteria Travelin' Band Encore
Joe, Phil, Sav, and Steve lined up during the "Travelin' Band" encore, circa 1988. It was Halfin versus the Hysteria light grid once again, but Ross won with this shot.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Steve Meets Jimmy Page
Steve plays his double neck guitar in another Jimmy Page-influenced moment during the Hysteria Tour. Ross recalls Steve's attempts to meet his idol.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Outside Battery Studios, High 'N' Dry
Halfin reminisces about Def Leppard’s very young and "dorkish" stage during the recording of "High 'N'Dry," and the biggest factor in their style evolution.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Monsters of Rock, Mannheim
31st of August, 1986. Def Leppard played the final show of the Monsters of Rock Tour in West Germany. This photo captures more than just a performance in the pouring rain, it shows the indomitable spirit of the band through hardship and the tenacious support of the fans.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Stagefright at the LA Forum
Kicking off the show with "Stagefright" during one of two incredible Pyromania Tour shows at the LA Forum, August 1983.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Foolin' Video Group Shot
Ross describes shooting the Foolin' video set and why he will never listen to that song again. Filming took place in June 1983, at the Ritz Theatre, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Sav Travelin' Band
The Pyromania Tour instrument-swap during "Travelin' Band" as captured and explained by Ross.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Worn Out in Union Jacks
Post-soccer match on the East Coast, Def Leppard is lined up in front of their tour bus. This iconic shot captures the band just as they were catching fire in the US.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Real Rock Joe
Joe at full extension in a Union Jack shirt and "plastic pants." Halfin describes why he likes this "real rock photo.”
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Backstage Worcester Centrum, Hysteria Tour
Backstage at the Worcester Centrum in Massachusetts, September 1988. Halfin likes this photo except for one thing.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Board Shorts and Burgers
Backstage barbecue at Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum, 1988. Joe and Phil in colourful board shorts appear to be having a bit of a philosophical clash.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Rick's Triumphant Donington Return
Rick's first major show post-accident at the Monsters of Rock Festival in Donington, 16th August, 1986. 80,000 wild fans were there to witness this incredible moment in Def Leppard history, and so was Ross Halfin.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Classic Clark Live
Taking a note from Jimmy Page, Steve punctuates his solo with a point to the audience. Halfin describes these classic Pyromania moments.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Hello America Sav
Sav plays live during the Hello America period, likely when the band was opening for Sammy Hagar in 1979.
The Ross Halfin Collection / Video
Steve in Hysteria Recording Studio
1984, Wisseloord Studios in Holland. An emotional Steve takes a moment for himself during the recording of Hysteria.