Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Phil Collen
View on Wikipedia
Key Information
Philip Kenneth Collen (born 8 December 1957)[1] is an English musician who is best known as the co-lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard. Collen joined the band in 1982 during the recording of the Pyromania album.[2] Before joining Def Leppard, Collen had performed with a number of bands in the burgeoning British glam metal scene. Outside of Def Leppard, he has been involved in a number of side projects; those projects include the trio Man Raze, with which he is the lead singer and sole guitarist.
Collen has been noted for his shred guitar playing style.[3]
Early life
[edit]Collen was born in Hackney, London. He got his first guitar, a red Gibson SG, on his 16th birthday, and taught himself how to play.[4] He played with several bands including Lucy, Tush, and Dumb Blondes.
He left school to work as a motorcycle dispatch rider for a typesetter until his band Girl got their first record contract.[5] During his tenure with Girl, Collen's career began rising, spurred by the relative success of the albums Sheer Greed and Wasted Youth, which allowed him the opportunity to play at more significant venues.[6]
A young Collen can also be seen on the back cover of Deep Purple's live album Made in Japan as the live photo was actually taken at the Rainbow Theatre in London, a concert Collen attended, and not in Japan.[7]
In an interview, Collen revealed that he was approached by Steve Harris to join Iron Maiden replacing guitarist Dennis Stratton.[8]
Def Leppard
[edit]
Before Collen joined Def Leppard on 12 July 1982 during the recording of Pyromania, he had previously been asked to consider joining the band during the 1981 tour for High 'n' Dry by Joe Elliott and Steve Clark, whom he knew at the time. Despite this invitation, there was no need to replace Pete Willis. As a result, Collen stayed a member of Girl.
Recruitment and friendship with Steve Clark
[edit]After Willis was fired due to alcohol problems, Joe Elliott called and asked Collen to audition. He was asked to perform the solos on the songs "Stagefright" and "Photograph" during the recording sessions of Pyromania.[9] Mutt Lange, the band's producer, said to Collen, "just have fun on it, play some solos on it". "Photograph", "Rock of Ages", "Foolin'", "Stagefright", and "Rock Till You Drop" were all songs that he played solos on.[10] He and fellow guitarist Clark quickly bonded, becoming close friends and leading to the trademark dual-guitar sound of Def Leppard. Collen and Clark became known as the "Terror Twins", in recognition of their talents and hard drinking lifestyles. By this time, Collen had also become noted for his trademark bare-chested stage appearances.[11]
Changes in lifestyle, death of Clark and Adrenalize sessions
[edit]In 1988, Collen quit drinking alcohol after having developed an addiction to it. He also stopped eating meat and adopted a generally healthy lifestyle. According to Collen, he had begun suffering from blackouts due to alcohol and stopped drinking when he realized that his addiction was starting to dominate his life. Clark died due to alcohol abuse in early 1991.[12]
After Clark died, Collen was faced with the challenge of dealing with the loss of a friend and bandmate as well as the burden and responsibility of the Adrenalize recordings. Recording the parts that had been written for Clark proved difficult. While Clark's playing style was rhythmic, melodic and sometimes even characterized as "sloppy", Collen's style was technical and precise. The contrast between their playing styles made it challenging to mimic the sound of Clark's guitar work. Due to the aftermath of Clark's death, as well as the issues with the recording of Adrenalize, Collen seriously considered leaving Def Leppard.[11] According to Elliott, Collen did not want to continue in the band without Clark and said, "I'd rather be a plumber".[13]
Clark would ultimately be replaced as the band's co-lead guitarist by Vivian Campbell, formerly of Dio and Whitesnake, shortly before the Adrenalize tour. The hiring of Campbell relieved Collen of some of the pressures of the "overkill" production style of Def Leppard, as well as the challenge of reproducing Clark's guitar parts for live shows.[11][better source needed]
Side projects
[edit]
Collen has been involved in several side projects over his career, most notably the band Man Raze, formed as a joint collaboration with former Girl bandmate Simon Laffy as bassist and drummer Paul Cook from the Sex Pistols.[14]
Collen played lead guitar on Donny Osmond's song "Just Between You and Me" in 1990. Due to his band disapproving of him playing on this song, he was credited as Rory James Collen on the track.
In 1990, Collen co-produced the On the Edge album of the Australian band BB Steal.[15]
In 1991, Collen offered a song he had written, "Miss You in a Heartbeat" to the band The Law, which was featured on the band's self-titled album. This album was the band's only release. "Miss You in a Heartbeat" was later recorded and released by Def Leppard.[16]
In 1993, Collen executive produced the album Sublime to the Ridiculous for the band, Sheer Greed, composed of former members of Girl, an act Collen was also associated earlier in his career.[17]
Collen has also worked in side projects with Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott. One of these recent projects was a tribute to David Bowie and Mick Ronson. He and Elliott also joined with Trevor Bolder and Mick "Woody" Woodmansey from Spiders from Mars and keyboardist Dick Decent to form the band Cybernauts. In 2001 they released a live album of Bowie songs.[11]
In 1996, Collen performed as a featured guitarist on the Jeffology: A Guitar Chronicle album – a tribute album to Jeff Beck. Collen performed on the single, "'Cause We've Ended As Lovers" from the album.[18]
In 2010, Collen recorded the song "Hard Times Celebrate" with rapper Bazaar Royale, featured on the album "The Ride."[19]
Collen formed a blues project by the name of Delta Deep with vocalist Debbi Blackwell Cook of the 1980s group The Jammers, which released an eponymous debut album in 2015.
In 2017, Collen was featured on three tracks of the reunited The Professionals album "What in the World."[20]
Collen joined Joe Satriani and John Petrucci on the 2018 edition of the G3 Tour in the United States.[21]
Personal life
[edit]Collen has lived in the United States for 35 years and currently resides in Orange County, California. He commented, "I'm almost a California native now." He has five children: Rory (b. 1990), Samantha (b. 2004), Savannah (b. 2009), Charlotte (b. 2014) and Jaxson (b. 2018).[22] He was married to actress Jacqueline Collen-Tarolly (1989) and Anita Thomas-Collen (1999). He married actress and costume designer Helen L. Simmons in 2010.[23]
Collen is a vegan[24] and has been a vegetarian for 35 years.[25] Collen is also colorblind.[26]
Collen is known for his dedication to fitness and has trained extensively in martial arts for over 20 years. He began his martial arts training in Kenpo Karate,[27] earning a black belt. He also has studied kickboxing with Benny Urquidez and Muay Thai with Jean Carillo.[28][29]
Equipment
[edit]In 1989, Collen worked with Jackson Guitars to develop the PC1 Archtop "ergonomically correct" electric guitar, although according to Collen, he designed them because "they looked cool", and they ended up having bad balance as well as a "really weird shape".[30] Subsequently, Collen and Jackson developed the standard PC1 series.
As of 2011[update], his live rig with Def Leppard consists of various Jackson PC1 guitars (some modified), all equipped with DiMarzio pickups, Floyd Rose tremolo units, and a Floyd Rose sustainer driver. Collen uses several Fender acoustic guitars. Collen uses D'Addario 0.13–0.54 and 0.13–0.56 gauge strings, and he uses steel picks.[31]
Discography
[edit]with Girl
[edit]- Sheer Greed (1980)
- Wasted Youth (1981)
- Killing Time (1997)
- Live at the Marquee (2001)
with Def Leppard
[edit]- Pyromania (1983) (tracks 1–3, 6 & 7)
- Hysteria (1987)
- Adrenalize (1992)
- Retro Active (1993)
- Slang (1996)
- Euphoria (1999)
- X (2002)
- Yeah! (2006)
- Songs from the Sparkle Lounge (2008)
- Mirror Ball – Live & More (2011)
- Viva! Hysteria (2013)
- Def Leppard (2015)
- Diamond Star Halos (2022)
- Drastic Symphonies (2023)
with Man Raze
[edit]- Surreal (2008)
- PunkFunkRootsRock (2011)
with Delta Deep
[edit]- Delta Deep (2018)
References
[edit]- ^ "Phil Collen". DefLeppard.com. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ 35 Years Ago: Def Leppard Replaces Pete Willis With Phil Collen at Ultimate Classic Rock; by Martin Kielty; July 2017
- ^ Donovan, Thom (29 June 2024). "4 of the Best British Heavy Metal Bands from the 1980s". American Songwriter. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
- ^ 10 questions: Phil Collen at Music Radar; 12 September 2014
- ^ "Phil Collen :: Artists". Jacksonguitars.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- ^ Phil Collen NNDB. 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
- ^ "How Phil Collen ended up on the back of DP's "Made In Japan"". Playadelnacho.wordpress.com. 6 April 2013.
- ^ "DEF LEPPARD's PHIL COLLEN Talks About Turning Down IRON MAIDEN Audition". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- ^ Spera, Keith (15 August 2009). "A conversation with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved 23 January 2017 – via NOLA.com.
- ^ Phil Collen Recommends... at Music Aficionado; retrieved 2019
- ^ a b c d "Biography". Phil Collen website. 2008. Archived from the original on 3 January 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
- ^ "Q&A: Phil Collen". Irish Independent. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ Adrenalize (Media notes). Def Leppard. Mercury Records. 1992.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "About". Man Raze official website. 2007. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
- ^ "BB Steal – On the Edge (Release Year – 1991)". Hard Rock Hideout. 1 June 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ "Biography". Allmusic. 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
- ^ "Sheer Greed". MusicMight. 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2010. [dead link]
- ^ "Jeffology: "A Guitar Chronicle"". Guitar Nine Records. 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
- ^ "Bazaar Royale: Hard Times Celebrate". YouTube. 7 April 2010. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021.
- ^ "THE PROFESSIONALS Album Ft. DEF LEPPARD's PHIL COLLEN Out Now". Deflepparduk.com. 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ "Joe Satriani Announces 'What Happens Next' Album + G3 2018 Tour With John Petrucci + Phil Collen". Loudwire.com. 18 September 2017.
- ^ "Def Leppard Interview". Thegauntlet.com. 30 May 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
- ^ Laudadio, Marisa (17 July 2010). "Def Leppard Guitarist's Rockin' Sunset Beach Wedding". People. Archived from the original on 19 July 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
- ^ James S. Fell (27 June 2015). "How Def Leppard's Phil Collen traded the booze for a better body". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
- ^ "Phil Collen of Def Leppard: Vegging Out and Coming Clean". The Rockstar Remedy. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- ^ "Phil Collen – Rig Rundown". Premier Guitar. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ "For Def Leppard's Phil Collen, making muscles is as important as making music". Los Angeles Times. 26 January 2011.
- ^ "Def Leppard Personal Trainer Jean Carillo's Workout Folder". Ashnewell.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- ^ "Fighting talk with Def Leppard's Phil Collen". Teamrock.com. 9 December 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
- ^ "Rock of Love Bites: An Interview with Def Leppard's Phil Collen". Classic Rock Revisited. Archived from the original on 14 February 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
- ^ "Rig Rundown – Def Leppard's Phil Collen". Premier Guitar. 15 August 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2012 – via YouTube.
External links
[edit]- Phil Collen official website
- Man Raze official website
- 2006 radio interview[dead link] with Phil Collen
- The Gauntlet interviews Phil Collen in 2008
- 2015 Phil Collen Interview on Guitar.com
Phil Collen
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family background
Philip Kenneth Collen was born on December 8, 1957, at 12:02 a.m. in the Mothers' Hospital of the Salvation Army, located at 153 Lower Clapton Road in Hackney, East London, England.[5] Collen grew up in a working-class family in the tough neighborhood of Hackney in London's East End. His father, Kenneth Frank Collen, worked as a cross-country truck driver until his death in 2004, while his mother, Constance April Collen (née Wheeler), was a devoted homemaker who passed away in 1998. The family lived in a modest household, reflecting the socioeconomic realities of post-war London, with no mention of siblings in available records.[6][7][5] During his childhood in the 1950s and 1960s, Collen experienced the everyday challenges and community life of a working-class upbringing in Hackney, an area known for its industrial grit and close-knit families. He had no formal musical training at this stage, though music permeated his early environment through popular radio broadcasts and casual family listening, fostering a budding interest that would later shape his path. The family remained in the East End throughout his adolescence, without notable relocations within London.[6]Musical beginnings and early influences
Phil Collen's passion for music was nurtured from a young age by the vibrant sounds of the 1960s British music scene, including the revolutionary pop-rock of The Beatles' breakthrough single "I Want to Hold Your Hand," which captivated him through radio broadcasts during his childhood. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to music, though it was a live rock concert at age 14 in 1972 that truly ignited his desire to play guitar. Attending a Deep Purple performance with his cousin proved transformative, inspiring Collen to relentlessly persuade his parents for an instrument over the next two years. By age 16, he acquired his first electric guitar, marking the start of his musical journey.[8][9][10] Largely self-taught, Collen practiced on his first electric guitar, emulating recordings by listening and playing along to develop his technique. His formative influences centered on virtuoso rock guitarists such as Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, and Mick Ronson of David Bowie's band, whose innovative styles helped him cultivate a dynamic, high-energy approach to the instrument. The burgeoning glam rock movement of the early 1970s further shaped his tastes, with bands like David Bowie, Sweet, and Slade providing a blueprint for theatrical energy and catchy hooks that resonated with the era's youth culture.[11][9][9][12] As Collen honed his skills amid the glam rock explosion, he began performing in local school events and youth clubs during the mid-1970s, gaining initial stage experience in informal settings that built his confidence. To support his growing interest in music and afford better gear, he left school at 16 and took on manual labor jobs, including factory work soldering wires at a burglar-alarm plant—where his undiagnosed color blindness caused mishaps—and as a dispatch rider navigating London's streets. These early efforts underscored his determination, allowing him to invest in equipment while immersing himself in the vibrant local music scene.[9][13][9]Career
Time with Girl and pre-Def Leppard work
Before joining Def Leppard, Phil Collen's professional music career launched in the late 1970s with several short-lived London-based bands, such as Lucy, Tush, and Dumb Blondes, where he honed his guitar skills through local gigs and rehearsals. These early outfits provided Collen with initial experience in the competitive UK rock scene, emphasizing self-taught techniques and covers of influences like David Bowie and Sweet. By 1979, Collen transitioned to a more stable project, joining the glam rock band Girl as co-lead guitarist alongside Gerry Laffy, marking his entry into a group with greater visibility and recording potential.[14] Girl, formed in London in 1979 by vocalist Phil Lewis, Laffy, bassist Mark Harrison, and drummer Dave Gaynor (initially Jonathon Trevisick), blended glam aesthetics with punk energy and hard rock riffs, drawing from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal while prioritizing flashy stage presence and androgynous imagery.[14] Collen contributed significantly as co-lead guitarist, delivering dual-guitar harmonies and solos that added technical flair to the band's sound; he also co-wrote tracks like "Hollywood Tease" and "Doctor Doctor" on their debut album Sheer Greed, released in 1980 via Jet Records, which peaked at No. 33 on the UK Albums Chart and established their cult following.[15] The follow-up Wasted Youth arrived in 1982 on MCA Records, featuring more polished production but similar songwriting input from Collen, including contributions to songs like "Wasted Youth." During this period, Girl toured extensively across the UK, building a grassroots fanbase through club and theater shows, and ventured to the US for select dates, including opening slots that exposed them to American audiences amid the rising hair metal wave.[14] The band's trajectory faltered amid internal tensions, including personality clashes, substance abuse issues among members, and frustrations with management, compounded by the UK's shifting musical tastes toward new wave and post-punk that marginalized glam acts.[14] These factors led to Girl's dissolution in late 1982, shortly after Wasted Youth's release, leaving Collen to seek new opportunities.[16] In the immediate aftermath, Collen pursued auditions with various London rock outfits, enduring rejections due to the saturated scene and his glam-associated image, while taking brief stints with lesser-known local groups to maintain momentum.[17]Joining Def Leppard and 1980s era
Phil Collen joined Def Leppard on July 12, 1982, as the replacement for guitarist Pete Willis during the recording sessions for the band's third studio album, Pyromania, at Battery Studios in London. The opportunity arose after Def Leppard's manager, Peter Mensch, contacted Collen following the breakup of his previous band, Girl; unbeknownst to Collen at the time, the session served as an informal audition at Mensch's home, where he impressed producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange and the band by recording a solo for the track "Stagefright" in a single take using his Hamer Standard guitar plugged directly into a Marshall amplifier. This performance secured his position immediately, with no other candidates considered, marking a pivotal shift as Collen contributed lead guitar parts to five tracks on the album, including "Photograph," "Rock of Ages," and "Foolin'."[18][19][20] Collen's integration into the band was seamless, particularly through his fast-forming friendship with co-guitarist Steve Clark, with whom he developed a brotherly bond often referred to as the "Terror Twins" due to their shared onstage energy and offstage camaraderie. This partnership defined Def Leppard's sound during the 1980s, emphasizing intricate dual guitar harmonies and layered riffs that blended hard rock with pop sensibilities; their collaboration shone on Pyromania tracks like "Foolin'," where Collen's rapid sixteenth-note runs complemented Clark's rhythmic foundation, and "Rock of Ages," featuring harmonized leads that became staples of the band's live performances. Collen's style, influenced by his earlier work but adapted to Lange's meticulous production, added a melodic shredding edge to the album's overall texture.[21][22][23] Released on January 20, 1983, Pyromania showcased Collen's contributions through his explosive solos and riff work, which helped elevate the album to commercial breakthrough status, selling over 10 million copies worldwide and reaching diamond certification in the United States by 2004. The record's polished sound, co-produced by Lange, propelled singles like "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages" to heavy radio and video rotation, establishing Def Leppard as arena rock frontrunners. Collen's guitar work on these tracks, including the iconic harmonized intro to "Rock of Ages" and the fiery solo in "Photograph," exemplified the band's evolution toward stadium-sized anthems.[24][25][26] Building on this momentum, Collen played a key role in the production of Def Leppard's 1987 follow-up, Hysteria, contributing to its three-year recording process alongside Lange and the band at studios in Ireland and the Netherlands, where they experimented with layered guitars and electronic elements for a more expansive sound. He co-wrote several tracks, most notably "Pour Some Sugar on Me," which originated from a riff he developed during downtime and became the album's biggest hit after its post-release addition to the tracklist. Hysteria exceeded Pyromania's success, selling more than 25 million copies globally and spawning seven top-40 singles in the U.S., with Collen's rhythm and lead guitar work providing the driving force behind songs like "Hysteria" and "Armageddon It."[27][28][29] Def Leppard's ascent to superstardom in the 1980s was amplified by rigorous world tours and pervasive MTV exposure, which turned their elaborate music videos—such as those for "Photograph" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me"—into cultural touchstones that broadened their appeal beyond hard rock audiences. The Pyromania tour alone encompassed 178 shows across North America, Europe, and Japan from 1983 to 1984, while the subsequent Hysteria world tour, spanning 1987 to 1988, featured over 200 dates and innovative stage production, solidifying the band's reputation as one of the decade's top live acts. This era's triumphs, driven by Collen and Clark's guitar synergy, transformed Def Leppard into global icons with over 35 million albums sold from these two releases alone.[30][31][32]1990s challenges and transitions
The 1990s presented significant personal and professional hurdles for Def Leppard, beginning with the tragic death of guitarist Steve Clark on January 8, 1991, from an accidental overdose involving alcohol and prescription drugs.[33] Clark, Collen's close friend and longtime musical partner, had struggled with addiction for years, and his passing left the band in emotional turmoil. Collen, who described Clark as his best friend, played a pivotal role in holding the group together, providing emotional support while channeling his grief into music as a coping mechanism; he even considered leaving the band but ultimately recommitted to writing and performing to honor their shared legacy.[34][35][21] Amid these losses, Collen's personal commitment to sobriety, which he began in 1987 after recognizing the toll of rock lifestyle excesses, increasingly shaped band dynamics during this period of recovery and transition.[36] His decision to quit drinking in his early thirties, just before Clark's death, contrasted with the band's past partying culture and helped foster a more focused environment as they navigated grief. To fill the void left by Clark, Def Leppard brought in Vivian Campbell as a temporary second guitarist in early 1992, following auditions with several candidates; Campbell made his debut with the band on April 15, 1992, in Dublin, Ireland, bringing fresh energy to their live performances and recordings.[37][38][39] The recording of Adrenalize (1992) exemplified these challenges and Collen's adaptability, as he handled nearly all guitar parts single-handedly during initial sessions in 1991, re-recording them multiple times to achieve the album's layered sound before Campbell's arrival. Collen also co-wrote key tracks, including the hit ballad "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad," which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and contributed to the album's emotional depth as a tribute to Clark. Released on March 31, 1992, Adrenalize debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 7 million copies worldwide, marking a commercial triumph despite the band's instability.[40][15][24] As the decade progressed, the rise of grunge and alternative rock challenged Def Leppard's arena-rock dominance, leading to comparatively lower commercial performance for albums like Slang (1996), which sold around 1.2 million equivalent units globally, and Euphoria (1999), with similar figures of about 1.2 million. Slang represented a deliberate shift toward raw, experimental sounds—influenced by grunge's intimacy—featuring stripped-back production and acoustic elements, a direction Collen actively championed as "left-field" and essential for the band's evolution. Despite the sales dip, Collen's advocacy for this experimentation helped Def Leppard adapt creatively, setting the stage for renewed vitality while maintaining their core identity.[24][41][42]2000s revival and ongoing contributions
Following the mixed reception of their 1990s output, Def Leppard experienced a creative resurgence in the early 2000s with the release of their eighth studio album, X, in 2002. The album marked a return to more polished, anthemic rock songwriting, with guitarist Phil Collen contributing significantly to its composition and arrangement. Collen co-wrote the opening track "Now," a high-energy rocker that showcased the band's renewed focus on guitar-driven hooks and layered production, blending elements of their classic sound with contemporary influences.[43][44] Collen later described the album's brave experimentation as a deliberate effort to evolve without abandoning their rock roots, emphasizing earnest lyrical themes amid the post-grunge landscape.[43] Building on this momentum, Def Leppard released Yeah! in 2006, a covers album that paid homage to their influences while injecting fresh energy into their catalog. Collen played a key role in selecting tracks, advocating for raw, influential rock staples like The Stooges' "Raw Power," which highlighted his appreciation for punk and garage rock origins. The album also included original material, reinforcing Collen's songwriting evolution toward concise, riff-heavy compositions that bridged their past and present. This release coincided with intensified touring, including co-headlining runs with acts like Poison and Cheap Trick in 2009, which revitalized their live presence and drew massive crowds across North America and Europe.[45][46] The band's tenth studio album, Songs from the Sparkle Lounge in 2008, further exemplified Collen's riff-driven contributions, capturing a back-to-basics rock ethos amid shifting pop trends. Collen co-wrote the explosive opener "Go" with vocalist Joe Elliott, delivering aggressive guitar riffs that evoked their 1980s heyday, while his solo composition "Tomorrow" explored melodic pop-rock with intricate solos. These tracks underscored Collen's push within the band to prioritize classic rock structures over electronic experimentation, helping the album achieve commercial success and peak at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. By 2010, Def Leppard's cumulative worldwide album sales had surpassed 100 million units, a testament to their enduring appeal.[47][48][27] Collen's influence extended to live performances that solidified the revival, including the 2008-2009 Sparkle Lounge tour, captured on the 2011 live album Mirror Ball – Live & More, which featured dynamic renditions of hits and new material showcasing his virtuosic guitar work. In band decisions, Collen advocated for maintaining a timeless rock sound, as he noted in interviews about crafting "the best rock album of the century" during this era. This approach culminated in contributions to the 2013 live release Viva! Hysteria, where Collen provided detailed insights into reinterpreting their 1987 classic during a Las Vegas residency, blending nostalgia with high-octane delivery to engage longtime fans.[49][50][51]Recent activities (2010s–2025)
In the 2010s, Phil Collen contributed significantly to Def Leppard's self-titled eleventh studio album, released on October 30, 2015, which the band co-produced with longtime collaborator Ronan McHugh.[52] As co-lead guitarist, Collen provided key guitar parts and co-wrote the track "Dangerous," released as the album's second single on February 12, 2016, noting that it remained largely unchanged from its demo version to preserve its raw energy.[53][54] The album marked a return to the band's classic hard rock sound, blending high-energy riffs with anthemic choruses, and debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200.[55] Collen's involvement extended into the 2020s with Def Leppard's twelfth studio album, Diamond Star Halos, released on May 27, 2022, where he delivered lead and rhythm guitar work alongside backing vocals.[56] The record featured guest appearances by Alison Krauss on tracks like "This Diamond Life" and "From the Inside," adding a layer of bluegrass-infused harmony to the band's rock foundation.[57] Collen highlighted the album's nostalgic yet fresh approach in a track-by-track guide, emphasizing its nods to 1970s influences while maintaining Def Leppard's signature polish.[56] It reached No. 15 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 13 on the Billboard 200, reinforcing the band's enduring commercial appeal.[58] In 2023, Collen participated in Drastic Symphonies, a collaborative album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra released on May 19, reimagining 16 Def Leppard classics through orchestral arrangements while incorporating fresh vocals and guitar overdubs from the band.[59] His new guitar contributions, including layered solos and textures, enhanced the symphonic reinterpretations, transforming tracks like "Animal" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me" into sweeping, cinematic pieces.[60] Collen expressed enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as an opportunity to honor the band's catalog in a novel format without diluting its rock essence.[61] The album debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Classical Albums chart, showcasing Collen's adaptability in blending electric guitar with full orchestral backing.[59] Throughout this period, Collen supported Def Leppard's extensive touring, including extensions of The Stadium Tour from 2023 into 2025, with co-headlining dates alongside Journey starting in 2024 across North American stadiums.[62] In 2025, the band extended the tour further into October with additional shows, such as in Indiana. In July 2024, Collen outlined the band's 10-year plan, stressing the importance of strategic pacing to sustain their high-energy performances and creative output amid a rigorous schedule.[63] As of November 2025, Collen has affirmed no retirement intentions, citing his sustained physical vitality and passion for music as key factors in continuing with Def Leppard indefinitely.[64] In October 2025, Fender honored Collen by dedicating "The Phil Collen Room," a performance space at their headquarters in Corona, California.[65] Earlier in 2025, Collen and vocalist Joe Elliott released the tribute single "Seagull" for a Bad Company covers album. The band has been working on their thirteenth studio album, with Collen describing it as their best work since Hysteria, though a release is anticipated no earlier than 2026 and a lead single possibly in early 2026.[66]Side projects and collaborations
Man Raze
Man Raze was formed in 2007 by Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, alongside bassist Simon Laffy—his bandmate from the 1980s group Girl—and Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook, blending punk and hard rock influences in a raw, aggressive style distinct from Collen's main band work.[67] The project allowed Collen to explore his rock roots through high-energy compositions, with him handling lead vocals, guitars, and co-writing duties with Laffy.[68] The band's debut album, Surreal, was released in June 2008 in the United States via VH1 Classic Records, followed by a UK edition in December on LMT Company, featuring 12 original tracks produced by the trio with engineering assistance from Collen and others.[69] Collen's contributions included prominent guitar work and lead vocals on songs like "Shine" and "This Is," showcasing a punk-infused hard rock sound with driving riffs and anthemic choruses that emphasized the group's live-oriented energy.[70] The album received limited distribution but garnered positive reviews for its unpolished vibe and Collen's versatile frontman role.[71] Following the release, Man Raze embarked on promotional tours in the UK and US, performing at venues and festivals to support Surreal, with sets highlighting their collaborative chemistry and high-octane performances.[72] Notable appearances included opening slots and radio sessions, though the band's momentum waned after 2009 as members prioritized their primary commitments—Collen with Def Leppard, Cook with Sex Pistols-related projects, and Laffy with session work—leading to inactivity and no further full-length releases during the late 2000s.[67] Collen has cited the project as a creative outlet to channel edgier, rootsy rock elements unbound by Def Leppard's polished production.[73]Delta Deep
Delta Deep is a blues and soul rock supergroup formed by Phil Collen in 2012 through informal jamming sessions at home, initially focused on exploring deep blues influences with relative Debbi Blackwell-Cook on lead vocals.[74] The band solidified its lineup with Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo and Crusaders drummer Forrest Robinson, emphasizing raw improvisation, vocal harmonies, and a fusion of traditional blues with rock elements.[75] Collen's longstanding interest in diverse genres, honed during his Def Leppard career, drove the project's creation as an outlet for his blues passion.[76] The band's self-titled debut album, released in June 2015 via Mailboat Records, blended original tracks like "Whiskey" and "Miss Me" with covers such as "Private Number" and "Black Coffee," showcasing Collen's production oversight and lead guitar work alongside Blackwell-Cook's soulful delivery.[77] Collen contributed backing vocals and handled much of the engineering, highlighting the group's emphasis on live-feel recordings and spontaneous solos.[78] Following the album's release, Delta Deep embarked on U.S. tours, including the 2015 Sugar Shack Tour and a 2016 East Coast run, performing intimate club shows that captured their improvisational energy.[79] A European appearance in London rounded out their early live efforts in December 2015.[79] In 2018, the band issued their second release, the live album East Coast Live, recorded during U.S. performances and featuring originals like "Bang the Lid" and "Treat Her Like Candy" alongside covers, further demonstrating Collen's guitar prowess and the ensemble's harmonious interplay.[80] Collen again produced the project, prioritizing authentic stage captures over studio polish.[81] The album supported additional U.S. touring, including slots on the G3 package with Joe Satriani and John Petrucci.[82] Delta Deep entered a hiatus around 2019, as Collen prioritized Def Leppard's extensive world tours and commitments, but he has continued performing select songs from the project, including with Debbi Blackwell-Cook at events in Ensenada, Mexico (March 2025) and the Phil Collen Performance Room opening in Corona, California (October 2025).[83][84] No new full-band recordings or tours have been announced as of November 2025. Collen has expressed openness to future blues explorations.[85]Other ventures and guest appearances
In addition to his primary musical endeavors, Phil Collen has made notable guest appearances on other artists' recordings and performances. In 1989, he joined Trixter onstage during a show in New Jersey, contributing guitar to their set as part of an early collaboration between the bands.[86] He also provided lead guitar for Donny Osmond's 1990 track "Just Between You and Me," credited under the pseudonym "Ronnie Blum" due to tensions within Def Leppard over the pop-oriented session.[87] Collen participated in the Cybernauts project in 2001, a David Bowie tribute band formed with Def Leppard vocalist Joe Elliott and featuring former members of Bowie's backing band, including brothers Hunt Sales and Tony Sales on drums and bass, as well as guitarist Dick Wagner. The group performed Bowie covers during a short Japanese tour and released two live albums: Cybernauts Live and The Further Adventures of the Cybernauts, both capturing their energetic renditions; several studio tracks recorded during the sessions remain unreleased. In 2023, Collen announced plans to resurrect the project and record new covers, though no releases or performances have materialized as of November 2025.[88][89][90] Beyond performing, Collen has taken on production roles outside Def Leppard. He produced and co-wrote Tesla's eighth studio album, Shock, released in March 2019, infusing the hard rock record with his signature layered guitar sound and contributing additional instrumentation.[91] This marked a significant external production credit, building on his extensive experience co-producing Def Leppard albums like Adrenalize (1992) and Euphoria (1999). In 2023, Collen provided guitar for the track "The Boom Went the Boom" on Crossbone Skully's album. In 2025, he contributed to the Bad Company tribute album Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, released on October 24.[92][93] In 2015, Collen published his autobiography Adrenalized: Life, Def Leppard, and Beyond, co-written with Chris Epting and released by Simon & Schuster. The memoir details his early influences, rise with the band Girl, joining Def Leppard amid the Pyromania sessions, personal struggles including addiction and the loss of guitarist Steve Clark, and his commitment to fitness; key excerpts highlight his technical approach to guitar solos, such as the one-take recording of "Stagefright," and reflections on the band's evolution through challenges like the 1980s accident that cost drummer Rick Allen an arm.[94][95] Collen has also engaged in educational initiatives, conducting guitar teaching clinics and masterclasses to share his techniques. In 2020, he led a virtual session via the Yousician app, demonstrating riffs and inspiring young students during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He continues this work, including recent school visits where he discusses guitar playing, performance psychology, and career insights.[96] Collen's ventures extend to media and soundtracks, with minor contributions to film projects. He collaborated with composer C.J. Vanston on material that incorporated elements suitable for cinematic use, and Def Leppard tracks featuring his guitar work, such as "Animal," appeared in films like Last Action Hero (1993), though his direct soundtrack involvement remains limited to select session work.Personal life
Family and marriages
Phil Collen has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress and model Jacqueline Collen (née Long), which lasted from 1989 to 1995 and ended in divorce; the couple has one son, Rory James Collen, born January 4, 1990.[97][6][98] His second marriage was to Anita Thomas from December 15, 1999, to July 7, 2010, also ending in divorce; during this period, Collen and Thomas welcomed a daughter, Samantha Collen, born in March 2004.[97][99] Collen married costume designer Helen L. Simmons on July 16, 2010, in a beach ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach, Florida.[100][97] The couple has three children together: daughter Savannah Tia Collen, born in 2009; daughter Charlotte Collen, born in 2014; and son Jaxson Collen, born in May 2018.[101][102] In the early 1990s, shortly after Rory's birth in New York City, Collen relocated his family from the United Kingdom to Orange County, California, seeking greater stability amid Def Leppard's demanding schedule and the band's growing U.S. presence.[103] He has since resided there, describing himself as "almost a California native" after over three decades in the state.[104] As a father of five, Collen has emphasized balancing his extensive touring commitments with family responsibilities, often crediting his children's support for sustaining him through career milestones. For instance, in 2018, he briefly left Def Leppard's co-headlining tour with Journey to be present for Jaxson's birth, during which Helen experienced a life-threatening complication requiring resuscitation.[102][105] Collen has publicly highlighted how his family's encouragement has been vital during the band's highs, including their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and ongoing successes.Health, fitness, and lifestyle changes
Phil Collen struggled with alcohol and drug use during the 1970s and early 1980s, a period marked by the excesses of the rock music scene while he was with the band Girl and shortly after joining Def Leppard.[106] He quit drinking in 1984 after recognizing that his consumption had become unmanageable, even in social settings, marking the beginning of his sobriety that has lasted over four decades.[106] This decision was influenced by memory lapses from heavy drinking and the tragic death of his Def Leppard bandmate Steve Clark due to addiction-related issues in 1991, which underscored the dangers Collen had narrowly avoided.[107] Collen adopted a vegetarian diet in 1983, motivated by ethical concerns about meat consumption, and transitioned to veganism in the late 2000s for health benefits, maintaining strict portion control to support his energy levels.[108] His fitness regimen, which evolved alongside sobriety, emphasizes daily discipline to sustain the physical demands of touring into his late 60s; at age 67 in 2025, he incorporates early-morning cardio sessions of about 22 minutes, weight training focusing on body parts like push-ups and pull-ups, and martial arts training in Muay Thai and Kempo Karate, where he holds a black belt.[109][110] These routines, often 2-3 sessions per day before tours, help him achieve and maintain a lean physique without relying on recovery from indulgences.[109] In the 2010s, Collen faced health challenges including a torn tendon in his hand in 2013, requiring surgery that sidelined his guitar playing for three months, and another hand injury in 2015 that temporarily impaired his performance during rehearsals.[111][112] He has since advocated for clean living in interviews, sharing his transformation from rock 'n' roll partying to wellness as a model for longevity in music, which has indirectly encouraged healthier habits among his Def Leppard bandmates by demonstrating sustained vitality on tour.[37] His sobriety notably contributed to the band's focused productivity during the 1990s, aiding recovery from career setbacks.[106]Equipment
Signature guitars and modifications
In the 1970s, Phil Collen began his guitar-playing career with entry-level Gibson models, starting with a red Gibson SG-200 that his parents purchased despite financial strain, which he used to learn his initial chords.[113] He later adopted a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom in wine red as his primary instrument for early bands including Dumb Blondes, Lucy, Tush, and Girl, noting its role in shaping his tone on recordings from that era.[26] These guitars provided the humbucker-driven sustain essential to his developing rock style during the decade.[114] By the early 1980s, following his joining Def Leppard, Collen transitioned to Jackson guitars for their enhanced playability and speed, aligning with the band's shift toward more intricate, high-gain rock sounds.[115] This change culminated in his longstanding endorsement with Jackson starting in 1986, leading to the development of custom instruments tailored to his preferences.[115] Key among these is the Jackson PC1, one of the brand's original signature models introduced in the late 1980s, featuring a Dinky-style body with a bolt-on maple neck, Floyd Rose tremolo, and DiMarzio pickups for clarity and sustain.[116] Collen's signature guitars often incorporate specific modifications, such as DiMarzio Super Distortion or Super 3 humbuckers in the bridge position for aggressive, defined leads, and a Fernandes Sustainer system for infinite note sustain without external effects.[117] He has favored thicker neck profiles—among the widest Jackson has produced—for improved grip and comfort, particularly as he adapted to physical demands over decades.[118] Other notable instruments include his 1986 Jackson Dinky "Bela," a silver crackle-finished model used extensively in live performances and videos.[119] Over time, Collen's gear evolved to address ergonomic needs and environmental concerns; following a hand injury in 2015 that temporarily impaired his playing, he incorporated lighter body constructions and ergonomic adjustments in custom builds.[112] In the 2020s, his collaborations with Jackson emphasized sustainability, using woods like one-piece ash in prototypes such as a Telecaster-style model to enhance acoustic sustain while minimizing environmental impact.[118] These updates reflect his ongoing partnership with Jackson, alongside occasional returns to Gibson-inspired designs for versatility.[115]Amplifiers, effects, and stage setup
Collen has primarily relied on Marshall amplification since joining Def Leppard in the early 1980s, centering his high-gain tones around the JMP-1 tube preamp, which emulates the classic JCM800 sound for recordings and live performances.[120] This setup provided the crunchy, overdriven edge essential to the band's arena rock style on albums like Pyromania and Hysteria.[121] In the 1990s, he expanded his rig's versatility by incorporating Mesa/Boogie components, including the Dyna-Watt 20/20 power amp, to handle a broader range of dynamics in rack-based configurations during tours and studio work.[122] His effects chain has traditionally been straightforward and pedalboard-focused, featuring essentials like a Boss DD-3 Digital Delay for rhythmic echoes and an MXR 10-band EQ for precise tonal shaping, allowing quick adjustments without cluttering his setup.[123] A notable addition is the talk box, employed specifically for the iconic guitar line in Def Leppard's "Rock of Ages" from 1983, adding a distinctive vocal-like modulation to the track.[15] By the 2010s, influenced by Dream Theater's John Petrucci, Collen transitioned to digital processing with the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III, which consolidated his effects—including delays, EQ, and modeling—into a compact unit for greater reliability and preset flexibility on tour.[120] For live performances, Collen's stage rig emphasizes mobility and redundancy, utilizing a Shure Axient Digital wireless system to transmit signals from up to four guitars to a Radial JX42 V2 switcher, which routes to the Axe-Fx III and backup units for seamless switching during shows.[124] In the 2020s, particularly for the orchestral arrangements on Def Leppard's Drastic Symphonies (2023), his setup incorporated enhanced digital modeling to blend guitar tones with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, ensuring clean integration without traditional amp bleed.[125] In recording sessions for recent albums, Collen prefers direct injection methods combined with amp modeling via the Axe-Fx, bypassing physical cabinets to capture precise, low-noise tones that facilitate post-production mixing with orchestral or layered elements.[126] This approach, evolved from earlier direct techniques like the Rocktron Soloist used on Hysteria, maintains consistency across his signature guitars while adapting to modern production demands.[127]Discography
With Girl
Phil Collen joined the British glam rock band Girl as lead guitarist in 1979, contributing to their two studio albums before departing in 1982. On the debut album Sheer Greed, released in January 1980 by Jet Records, Collen performed guitar on all nine tracks, delivering the dual-guitar interplay that defined the band's sound alongside rhythm guitarist Gerry Laffy. He also co-wrote multiple songs, including the opening track "Hollywood Tease" with vocalist Phil Lewis and "Lovely Lorraine" with Lewis and Laffy.[128][129] The band's sophomore effort, Wasted Youth, arrived in February 1982, again under Jet Records, with Collen handling full lead guitar responsibilities across its ten tracks and sharing songwriting credits on several, such as "Thru the Twilight" with Lewis. This album marked Girl's shift toward a more polished hard rock edge, highlighted by singles including "Thru the Twilight" and "Standard Romance," both of which showcased Collen's riff-driven style.[130][131][132] Following Girl's dissolution in 1982, Collen did not contribute to any new material from the band or its later iterations. His performances appear on retrospective compilations of the original lineup's work, such as the 2001 double-disc anthology My Number: The Anthology on Sanctuary Records, which collects key tracks from Sheer Greed and Wasted Youth.[133]With Def Leppard
Phil Collen joined Def Leppard in 1982 during the recording of their third studio album, Pyromania, replacing guitarist Pete Willis; he provided lead guitar on all tracks and received co-writing credits on four songs: "Foolin'", "Rock of Ages", "Photograph", and "Die Hard the Hunter".[134] The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 10x Platinum by the RIAA.[135] Collen has been a core member of Def Leppard since then, contributing lead guitar, backing vocals, and extensive songwriting across their output. He co-wrote all tracks on Hysteria (1987) alongside bandmates Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Steve Clark, and producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange; the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned Diamond certification (12x Platinum) from the RIAA.[136] Key subsequent co-writes include "Animal" from Hysteria, "Let's Get Rocked" from Adrenalize (1992), and "Fire It Up" from Diamond Star Halos (2022). Def Leppard has released 13 studio albums featuring Collen's contributions from Pyromania (1983) to Drastic Symphonies (2023), alongside numerous live releases, EPs, and compilations. These works have collectively sold over 100 million copies worldwide, with several achieving multi-Platinum status in the US. Below is a comprehensive listing organized by category.Studio Albums
| Album | Release Year | Billboard 200 Peak | RIAA Certification | Notes on Collen's Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyromania | 1983 | No. 2 | 10x Platinum | Lead guitar on all tracks; co-wrote "Foolin'", "Rock of Ages", "Photograph", "Die Hard the Hunter". |
| Hysteria | 1987 | No. 1 | Diamond (12x Platinum) | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks, including "Animal". |
| Adrenalize | 1992 | No. 1 | 3x Platinum | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks, including "Let's Get Rocked". |
| Retro Active | 1993 | No. 9 | Gold | Lead guitar; co-wrote several tracks, including "Miss You in a Heartbeat". |
| Slang | 1996 | No. 14 | - | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks. |
| Euphoria | 1999 | No. 11 | Platinum | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks, including "Promises". |
| X | 2002 | No. 11 | - | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks. |
| Yeah! | 2006 | No. 16 | - | Lead guitar on covers album with original tracks; co-wrote new songs like "Tear It Down". |
| Songs from the Sparkle Lounge | 2008 | No. 5 | - | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks, including "C'Mon C'Mon". |
| Def Leppard | 2015 | No. 10 | - | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks. |
| Diamond Star Halos | 2022 | No. 11 | - | Lead guitar; co-wrote all tracks, including "Fire It Up". |
| Drastic Symphonies | 2023 | No. 14 | - | Lead guitar on reimagined tracks with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; contributed to arrangements and remixing. |
EPs
Def Leppard has released two EPs overall since 1983, both featuring Collen on lead guitar:- When Love & Hate Collide (1998, UK release with new track and remixes).
- Yeah! (2006, Japanese edition with bonus tracks; overlaps with studio album).
Live Releases
Collen has performed lead guitar on all live recordings since joining the band, capturing Def Leppard's high-energy arena rock style:- Live: In the Round, in Your Face (1988/2004 DVD reissue, recorded 1987–1988 tour).
- Mirror Ball – Live & More (2011, includes new studio tracks).
- Viva! Hysteria (2013, full Hysteria album performed live).
- And There Will Be a Next Time... Live from Detroit (2017, recorded 2016).
- Hits Vegas: Live at Planet Hollywood (2023, residency performances).
- One Night Only: Live at the Leadmill (2024, intimate 2023 Sheffield show with acoustic and electric sets).[137]
Compilations
Collen's guitar work features prominently on Def Leppard's numerous compilations, which often include rarities and re-recordings:- Vault: Def Leppard Greatest Hits (1980–1995) (1995, peaked at No. 15 on Billboard 200).
- Best Of (2004, Japan-exclusive with B-sides).[138]
- Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection (2005, US hits compilation).
- The Story So Far: The Best of Def Leppard (2018, career-spanning hits).