Pete Willis
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| Pete Willis | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Peter Andrew Willis |
| Born | 16 February 1960 Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | Heavy metal, hard rock |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1977–1991, 2003 |
| Associated acts | Atomic Mass, Def Leppard, Gogmagog, Nightrun, Roadhouse |
| Website | http://www.defleppard.com |
Pete Willis (born Peter Andrew Willis, 16 February 1960, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England) was one of the original guitarists (along with Steve Clark) for the British rock band Def Leppard, until he was replaced by Phil Collen in 1982. He co-wrote many tracks and played guitar on the band's third album, Pyromania, which was being recorded at the time of his replacement.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Career
Willis attended Tapton School and was a guitar enthusiast since his youth. He was a fan of Jimi Hendrix.
In his early adult life, he formed a band called Atomic Mass with Nicholas Mackley, Rick Savage, Paul Hampshire, and Tony Kenning. Nicholas Mackley was replaced by Paul Holland and Paul Hampshire was replaced by Andy Nickolas. He met Joe Elliott in 1977 and invited him to audition for the band, which later became Def Leppard. Willis was one of the main songwriters of the band during their first three albums.
He was dismissed from the band during the recording of Pyromania, and was replaced by guitarist Phil Collen (formerly of British glam band Girl). He later recorded with the bands Gogmagog (with former and current members of Iron Maiden) and Roadhouse.
In February 2003, Def Leppard reunited at the Hallam FM Arena.
As of 2003, Willis left the music business. He now runs his own property management company in Sheffield.
[edit] Discography
[edit] With Def Leppard
- "Misty Dreamer" (1978)
- The Def Leppard E.P. (1979) (aka Getcha Rocks Off EP)
- On through the Night (1980)
- High 'n' Dry (1981)
- Pyromania (1983) (rhythm guitar only)
- First Strike (1984)
- Warchild (1998) (from 1978)
- Tomorrow Seems Like Yesterday (from 1978)
- Beyond the Temple (from 1978)
- Got to See the Lights (from 1978)
[edit] With Gogmagog
- I Will Be There EP (1985)
[edit] With Roadhouse
- Roadhouse (1991)
[edit] References
| Preceded by Original |
Def Leppard lead guitarist 1977-1982 |
Succeeded by Phil Collen |
