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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 (band)|Girl]] bandmate [[Simon Laffy]] as bassist and drummer [[Paul Cook]] from the [[Sex Pistols]].<ref name="Allexperts">{{cite web|url=http://en.allexperts.com/e/p/ph/phil_collen.htm|title=Phil Collen|publisher=AllExperts|accessdate=21 January 2010}}</ref>
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 (band)|Girl]] bandmate [[Simon Laffy]] as bassist and drummer [[Paul Cook]] from the [[Sex Pistols]].<ref name="Allexperts">{{cite web|url=http://en.allexperts.com/e/p/ph/phil_collen.htm|title=Phil Collen|publisher=AllExperts|accessdate=21 January 2010}}</ref>


In 1990, Phil co-produced the "On the Edge" album of the Australian band [[BB Steal]] This same year, Collen performed by invitation on Donny Osmond's "Eyes Don't Lie" album and single (subsequently released with Osmond's "Best Of..." album in 1994.) Def Leppard management determined that it was not in the best interest of the band for Collen's name to be associated with "a [[Donny Osmond]] release,' and Collen's contribution was credited under the name [[Rory James Collen]] - Phil Collen's son's name. (In a later statement, Osmond commented that he understood the band managements' decision, and held no ill will toward them or Collen.)
In 1990, Phil co-produced the "On the Edge" album of the Australian band [[BB Steal]].<ref>{{cite web|http://hardrockhideout.com/2007/06/01/bb-steal-on-the-edge-release-year-1991/|title=BB Steal – On the Edge (Release Year – 1991)|publisher=Hard Rock Hideout|date=1 June 2007|accessdate=22 January 2010}}</ref> This same year, Collen performed by invitation on Donny Osmond's "Eyes Don't Lie" album and single (subsequently released with Osmond's "Best Of..." album in 1994.) Def Leppard management determined that it was not in the best interest of the band for Collen's name to be associated with "a [[Donny Osmond]] release,' and Collen's contribution was credited under the name [[Rory James Collen]] - Phil Collen's son's name. (In a later statement, Osmond commented that he understood the band managements' decision, and held no ill will toward them or Collen.)


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]].
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]].

Revision as of 23:31, 22 January 2010

Not to be confused with Phil Collins.
Phil Collen

Philip Kenneth Collen (born 8 December 1957 in Hackney, East London, England) is the lead guitarist for English rock band Def Leppard. He joined the band in 1982 following the departure of Pete Willis.[1]

Early Years

Collen was born in Hackney, East London, England.. At the age of 16, Phil got his first guitar (a red Gibson SG), taught himself how to play, and left school to pursue a career in music. He then joined a line-up of early bands including Lucy, Tush, Dumb Blondes, and Girl. During his tenure at Girl, Collen's career began rising, spurred by the relative success of the Girl albums Sheer Greed and Wasted Youth, which allowed Collen the opportunity to play at more significant venues.[2]

Def Leppard

Before Collen's entrance to Def Leppard, he had been previously asked to consider joining the band by Steve Clark and Joe Elliot, who he knew at the time. Despite this invitation, there was no need to replace Pete Willis, and as a result, Collen stayed as a member of Girl.

However, when Willis left Def Leppard, there became a vacancy in the lineup, and Collen took this place after an audition performing Photograph during the recording sessions of Pyromania. Soon after, Collen officially joined the band, impressing both producer Mutt Lange and the rest of the band with his ability at playing the guitar. He and fellow guitarist Clark quickly bonded, leading to the trademark dual-guitar sound of Def Leppard. He and Clark became known as the "Terror Twins," in recognition of their talents. By this time, Collen had also become noted for his trademark bare-chested stage appearances.

During the 1980s, Collen quit drinking alcohol, stopped eating meat, and adopted a generally healthy lifestyle. In contrast, Clark did not follow such standards and died due to alcohol and prescription drugs in early 1991.

After Clark died, Collen was faced with the challenge of not only dealing with the loss of a friend and band-mate, but also with the burden and responsibility of the Adrenalize recordings. The music had been written by this time, but Clark's playing style differed so much from Collen's that actually recording all of his parts proved very difficult. While Clark's playing style was rhythmic, melodic, and sometimes even characterized as "sloppy," Collen's style was technical and precise, leading to difficulties in mimicking the sound of Clark's guitar parts. Due to the aftermath of Clark's death, as well as the issues with the recording of Adrenalize, Collen seriously considered leaving Def Leppard.[3] According to Joe Elliot, Collen said that he couldn't bear to play guitar anymore after Clark's death. He said, "I'd rather be a plumber."[4] However, once Vivian Campbell joined the band to replace the spot of second guitarist shortly before the Adrenalize tour, Collen was relieved 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.[3]

Equipment

In 1989, Collen teamed up with Grover Jackson of Jackson Guitars to develop an ergonomically correct electric guitar called the PC Archtop. Phil had been using various custom Jackson Soloists over the previous 3 years. He has since designed three more Jackson electric guitar models (PC 1, 2 & 3). The PC1 is currently produced and sold through Jackson. Phil was also endorsing Ibanez Destroyer guitars since the early 1980s, which he still uses.

Phil uses steel guitar picks made by Dunlop. He plays GHS 13-52 strings tuned to E'flat.

In November 1992 he was quoted in Guitar School as using the following equipment:

  • Guitars: Jackson/Charvel custom
  • Pickups: DiMarzio Super 3 (bridge), HS-3 (middle), Sustainiac (neck)
  • Amplification: Randall RRM2-200
  • Cabinets: Randall custom 4 X 12s/Celestion Vintage 30s
  • Effects: Digitech GSP 21s, Rockman XPR, TC Electronic 1128 EQ, Scholz stereo choruses, BBE 442 Sonic Maximizers, Rane MPE 28, Palmer Speaker Simulator

More recently his live rig with Def Leppard is generally various Jackson PC1 models and several Fender acoustic guitars, in conjunction with Marshall JMP 1 preamps and TC Electronic effect processors. The signal is then sent through old (1980s) Randall Power Amps. Finally the signal is fed into the PA and 4x12 cabs for Collen's own stage monitoring.[5]

With Man-Raze Phil has used Line 6 Variax guitars for a couple of their gigs and several Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters for their showcase gig featured on YouTube.

Side projects

Phil Collen live in 2007

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.[6]

In 1990, Phil co-produced the "On the Edge" album of the Australian band BB Steal.[7] This same year, Collen performed by invitation on Donny Osmond's "Eyes Don't Lie" album and single (subsequently released with Osmond's "Best Of..." album in 1994.) Def Leppard management determined that it was not in the best interest of the band for Collen's name to be associated with "a Donny Osmond release,' and Collen's contribution was credited under the name Rory James Collen - Phil Collen's son's name. (In a later statement, Osmond commented that he understood the band managements' decision, and held no ill will toward them or Collen.)

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.

In 1993, Collen executive produced the album "Sublime To The Ridiculous" for the band, Sheer Greed. Collen also made a guest appearance with the band on the song "Everybody Wants".[6] This album was released only in Japan.

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 classic Bowie songs.[6]

In 1996, Collen performed as a featured guitarist on the "Jeffology: A Guitar Chronicle" album - a tribute album to guitarist Jeff Beck. Collen performed on the single, "'Cause We've Ended As Lovers" from the album.

Personal life

Collen currently resides in Southern California, in Orange County, where he has lived for more than 18 years. According to Collen, "I'm almost a California native now." He has one son, who is 18 years old, as well as a young (4-year-old) daughter.[8]


References

  1. ^ "Def Leppard-History". Spiritus-Temporis. 2005. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  2. ^ Phil Collen NNDB. 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Biography". Phil Collen website. 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
  4. ^ Adrenalize (Media notes). Mercury Records. 1992. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |artist= ignored (|others= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "Def Leppard - Phil Collen Guitar Rig Gear and Equipment". UberProAudio.com. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  6. ^ a b c "Phil Collen". AllExperts. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  7. ^ "BB Steal – On the Edge (Release Year – 1991)". Hard Rock Hideout. 1 June 2007. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Text "http://hardrockhideout.com/2007/06/01/bb-steal-on-the-edge-release-year-1991/" ignored (help)
  8. ^ "Def Leppard Interview". The Gauntlet. 30 May 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
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