Maniac (band)

Maniac was a short-lived but influential British heavy metal band formed in the late 1970s, notable for featuring future Def Leppard members. The band's roots lay in Sheffield, England, during the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene.

The lineup consisted of Rick Savage (bass), Pete Willis (guitar), and Frank Noon (drums), along with vocalist Joe Elliott. Prior to the formation of Def Leppard, these musicians played together under the name Maniac, honing their skills and developing their musical style.

Maniac played a significant role in the early careers of Elliott, Savage, and Willis. It provided them with valuable experience in songwriting, performing live, and working together as a band. The short-lived project ultimately served as a crucial stepping stone towards the formation of Def Leppard.

While Maniac did not release any official recordings during their existence, their rehearsals and live performances helped to shape the musical direction that Elliott, Savage, and Willis would later pursue with their more successful project. Noon briefly joined Def Leppard later, filling in on drums for a few performances.

Maniac's legacy primarily rests on its connection to the later success of Def Leppard, demonstrating the importance of early musical collaborations and the evolution of musicianship within the NWOBHM era. Although largely unknown outside of avid followers of Def Leppard and the NWOBHM scene, Maniac represents a key piece of the puzzle in understanding the origins of one of rock music's most prominent acts.