Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen rejoined the band’s co-headlining tour of North America with Journey in Cincinnati, OH on May 30, and video from the event is streaming online.
Collen’s appearance with the group at the city’s U.S. Bank Arena followed sudden news on May 25 that the rocker had to leave the run just days after it opened in Hartford, CT on May 21 to deal with “a family emergency.”
Def Leppard brought in Trixter guitarist Steve Brown to handle Collen’s duties in his absence; Brown performed shows during the week in Hershey, PA (May 25), Buffalo, NY (May 26) and Cleveland, OH (May 28).
Brown has played a similar role in the recent past: he stepped in to assist the band in 2014 while guitarist Vivian Campbell was off the road to undergo treatment for cancer.
Def Leppard have not shared any further details regarding Collen’s absence.
The band’s 6-month, 58-city trek with Journey mixes arena and stadium shows and will see the group’s switch headlining slots throughout the tour until it wraps up in Los Angeles in early October.
On June 1, Def Leppard released the first of four career-spanning box sets; “Volume One” features the group’s first four studio albums alongside bonus live and studio material.
See also:
Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen leaves North American tour
VIDEO: Def Leppard and Journey launch North American tour in Hartford
Def Leppard to launch beer brand on North American tour with Journey
VIDEO: Def Leppard stream vintage 1983 concert performance
Search Def Leppard at hennemusic
