UK radio station XFM spoke to Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen at the Islington Academy in London on May 6th. Rick was asked various questions and revealed he has a better memory than Joe or Phil by correctly stating the band worked on 'Nine Lives' with Tim McGraw at the Nov 2006 show in Memphis following the Oct Hollywood Bowl show. Not Nashville, which was played before Los Angeles. Rick gives a great insight into the making of the album on the 2006 tour and talks about the current live show and touring with Whitesnake. He also talks about the management change and building things back up in the US/UK, producer Ronan McHugh and 'sings' the guitar riff to 'Armageddon It'.

XFM has each individual answer and the full 14 minute interview audio posted on it's website. And if you listen closely you can hear the others talking to varous journalists in the background.

Interview Highlights

It's been six years since your last album. What took you guys so long to come back with your new album 'Songs From The Sparkle Lounge'?
"The fact that we spent so much time touring...It's made us hungry..."

There seems to be a lot more variety on 'Songs From The Sparkle Lounge'. How did that come about?
"Individuals brought songs to the table...We've been working with Tim McGraw..."

You guys self-prodcued the new album. How did you find that?
"We've all done individual projects at various times..."

What keeps you motivated after so long?
"I think the fact that we are all friends..."

You're about to embark on a tour with Whitesnake. How did that come about?
"David Coverdale is always coming along to see our shows..."

There seems to be a resurgence of interest in 'arena rock' bands. What do you attribute that to?
"There aren't too many bands like us left..."

What can fans expect from the upcoming tour?
"It's a fantastic live show. It spans right through our history..."

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Listen To Full Interview -- Here