Def Leppard Jumps on '80s Viral Trend

Rock band puts their own spin on the 'What Were You Like in the '90s?' challenge.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:30am

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Def Leppard has joined the viral 'what were you like in the '90s' trend, but with a twist - the band is throwing it back to the 1980s instead. The group posted a video that starts with current clips of the band members, followed by throwback photos of them in the '80s, set to their hit song 'Photograph' from 1983.

Why it matters

Def Leppard is one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1980s, known for their massive hits like 'Photograph' and 'Pour Some Sugar on Me.' By participating in this viral trend, the band is engaging with their fans and tapping into nostalgia for the 1980s music scene.

The details

The viral trend has celebrities and social media users posting a current video of themselves, followed by photos and video of them in the '90s, often set to the Goo Goo Dolls' hit 'Iris.' However, Def Leppard is putting their own spin on the trend, throwing it back to the 1980s instead of the '90s. The band's video starts with current clips of members Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, and Rick Allen, followed by several throwback photos of the band in the '80s, with the clip soundtracked to their 1983 hit 'Photograph'.

  • Def Leppard recently wrapped a Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
  • The band is set to launch a tour of India on Wednesday, March 22, 2026, with a European tour to follow.

The players

Def Leppard

An iconic British rock band known for their massive hits in the 1980s, including 'Photograph' and 'Pour Some Sugar on Me'.

Joe Elliott

The lead singer of Def Leppard.

Phil Collen

The guitarist for Def Leppard.

Rick Savage

The bassist for Def Leppard.

Rick Allen

The drummer for Def Leppard.

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What they’re saying

“All I've got is a photograph #defleppard #80s.”

— Def Leppard

What’s next

Def Leppard is set to launch a tour of India on Wednesday, March 22, 2026, with a European tour to follow.

The takeaway

Def Leppard's participation in the viral 'What Were You Like in the '90s?' trend, but with a twist to the 1980s, shows the band's continued relevance and ability to engage with their fans through social media and nostalgia for the iconic music of the 1980s.