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.
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TRANSCENDENTAL MAN
Luther Dickinson interpreted a priceless work of art in music. In the process, the blues guitarist wrote his own next chapter.
THE BEAT GOES ON
Together with Tony Levin, Adrian Belew and Steve Vai join forces for a Robert Fripp-endorsed revival of King Crimson's groundbreaking 1980s music.
I'M 100 PERCENT HAPPY WITH THE WORK I'VE DONE WITH PINK FLOYD. BUT...'MY FOCUS IS DIFFERENT RIGHT NOW'
Leading a rock group and being a solo artist were \"not what I asked for,\" David Gilmour says. For Luck and Strange, he assembled a team that shared the weight of his creative efforts. The result? \"The best album I've made since The Dark Side of the Moon.\"
DOUG GILLARD IS INDISPENSABLE
His six-string genius has proved vital to the music of Guided by Voices, Nada Surf and other indie-rock favorites. But all he really wants is to make good music.
Sol Salvation
The genius of Sol Hoopii is preserved in 16 timeless cuts on Master of the Hawaiian Guitar.
Pickup Artist
With its Wide Range humbuckers, the 1970s Fender Telecaster Thinline scores better than most of its contemporaries.
MY CAREER IN FIVE SONGS
Joe Walsh's Jazzmaster, Billy Cobham's bass line... As Bush head out on tour, Gavin Rossdale reveals the history behind a handful of their best tunes
TIPSHEET
We asked Brian Ray for his advice on playing Beatles tunes. After all, he learned from the best.
MAN AT WORK
A juke joint just wasn't in the cards. So Cedric Burnside turned the old building into a studio for his hardcore blues workout, Hill Country Love.
MADE IN THE SHADE
The Gibson Custom Shop created just 59 examples of the Jason Isbell \"Red Eye\" 1959 Les Paul Standard. We got our hands on one of them.
