~ Steve Clark~

I've been wanting to do a blog or article on Steve for a looooooooong time.

For those of you that don't know Steve was a member of Def Leppard for 13 years (January of 1978 to his death in 1991) I grew up listening to Steve (and the band) and his untimely death devastated me.

Steve had a very distinct style in his playing and that can be heard in several of Def lep's songs, one of those songs "Gods of War" is one of my all time favorites from the Leps. I've found a beautiful tribute to Steve on YouTube and if your interested in seeing some "life" shots of him and learning a little more start here....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-QwCM6JZKs

The song used in the "tribute" is sung by Def Leppard (after Steve's death) the band has never attributed this song to Steve but I thought for (the fans) this song is highly appropriate. (and no I did not make the youtube video) :)

The song that the band does state IS associated with Steve and was done in his memory is White Lightning (one of steve's niks) The guitar riffs at the beginning of the song remind me soooooo very much of Steve..... And the lyrics tell a tale of a beautiful soul who was surrounded by love but ultimately didn't realize it.

Such a lonely road you ride

It's not easy when you don't know why

Such a heavy load you hide

You never leave no matter how you try

Steve's struggles were documented in the VH1 biopic Hysteria-The Def Leppard Story

My biggest problem with all of the documentaries and stories that are told about Steve is I don't want him to be remembered for being an Alcoholic, although that is eventually what killed him and scarred his life.

He had and gave SO much more during his short stay on this earth and that is what I WILL remember.

My absolute favorite memory of Steve occurred during the Hysteria Tour (late 80's), It was my 2nd or 3rd Def Lep concert and I had 2nd row tickets. (I snuck to the front row tho) LOL and Steve and Phil were playing on my side of the stage. He took the time to "slap" a few hands in the audience but when he got to mine he actually grabbed it and gently shook it, & said "pretty eyes" I'll NEVER forget that and from what I've read that was totally out of character for Steve & to be honest with you probably MADE my "teen years" LoL

I'm not the type to take that as any more than an entertainer (entertaining) his fans, (now) but as a teen that one act of *kindness* boosted my ego to where it needed to be and gave me a memory I'll never forget.

Steve, thank you for making my "teen" years a little more tolerable with your beautiful style of music, your entertaining shows and your KINDNESS..... and that is what I pray you will be remembered for....

May he rest in peace.....