During the course of their conversation, Collen provided some details on the upcoming live Leppard album.
“It’s got three new studio tracks,” said Phil. “We wanted five, but we couldn’t finish them in time.”
And when will the new record be out in stores? “Mid-May,” said Collen.
Fellow Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell made some news, recently, for a couple of reasons: one - he’s in the new touring lineup of Thin Lizzy, currently playing shows in the U.K.; and, two – his comments about being not being challenged as a player in Leppard.
“I remember thinking what an exciting opportunity this was for me,” Campbell told Rush On Rock recently. “As a guitarist, their music has always been such a huge part of my life. I’m entirely self-taught and taught myself a lot of Lizzy songs. It’s very exciting to be in this position. It’s reconnected me to the electric guitar. I’ve been in Def Leppard for 20 years and, if I’m honest, it’s not a terribly challenging job for me as a guitar player. Phil Collen plays most of the widdly guitar parts and I do what I do. But this job has reignited my love for guitar playing.”
Guitar International asked Collen for feedback on Campbell’s comments.
“Because it’s all my s**t,” responded Phil. “Vivian joined a band that I helped create. He’s coming into my house! It’s not all the good parts, it’s the Def Leppard sound that me and Steve [Clark] created. We got together with Mutt Lange, and there was already a sound in place. Also, we play all the hits live, which were written before Viv was in the band.”
(Ed note: Campbell joined Leppard in 1992)
Does Phil have any hard feelings over Vivian’s observations?
“No, not at all,” said Collen. “It’s just the way it falls. I can’t help it that all my s**t sounds great!”
Hmmm...
Read more at Guitar International here.
Def Leppard – Make Love Like A Man (1992)
See also:
Def Leppard: NAMM jam with former Arkansas Governor
Def Leppard tribute band hires one-armed drummer
Def Leppard tribute band seeks one-armed drummer
Def Leppard remembers Steve Clark, 20 years later
New video: Joe Elliott’s Down ‘N’ Outz – “Overnight Angels”
Def Leppard: live album due in 2011
