by Gerri MillerG: Congratulations on Hysteria going quadruple platinum.
R: Thanks. We're really pleased. As we speak, the album's been out 10 month's, and it's at the highest position it's been. It's certainly got longevity.
G: Think it'll surpass Pyromania? Does it matter?
R: I do, but I don't think it's the ultimate thing. You just try to keep a certain standard.
G: Does the period you spent creating it seem far away now?
R: It does, like a bad dream. After it was finished we could listen to the record and still like it, and that kind of makes whatever happened worthwhile.
G: Hopefully it will be an easier process next time.
R: I don't think it will be as long!
G: Will your songs reflect road experiences?
R: No, we never really do that. Everything we write about is either just phrases and words or impressions rather than 'When I woke up this morning.'
G: What tour highlights come to mind?
R: It's been really good everywhere we've been, absolutely brilliant. Montreal was definitely one of the loudest crowds. I can't think of any negetive things.
G: Do you have a favorite point in the show?
R: I always enjoy playing "Too Late," which is the forth song we do. It's slower than on the record and always seems to go down well. I like "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" as well.
G: What's tha atmosphere like backstage before you go on?
R: Relaxed. It's not the sort of vibe where we spend five minutes psyching ourselves up. That's nonsense. You get your stage clothes on, you get your microphone, and you go for it-it's as simple as that. It's second nature, really.
G: How about after the show?
R: We're definitely not the type of band that will jump around the dressing room after the show. We ain't got the energy! We talk very quietly and sit down, and after 20 minutes everybody's back to normal.
G: You've been on the road for nearly a year. Do you miss home?
R: We don't really know what home is any more. Of course you miss your parents and relatives and girlfriends but home is basically where the suitcase is.
G: How's your strength holding up?
R: Nobody's really tired yet.
G: How do you spend your time off?
R: Sleeping. I know it sounds boring, but there's so much traveling and sound checking and everything that on days off we try to do normal things like read the paper and sleep.
G: Get any new basses?
R: I got a new Hamer bass for the "Love Bites" video. The neck broke when it was shipped back to England so they're making me another one. It's the same as my others, anyway.
G: Which bass players do you admire?
R: The same people I admired years ago. I like Sting, Rudy Sarzo, players who play with regards to the song.
G: "Pour Some Sugar On Me" has been #1 on Dial MTV for weeks. Did you think it would be such a big hit?
R: When we saw it we did. It's a typical live video, there's nothing unique about it. It's just the way the band is portrayed, which is so close and so true.
G: Is it your favorite so far?
R: I've always had a soft spot for the "Hysteria" video.
G: What about "Love Bites"?
R: I'm really pleased. It's very dimly lit, just close-ups of faces-no full-body shots. It's really intimate.
G: How much of a factor is video in your success?
R: It's part of a lot of contributions. The most important thing is the record, but the video, press, and radio are also important. But the album sold a half million records and went from #12 to #3 since "Sugar." There must be a reason for that.
G: Do you like making videos?
R: It's a pain in the ass, so boring. Almost like making a record.
G: Do you remember your first Def Leppard gig?
R: Yes. I remember Joe not wanting to get on stage. He was petrified, far more scared than me. It was at a school called Westfield, just outside of Sheffield, an end-of-term thing. We got paid five pounds for it. I'd say it was a success. We left the crowd wanting more.
G: Looking back, would you change anything?
R: No, I honestly wouldn't change a thing apart obviously from the accident for Rick's sake. Other than that I don't have any regrets. Everything that happens happens for a reason. You learn from your experiences and without them you wouldn't develop in the same way.
G: What was the most valuable lesson you learned?
R: I convinced myself that it doesn't matter what happens as long as you do what you think is right. If you're true to yourself, you can live with it. When we were in the studio we were so single-minded about getting the record finished exactly how we wanted it, and to hell with everybody else.
G: How else have you changed?
R: I think we've all improved as musicians. As a person, I don't think I've changed. It's hard to gauge-I'm in such a non-normal world all the time that it's impossible to tell.
G: How do you balance a non-normal career and a private life?
R: I honestly don't know. I'm not very good at it, to be honest. Since I last spoke to you I split up with my girlfriend of eight years. The band comes first-I'll always be married to the band. There's no such thing as a regular life. It's nearly impossible. But Joe does it well. He's in an established relationship and doesn't do anything to damage that relationship.
G: How do you handle the adulation, having millions of women in love with you?
R: We don't go out of our way to portray that, it just happens. It's quite flattering to a degree, but you can't take it too seriously. It's nice if people think of you in a certain way, but that's as far as it goes.
G: Does it ever get out of hand?
R: Sometimes it's a pain in the ass, but you'd miss it if it wasn't there. If nobody wants to speak to you you'd start asking questions.
G: How do you define success, p>