Def Leppard’s debut album, High ‘n’ Dry, was my ultimate favorite during middle school. No shame here—it’s still on my playlist today! I can see why some might hesitate to declare their love for Def Leppard. They did morph into a stereotypical hair metal band and gave birth to the less-than-stellar pop-metal genre. But High ‘n’ Dry was a different beast. It came out before the era of album titles that sounded like medical conditions (seriously, Pyromania and Hysteria?), way before the infamous “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and long before drummer Rick Allen lost his arm yet continued to rock out. High ‘n’ Dry was raw, loud, and pure rock ‘n’ roll, and I was all in.
I was captivated by its intensity. Prior to High ‘n’ Dry, I was immersed in softer sounds like Journey and Styx. This album hit me with a distortion-filled guitar riff that felt like an alarm clock, urging me to leap out of bed and start smashing things—figuratively, of course. It opened my eyes to a world of musical ferocity that was exhilarating!
The lyrics were another thrilling aspect. They shocked my preteen sensibilities; in the title track, lead singer Joe Elliott boasts about a day filled with whiskey, wine, and wild abandon. I remember thinking, “Is this even legal?” It was a far cry from the love-struck ballads of my previous playlists. I never quite crossed any lines while air-guitaring and belting out the words, but it sure felt like I did.
Growing up in New York City, I attended some incredible concerts, but Def Leppard was always the elusive band. I once would have traded my Clash, U2, and Replacements tickets just to see them live (and yes, I cringe admitting that).
Fast forward to a summer road trip with my partner, Emma, when we spotted a billboard advertising Def Leppard at the California Mid-State Fair. I nearly swerved off the road! Was it possible I’d finally get to fulfill that middle school dream?
The universe seemed to align perfectly. Our son was at sleepaway camp, Emma had a flexible schedule, and I could miss a workday. What better excuse could there be? (That’s rhetorical, by the way.)
With our son away, we felt liberated, embracing our pre-parent lives. We savored spontaneous dinners, late-night movies, and even the thrill of corn dogs and Ferris wheels. But come morning, that excitement had vanished. Something held me back. It was like Animal House, with Middle School Me urging me to go wild, while Adult Me weighed the responsibilities of work and health.
In the end, I chose not to attend the concert. This wasn’t a sacrifice for fatherhood; it was more about adulthood. Nowadays, I need solid reasons to stay up late—not just because my son keeps me on my toes. Middle School Me was disappointed, but I realized that fatherhood wasn’t the culprit holding me back—it was simply the reality of growing up. If I truly wanted to do something, I could still make it happen. It turns out that seeing Def Leppard just isn’t as crucial to me anymore.
This reflection isn’t just about music; it’s about the often complicated balance of desire and responsibility that comes with being a parent. You can read more about navigating these challenges in our other blog posts, like this one. There’s always a way to find joy, even when it seems like life’s obligations are in the way. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out resources from Healthline and Make a Mom.
Summary:
In reflecting on my love for Def Leppard and the decision not to attend their concert, I learned that fatherhood doesn’t restrict me—it’s my own adult responsibilities that do. If I truly want to pursue something, I can still do it.