via V13
After more than four decades at the top, Def Leppard continues to mark new milestones while showing no signs of slowing down. Most recently, the band were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, placing them alongside some of the most iconic names in music history. For guitarist Phil Collen, it was another moment that helped cement the band’s legacy, a reflection of a career that started in Sheffield and has taken the band to the world’s biggest stages.
Alongside the recognition, Def Leppard are preparing to return to the UK and Europe with a major summer tour. With decades of global touring behind them, Collen reflects on how life on the road has evolved, from the physical demands of touring to the game-changing advances in live production, sound, and visual technology. Whether playing stadiums, arenas, or extended residencies in Las Vegas, the band continue to adapt, embracing innovation while staying rooted in the musicianship and performance standards that have defined them since the early days.
In our latest Cover Story, and fresh from the release of their brand new single, “Rejoice”, V13 sat down with Phil to talk about Def Leppard’s recent honours, their upcoming UK and EU tour, and how the band continue to evolve in a rapidly changing music industry. From thoughts on technology, streaming, and social media to maintaining an organic live sound and the enduring thrill of walking on stage, Collen looks at where Def Leppard stands today and why the band’s drive and passion remain as strong as ever.
Congratulations on the recent Hollywood Hall of Fame Star. What was that like to get that and have yourself on that landmark? What did it symbolise, and what did it mean to you personally?
“It is great plus where they put it is right next to the Capitol Records building, and we are next to Paul McCartney, Ringo, George and John Lennon on the right side, on the left side, we’ve got Tina Turner. So great a company. That was really cool. It’s just another one of those things. I’m not really into awards and all that stuff, but when you get them, and especially that one, that’s pretty cool.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame did that a few years ago, so it just cements stuff, it’s really good. That particular day was wonderful. The weather was great. Jon Bon Jovi gave a wonderful speech for us, and Bruce from the label did so all of it really worked out. It was the perfect day, and it was great to get that star as well.”
Def Leppard have had a lot of awards in the past, but what was it like actually hearing for the first time that you’re gonna be immortalised in possibly one of the most famous locations for Hollywood and movie stars and musicians?
“It was great. I live in California. I live in Orange County, it’s like an hour and a half drive, an hour and twenty, depending on the traffic, so I’m up there all the time, actually. I just never even thought about even being on this, when they said that, and when you actually see it, it’s actually really cool.”
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