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 firing of Pete Willis.
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, Du...
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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 firing of Pete Willis.
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. Lucy's lineup of Phil (black Les Paul), Paul Mewse (vocals), Peter Ferris (bass) and Len Foster (drums) supported Supercharge at the Marquee Club in Wardour St in 1976. The second incarnation of Lucy featured Phil and Paul and followed the incoming punk boom with a single being released (see YouTube).
Collen had already known Joe Elliott and Steve Clark since 1981 from the London music scene and had been asked to consider joining then. However, there was no need to replace Pete Willis at the time.
But when Willis was...
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