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.

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