| Man Raze UK | Interview - Part 4 Phil Collen |
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Some (long-winded) questions answered by Phil Collen:
Question 1 - You've sung 'Miss You In A Heartbeat' live a few times with Leppard and also 'Stay With Me' and 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' on the Classic Albums DVD. What's it been like singing so many songs in one go? And how do you feel your voice has developed?
Phil - "Yeah its great singing, if I can remember the words. As for my voice improving I am not trying to hone it - it is what it is."
Question 2 - In terms of the songs are there any like 'Closer To Me' that have been around for a long time? Do you write many songs for yourself that you know won't be right for your 'other' band?.
Phil - "Sometimes, but I never thought 'Miss You In A Heartbeat' would work for Def Leppard."
Question 3 - Going back to vocals, are you nervous about singing a whole set live? and also being the frontman of the band? Have you thought of any good stage raps yet!?
Phil - "Yeah, I think so. And as stage raps go, I am not going to give it any of the old "have you heard the one about the hooker and the priest?", so I will just let it happen naturally."
Question 4 - Have you had to adjust your playing style given that you are singing at the same time? Will this create any problems live - would you use someone on extra rhythm guitar maybe?.
Phil - "No it makes it so much more fun being the singer and the guitar player. I have way more freedom to go off on a tangent. As for a rhythm player, that would get in the way of that freedom."
Question 5 - You obvisoulsy will be busy and have a commitment to Leppard, especially this summer. Have you thought about what Man-Raze will do after the summer? Do you have any long-term hopes/plans - more touring? A second album in the future?
Phil - "We will gig at every opportunity we get. As for the new stuff, let's get this one rolling first."
Many thanks again to Phil Collen/Paul Cook and Simon Laffy for their time © Man Raze UK 2005.