TripleM.com recently caught up with DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen. Following is an excerpt from the article:

Looking back at their classic 1987 album, Hysteria, it was way ahead of it's time. Produced by AC/DC's producer Mutt Lange, it spawned an incredible seven singles including 'Rocket' and 'Pour Some Sugar On Me'. Phil must sit back and think it was truly an amazing time.

"I do. Def Leppard had a plan and a sound that they were trying to achieve… it was trying to be a cross between AC/DC and Queen. [The] two bands that have really influenced us a lot," he said. "Hysteria was a huge album because it was a hybrid of different things. After the Pyromania album we discovered how we really sounded and that's really what Hysteria was. It was the 'real us' if you like, the unique part of Def Leppard, so that's why it really crossed over."

Click here for the complete article

As previously reported, Collen's other band MANRAZE will release their sophomore album, titled punkfunkrootsrock, on August 2nd. Rob Cavuoto of Guitar International recently interviewed bassist Simon Laffy. An excerpt follows:

Rob: How long did it take you record?

Simon Laffy: "Super quick. We did 12 songs recorded in 11 days. We decided which songs we wanted to record before going into the studio because time was so short. The criteria was simply to record those which most accurately fitted the ethos and energy of the band."

Rob: How did it come about to cover HENDRIX’s song 'Fire'?

Simon Laffy: "Among other things, we have always tried to emulate classic rock three-pieces from history (those which we most admire), namely THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, THE POLICE and NIRVANA. We’ve been playing 'Fire' live since our first gig at in 2005, and it’s a live favorite."

Rob: How does this CD differ from your first album, Surreal?

Simon Laffy: "I think it has pushed the boundaries further; it’s heavier, or more edgy, yet gentler and more subtle. I also think we have settled into our sound more. It all came about very naturally during the recording process."

To read the interview in its entirety, click here.

In live news, Manraze have scheduled their US live debut, on July 31st at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, California.