Feature image photo credit: Helen L. Collen
Phil Collen is the longtime iconic guitarist for Def Leppard. Phil and Def Leppard were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2019, have done tours around the world, and have had worldwide sales of more than 100 million records.
Simon Laffy is known for his time (with Phil) as the bassist in the short-lived but influential English band Girl. Simon is also the author of three novels of historical fiction influenced by a large family history of military service.
And the third member of Manraze, Paul Cook, is the legendary drummer for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, pioneering punk band The Sex Pistols. Paul and The Pistols were responsible for changing the sound and attitude of the entire musical landscape, with their influence still being felt today.
Back in 2004, Phil, Simon and Paul joined together to form a raw rock and roll band called ManRaze. On May 29th, 2026, ManRaze, along with Cherry Red Records, released a 5-CD complete recordings boxset called Lock, Stock & Barrel.
In this interview, Phil Collen and Simon Laffy discuss details about their new Manraze box set and what might be coming from Manraze in regard to more original material and touring. Simon also discusses his career as an author and how it might influence his songwriting. Phil, of course, tells us what’s coming next for Def Leppard, including his thoughts on playing Wacken Open Air for the first time! There is also talk about books, travels to India, power trios, Delta Deep, EDM, and much more!
“I Surrender” lyric video:
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!