The following story is courtesy of Sun-sentinel.com:

Phil Collen doesn't need a chauffeur. After finishing an interview at a Los Angeles radio station, he jumps behind the wheel of his own car, gets directions and heads onto I-405. "I love living in California," says the guitarist for the British band DEF LEPPARD. "The weather is beautiful every single day. Sure the traffic can be spotty, but it's a small price to pay for the lifestyle."

Currently on the first leg of their U.S. tour to support their latest CD Songs From The Sparkle Lounge, the musicians will travel to Turkey, Russia and Greece later in the year. Which is fine by Collen. Besides loving to play live, Collen is a bona-fide travel junkie who says he has enough of the tourist in him to enjoy exploring places old and new. Once Def Leppard's tour is done, Collen will hit the road again with his side project MAN RAZE, a three-piece alternative rock band that also includes SEX PISTOLS drummer Paul Cook and rock bassist Simon Laffy.

Favorite Vacation Spot: "India is always great! I love going there and have been there a bunch of times. I'm excited 'cause we get to go to India again for this tour."

Why India? "The people, the culture, the history. It's just an amazing place. And the food is out of this world. You just want to spend the whole day eating, even if you're not hungry. Although I have to say, the best Indian food I've ever eaten ironically enough wasn't in India, but in Bradford, England."

Best Way To Sightsee: "Just get out there with the people. I enjoy going to see the sights that everyone wants to see, but I also just enjoy going to a local mom and pop restaurant or something that was recommended by the locals. I know I stand out in some countries because I'm pale and have blond hair. But the people in India could not be any nicer. They have a way of making foreigners feel at home. I wish more people were like that. They are extremely kind to the visitors to their land."

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(Photo by Mitch Lafon)