ELECTRIC WARRIORS

Following a seven-year absence, Def Leppard return with the glam-inspired Diamond Star Halos. Phil Collen explains how they got it on like the old days.

- MARK McSTEA

DEF LEPPARD'S new album, Diamond Star Halos (Universal UMC), their first since Def Leppard in 2015, is swathed in 1970s influences, from its classic Marc Bolan-quoting title to stomping retro rockers like the lead track, "Kick." Leppard have never been afraid to proudly wear their influences on their sleeves, whether it be on Yeah!, their 2006 collection of '70s covers, or their 1994 hit remake of Sweet's "Action."

Recorded individually by band members in their own home studios, Diamond Star Halos' 15 tracks have all the power and glory of the multi-million-selling monsters Hysteria and Adrenalize. The group's extremely stable lineup still features guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, singer Joe Elliott, bassist Rick Savage and drummer Rick Allen. Collen took time out to speak with Guitar Player about the making of Diamond Star Halos and reflect on his 40th year in the band. He is understandably excited at the prospect of taking the record out on the band's first tour since lockdown, headlining at stadiums across the States with Mötley Crüe, Poison and Joan Jett as support acts.

Where would you place Diamond Star Halos in your catalog?

I actually think it's our career-best album on a number of levels. Our last record, Def Leppard, almost felt like it was our first, in a way, as it was done without any kind of agenda. We weren't trying to get on the radio and have hits, et cetera, and this one felt like a real step up again from there.

The album's title references a line from the T. Rex hit "Bang a Gong (Get It On)." Fittingly, the album has numerous '70s references.