Steve Clark, the guitarist of Def Leppard, passed away in 1991 due to alcohol poisoning.
Steve Clark was an English musician who became famous as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the British rock band Def Leppard. Born on April 23, 1960, in Sheffield, England, Clark was known for his distinctive guitar playing style and was an integral part of the band’s success during the 1980s.
Clark’s issues with alcohol began to surface in the late 1980s, and his bandmates and management were concerned about his health. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, his addiction continued to plague him. On January 8, 1991, Steve Clark was found dead at his home in Chelsea, London. The autopsy report concluded that the cause of death was accidental, resulting from a lethal mixture of alcohol and prescription drugs. His blood alcohol level was found to be .30, which is nearly four times the legal driving limit in the UK.
Clark’s death was a significant loss to the music world and to Def Leppard. The band decided to continue as a four-piece before eventually adding guitarist Vivian Campbell to the lineup. Steve Clark’s musical legacy lives on through the band’s recordings, and he is remembered as a talented musician who left an indelible mark on rock music.