Phil Collen to Coach Tesla On New Album
Tesla's Frank Hannon says Def Leppard axeman 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."
He adds: "He brings creative ideas, energy, and his sense of melody. He also brings openness, trying not to limit us. For example, some of the guys in the band would never consider playing blues, but Phil suggested that we try a blues jam and it came out great.
Read the full article at Team Rock.