Def Leppard Release New Box Set

Def Leppard has a new box set and it is called The Collection: Volume One.

Volume One contains the first four Def Lep studio albums -- On Through the Night (1980), High ’n’ Dry (1981), Pyromania (1983) and Hysteria (1987). This is available in either LP or CD editions. The package also contains a hardback book, rare recordings, B-sides and the concert album Live at the LA Forum 1983.

The band will release details on three more volumes soon - presumably sometime during their summer tour with Journey.

The Volume One Box Set including our first four albums, rarities, and the original Def Leppard EP on 7" vinyl or 3" mini CD is available now here: https://t.co/IkVcAlmQ9o pic.twitter.com/THfczhnsMv

— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) June 1, 2018

Comments

[Ken]

My CD box set arrived Friday and I have the LP set on my Father's Day wish list. Still not much here for the die-hard Leppard fan because I've already been collecting this stuff for 35+ years. Amazon has the LP set for $165 - Denver's biggest independent record store has the LP set for $209. I asked if they do price matching and they said no. I'd love to support the local business but I also like saving $45 when I can.

[Him]

I wonder when the box set of their greatest hits packages will be coming out? On Through Your Wallet: The Greatest Greatest Hits of Def Leppard!

Seriously though, Ken, is it worth the cash if you already have the originals? You seem to imply it isn't. But what about the extras they list (book, etc.)?

[Metalboy!]

Phew! Great to be back, kidz! Got bogged down having to write a bunch of crap for work for the last two weeks and FINALLY getting back to what’s important, and that is EVERYTHING about this awesome site, from Allyson’s posts and those of her guest contributors to the Comments of ALL who make them here!

Anyway, I just hunted around the internet (i.e. usual suspects and Ebay, etc.) looking for actual photography of all of the elements in each version of this just-released Def Leppard box set, both LP and CD, to better evaluate the quality and detail of the packaging (i.e. Mini LP cardboard gatefolds, etc.) and it’s nowhere to be found as of yet.

If it turns out the attention to detail and quality of the packaging is of a superior nature, then it’s probably worth it when taken in totality with the fact that this is THE way to get the best versions of all of the recordings up to 1987, though I wonder if it’s better sonically than the 24 Carat Gold Ultradisc versions of each of these albums, some of which are on Ebay for upwards of $300 or more still sealed.

Too bad they couldn’t create a CD-3 mini-version of the original Def Leppard EP, as that would have gone a long way to convince me to buy this collection.

I look forward to hearing other’s Comments on this topic, particularly if anyone can shed some light on the actual packaging itself.

[Ken]

Packaging is impressive. Booklet with comments from Joe, Sav, Rick and Phil. Ross Halfin photos, original liner notes, additional liner notes by Classic Rock's Paul Elliott. The CD's themselves are packaged in cardboard sleeves that replicate the original packaging and LP sleeves.

The rarest songs on this collection might be the original 7" single versions of "Wasted" and "Hello America" that are different recordings from their On Through The Night versions. Those are released here on CD for the first time. Same with b-side "Good Morning Freedom" from 1980. And yes, this collection includes a replica 3-inch CD of the band’s original independent EP, The Def Leppard E.P.

Don't forget the 1983 live album from the Pyromania tour - but that was already released as CD#2 in the Deluxe Edition that came out several years ago. Unbelievable sound and performances.

[Gary]

Him. FYI. "On Through Your Wallet" made me choke on a gulp of Miller Lite. 😂😂

May I respectfully add:

" $2 bucks Behind" (which you'll be on all your bills if you buy all these commemorative box sets that are coming out)

"Have You Ever Needed Money So Bad" (see above)

"In Hock (Till You Drop)"

"Arm-a-sellin' It". (Cause I'm in hock. See above)

[Him]

Thanks for the updates, Ken. Sounds like a quality set.

And thanks for returning the favor, Gary! When you are on, you are on.

[Metalboy!]

Yes, thanks, Ken! I just may pick it up!

As for that live bonus CD which was released as part of the Deluxe Edition of “Pyromania” quite a few years back, it absolutely blew my official Def Leppard British Flag athletic socks off the first time I heard the last song, their absolutely scorching version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Travellin’ Band” with Brian May surprising the audience by joining the band on stage to help out with the cooking!

It would be awesome if it turns out they remastered and remixed this, as well, needless to say!

And thanks, Funny Gary and HIM! That is some truly funny stuff!