Rick Savage

Savage was born in Sheffield and educated at Tapton Secondary School in Sheffield. In his youth, he learned to play guitar along with his older brother. They played songs like Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" and Don McLean's "American Pie." Savage also pursued a career as a professional football player with Sheffield United, despite him being a Sheffield Wednesday supporter. In his teens he was a keen runner and attended Hallamshire Harriers athletics club in the Hillsborough area of the city. He ultimately chose music and formed a band with a few schoolmates, including Tony Kenning, and eventually Pete Willis. As Atomic Mass they mostly covered Queen, Slade, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, and other popular rock artists of the time. At one point, they decided that Willis was the better guitar player, so Savage picked up the bass guitar. Needing a singer, they auditioned an acquaintance of Willis', Joe Elliott. They subsequently picked up guitarist Steve Clark and changed their name to Def Leppard. Savage contracted Bell's palsy around 1994. This causes his facial muscles to weaken and become partially paralyzed. He has recovered, but effects of the disease are still visible, especially when he is fatigued. …

Savage is married to Paige Savage, with whom he has three children (one from Paige's prior relationship). The family moved to Enniskerry in 2013, but returned to Sheffield in 2016.