# The “massive” 1989 song Phil Collen called “the pinnacle” of Def Leppard

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-massive-1989-song-phil-collen-called-the-pinnacle-of-def-leppard/
- Published: 2026-11-05T10:39:31+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T11:49:26+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/song-1989-phil-collen-pinnacle-of-def-leppard/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Phil Collen calls ‘Rocket’ Def Leppard’s pinnacle.
- The song blends the band’s sound with glam rock influences.
- It reached the top 15 in the US and UK.

## Summary

Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen has called ‘Rocket’ the band’s “absolute pinnacle”, saying the 1989 single captures their defining sound and influences. The track marked a creative step forward during the making of *Hysteria*, as the band sought to build on the success of *Pyromania* without simply repeating it.

Inspired by an unusual drum loop, ‘Rocket’ grew into an expansive track with large drums, guitars and choruses, plus references to glam rock artists including Elton John, Queen and David Bowie. It also incorporates samples from other *Hysteria* songs, including ‘Love Bites’ and ‘Gods of War’. The song reached 12th in the US and 15th in the UK, and broke the top five in Ireland and New Zealand.

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