Tesla Thrilled With Def Leppard Guitarist As 'Coach'

(Classic Rock) Tesla's Frank Hannon says Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen brings "passion, creativity, energy and open-mindedness" to the band's songwriting sessions for their next record.

The guitarist says Collen - who is producing their follow-up to 2014's Simplicity - inspires the band while they write and record on the road, backstage at shows and in hotel rooms on their US trek.

Hannon tells My Global Mind: "I can tell you it's been really great to have Phil on board as a musician and not a business person. He has such a passion for Tesla and fan of the band.

"We've had a great relationship with him as we have been friends for 30 years since the Hysteria Tour. When Tesla got back together in 2000 after eight years apart, we did a comeback CD called Into the Now.

"I wanted Phil to come in at that point as I had done some dates with Def Leppard in my solo band. It's really great to me that we are all working together. It's like you have a great team but if you don't have the right person motivating the team, the team doesn't do well. Phil is that right coach." Read more here.

Tesla Music, DVDs, Books and more Tesla T-shirts and Posters More Tesla News Share this article Related Stories Tesla Unplug For 'All About Love' Video Tesla Announce 'All About Love' EP Telsa's Brian Wheat Shares First Song From Violet Breed Great White and Tesla Lead The Mountain Music Festival Lineup Telsa Releasing 'Real to Reel Vol I' For Record Store Day