Def Leppard’s iconic 1987 hit “Hysteria” took on a stunning new life when the legendary rock band performed it live with the BBC Concert Orchestra for a special BBC Radio 2 Piano Room session at London’s historic Maida Vale Studios.
Originally released as part of the Hysteria album, the song became one of Def Leppard’s most beloved hits — featuring layered vocals, memorable melodies, and a signature polished ’80s rock sheen.
For this BBC performance, the band re-arranged “Hysteria” into a rich, orchestral version as part of their Drastic Symphonies project — an album that reimagines 16 classic Def Leppard tracks with orchestral arrangements.
The BBC Concert Orchestra Collaboration
On May 15, 2023, Def Leppard took the stage with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Maida Vale Studios, delivering a live rendition of “Hysteria” that blended rock energy with symphonic depth. This performance marked the first time the band played with a full orchestra live, giving fans a beautiful, stripped-back take on their classic sound — where the sweeping strings and piano elements accentuated the emotional core of the song.
Guest musician Emm Gryner joined the band on piano, enhancing the orchestral texture and emphasizing the intimate feel of the session.
The performance was broadcast on BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay Show, and later re-aired and made available via BBC platforms, bringing this unique version to a wider audience.
This orchestral interpretation shows how a beloved rock anthem can evolve — proving that a great song still resonates when framed in a completely different musical context.
