The Top 5 Hidden Gems of the '80s
Nothing too hidden about these guys. Especially not if you've read The Dirt.
Related Content
03. Def Leppard: "Rock Brigade"
One of the first bands to bring the New Wave of British Heavy Metal over to the States, Def Leppard broke into the mainstream with the release of their debut album, 1980's On Through The Night. Only this and the band's sophomore release, High 'n' Dry, feature the guitar playing of Pete Willis, as he was fired during the recording of 1983's Pyromania. Hardly any of the first album is ever played live, and as a result most people are unfamiliar with Willis' spectacular playing. Thus: hidden gem.
"Rock Brigade" off Def Leppard's first album showcases Pete Willis' guitar skills very well. For someone who was roughly 18 or 19 around the time the album was recorded, his skill level is way above that of his peers. The solo, starting at 1:26, features some really neatly phrased runs and interesting but not terribly "out there" note choices as well as a distinctly unique musical voice.
Related
You Might Also Like...
thrasher666
September 22, 2011 at 7:13pm
Shotgun Messiah!! Where the HELL is HArry K. Cody??? He was a f*&kin BAD MO FU!!!
Matre Carrefour
September 22, 2011 at 5:18am
Winger? This was on MTV every 20 minutes, and still receives radio airplay today.. How about Rough Cutt or Wildside? If we are going to discuss "hidden gems", at least look at songs that never hit high rotation..
Latest News
-
4 hours 16 min ago
-
4 hours 44 min ago
-
4 hours 49 min ago
-
5 hours 58 min ago
-
6 hours 9 min ago
-
7 hours 13 min ago
-
8 hours 22 min ago
Connect with Guitar World
Featured Content
In the Magazine
Most Commented Articles
Guitar World On Twitter
Live Updates
-
Memorial for @Slayer's #JeffHanneman starting soon @thepalladium t.co/nA0CrFKLUI We show our respect w/ this special tribute issue.
-
Video: Jon Donais of @ShadowsFallBand / @Anthrax Demos Rivera Metal Shaman and Double Shaman Pedals t.co/NjkgP3pZPH
-
Video Review: @PaulRiario VS @BUGERA_AMPS TriRec Infinium Guitar Amplifier t.co/H7HkDtNq7c #Tone #Battle
-
RT @rod_ron: Just got the new @GuitarWorld looks like It's going to ne a good one as usual. #BlackSabbath t.co/p9fJr0464h
-
Viral Video: 14-Year-Old Girl Covers @VanHalen's "Eruption" Solo t.co/ONXVbDwzOX Great job Tina!
-
Exclusive Album Premiere: Monster Truck — 'Furiosity' t.co/XhY3IofrXY #NowPlaying
