Hard Rock Hideout

5 Responses to “Remembering Steve Clark”

1. I met Dave Rude not knowing that he had replaced Tommy (on of my favorite guitarists) at a good friend’s Birthday party. We chatted about the Barn Owls living in my attic. I then went on to mention that if I strummed an open A chord the owlets would go crazy and run around which he thought was pretty cool. We talked a bit about it and he and his girlfriend left. About an hour later I was talking to a buddy at the party and mentioned the story I had told Dave. My friend smiled and said “I bet he thought that was cool given what he does.” Puzzled I asked what it was that Dave did. The friend was pretty surprised saying “He didn’t mention that he plays guitar too?” “No” I responded. “Oh, um he is in Tesla” “WHAT?!”

   I have always thought it was great that we chatted about the owls and how he was really interested in the owls, and didn’t pull an ego trip, instead was humble, funny and nice.

   Long story short, Dave is a great guy and a amazing guitarist. So, please don’t begrudge him ’cause he got a dream gig…

   Also, STEVE CLARK WAS A FUCKING GOD WHO STRUMMED AMONG MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   Steve is about 87% why I started playing guitar and why I’ve had a Les Paul and two Firebirds.

   GiantPip said this on April 21, 2012 at 10:46 am | Reply

2. I have High-N-Dry playing as I write this, one of my all time favorite albums! I have no idea what it was like for Steve to be a rock star, only he knew but after the Pyro album s**t hit the fan! In comes the greed of record labels, producers, tour promoters, etc, so long artistic freedom hello hell ! I have played, listened to, and loved 80′s rock music from its birth to now so I can only imagine what pressure he must have been under that came along with the fame. I also have had my own battles with depression, alcohol and anxiety , its no picnic so that coupled with the pressures of greed and commercialism and the MTV revolution we lose Steve Clark! RIP my friend someday I hope once again I can hear you play your guitar, and if Im lucky I can play a couple H-N-D songs with ya!

   John said this on February 10, 2012 at 12:09 am | Reply

3. I’ve been a fan since the release of High N Dry. I think I’ve always held a grudge against Phil Collen. To me, the true sound of Def Leppard was and always will be Steve Clark and Pete Willis. I think that catapulted them into the big time, and they’ve been riding their coattails every since.

   Don’t get me wrong, I have tons (TONS) of respect for Vivian Campbell, on the merits of Holy Diver alone. But to me, they’re not Def Leppard any more.

   The greatest tribute I know of is Tesla’s Song and Emotion. They freaking NAILED what Steve was about. He was the best. RIP.

   Frank Furter said this on January 9, 2012 at 9:10 am | Reply

   • That is my all time favorite Tesla song!

     Rob Rockitt said this on January 9, 2012 at 9:12 am | Reply

     • A dandy, no doubt. My personal fave of Tesla’s is ‘Call It What You Want’. MAN, those guitars are roaring in that chorus. I wish Tommy Skeoch would come back. I hold a grudge against Dave Rude too….:^)

       Frank Furter said this on January 9, 2012 at 9:46 am