Def Leppard’s “Tonight” single was released in the U.S. on March 16, 1993.
The song was the fifth single off of the band’s multi-platinum Adrenalize album.
Here is a cardboard insert/cut-out that Def Leppard’s record company created to promote the “Tonight” single release inside CD bins back in 1993:
Wantin’, Willin’, Touchin’… The Charts
“Tonight” is beloved by some Def Leppard fans, captivated by the song’s fervent mood and sultry lyrics. Yet others consider the track to be one of their least favorite ballads residing in the band’s repertoire. Based on its chart performance, mainstream radio stations (and their listeners) favored the latter opinion.
The track peaked at only #62 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 singles chart — after only 5 weeks into its run — which wasn’t typical for a Def Leppard single at that time. (For comparison, the Adrenalize ballad “Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad” peaked at #12.)
Furthermore, “Tonight” wasn’t included on Def Leppard’s “greatest hits” releases Vault or Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection; it finally made the cut on The Story So Far, but only for the deluxe edition version.
“Tonight” Music Video
The “Tonight” music video is dark — figuratively and literally. Filmed in black and white, the video also features quick cuts of the band performing, with the footage overly contrasted to the point that band members’ faces are mostly washed out at times.
It’s unfortunate because the creative direction and overall presentation could have enhanced the song instead of detracting from it.
Think for a moment about the “Pour Some Sugar On Me” concert music video and how its live, sold-out arena setting adds a whole new layer of energy to the viewing experience, or the unforgettable “Photograph” music video and the Marilyn Monroe character storyline that instantly comes to mind. (Sadly, Kay Kent — the Marilyn Monroe impersonator who played the part of the actress in the video — committed suicide in 1989.)
Those music videos complemented their respective songs and had a lasting impact, leaving an unforgettable impression on Def Leppard fans.
On the other hand, the music video for “Tonight” seems excessively preoccupied with telling a brooding nighttime tale in a very, very dark forest, thus leaving disenchanted fans wanting more. A lot more.
Artistically, the visuals are relatively interesting. Commercially, though, not so much.
A Different Time, A Different Industry
It’s important to note that these were trying times for the band. Aside from kicking off a whole new era due to Steve Clark’s death, grunge music was quickly transforming the music industry in ways that were unfavorable and challenging to Def Leppard’s brand of music.
That being said, “Tonight” was Adrenalize‘s fifth U.S. single, and regardless of the strategic intent by the band’s record company, choosing to release another sleekly produced ballad likely worked against Def Leppard; after all, “Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad” and “Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)” had already been released as singles off the album.
A different approach for Adrenalize‘s singles might have worked in the album’s favor and further extended its chart life, but, to be fair, the erratic music industry at the time would have made things difficult no matter what course was taken.
In retrospect, the band has a lot of mixed feelings about Adrenalize and, arguably, the overproduction of its songs.
Years after its release, Rick Savage spoke candidly about it:
“We ended up making a record by the numbers… We tried to outdo ‘Hysteria,’ which was a mistake… It doesn’t really cut it for me.”
Joe Elliott reflected on the album as well:
“My opinion of the album changes depending on which way the wind’s blowing. I mean, sometimes I really don’t like it, and then there’s other times I think ‘No, that’s our glam rock album, we made a really cool record.'”
“Tonight” On Tour
Def Leppard performed “Tonight” during the Adrenalize tour, but hasn’t since, which is quite telling.
Additionally, even though the band made it a point to perform some of their “deeper tracks” during their Las Vegas Planet Hollywood “Sin City” residency, “Tonight” still wasn’t included. (Take an in-depth look at the “Sin City” setlist, and what Def Leppard can do to further shake it up here.)
By the way, if you want to indulge in a lot more Def Leppard, check out this must-read book!
Def Leppard “Tonight”: Final Thoughts
This site ranks “Tonight” as the #10 song off the Adrenalize release. (You’ll find the album’s songs ranked and reviewed here.)
As for whether “Tonight” is one of Def Leppard’s most or least potent power ballads is open to debate. But to borrow from the song’s lyrics: If it pleases you, well, then that’s all that matters!
