Def Leppard released Retro Active, an album compiled from previously unreleased tracks, B-sides, and studio recordings from various periods of the band's career.
Def Leppard's fourth studio album "Hysteria" reached No. 1 on the UK album chart. The album also reached No. 1 in the US the following July after 49 weeks of gradual ascent. It also reached No. 1 in Australia, Norway, and New Zealand, and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
Def Leppard began the North American leg of their world tour for the album “Hysteria” with a concert at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, New York.
Rick Allen made his first live return to the stage with Def Leppard after losing his left arm in a car accident. It took place at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington.
Def Leppard signed a contract with Phonogram Records with an initial advance of £120,000 ($180,000) and a 10 percent share of sales during the first two years.