CALLED UP: Tony Kenning, the original drummer and a founding member of the iconic rock band Def Leppard…

Was born on June 6, 1960, in Sheffield, England. Kenning’s involvement with Def Leppard was instrumental during the early stages of the band’s formation, but his journey with the group was relatively short-lived compared to his future bandmates.

Kenning joined Def Leppard in 1977, when the band was still in its formative stages and known as “Deaf Leopard.” His contributions were crucial in shaping the band’s early sound and style. He played a significant role in the development of the band’s musical identity during their initial gigs and early recordings. Def Leppard’s lineup during Kenning’s tenure also included guitarists Pete Willis and Steve Clark, bassist Rick Savage, and lead vocalist Joe Elliott.

Despite Kenning’s vital contributions, his time with Def Leppard was brief. In 1978, he departed from the band due to differences in musical direction and internal dynamics. The departure came at a pivotal moment for Def Leppard, just as they were beginning to gain traction and visibility within the rock scene. Tony Kenning’s exit paved the way for the arrival of Rick Allen, who would go on to become the band’s iconic drummer and one of the most recognizable figures in rock music.

Kenning’s departure marked the end of his direct involvement with Def Leppard, but his influence on the band’s early sound and structure remained significant. While he moved on to pursue other musical ventures, the legacy of his contribution to the band’s early development is a notable part of Def Leppard’s history.

After leaving Def Leppard, Tony Kenning continued to be active in the music industry, playing with various bands and pursuing different musical projects. His post-Def Leppard career included stints with bands like “The White Knights” and other local groups, though none achieved the same level of international success as Def Leppard.

In recent years, Kenning’s role in Def Leppard’s history has been recognized by fans and historians of the band. His early contributions are often acknowledged in retrospectives and documentaries about Def Leppard’s rise to fame. Despite not being part of the band during their most successful years, Kenning remains an integral part of Def Leppard’s story, and his early work with the band is remembered fondly by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Tony Kenning’s story is a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of early band members and the dynamic nature of the music industry, where the paths of musicians can diverge and intersect in unexpected ways. His role in the early days of Def Leppard, though brief, laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful rock bands in history.