Adrenalized Life, Def Leppard, and Beyond

A revelatory and redemptive memoir from the lead guitarist of the legendary band Def Leppard--the first book ever written by one of its members--chronicling the band's rise to superstardom and how they've maintained it for three decades. Maybe you've heard of Phil Collen as the rock star who gave up alcohol and meat more than twenty-five years ago. Most likely you've seen him shirtless--in photos or in real life--flaunting his impeccably toned body to appreciative female fans. But it wasn't always like this. Collen worked his way up from nothing, teaching himself guitar from scratch as a teenager by imitating his heroes. He slogged it out in London-based pub bands for years, long before Def Leppard transformed from unknowns to icons, from playing openers in near-empty arenas to headlining in those same stadiums. But as Collen discovered, true overnight success is a myth. Like the other band members, he had to struggle and fight his way to the top; in the end, he says, "our work ethic saved us." This is Collen's story--an underdog tale featuring a bunch of ordinary working-class lads who rose to mega-stardom, and an account of the failures, triumphs, challenges, and rock-hard dedication it takes to make dreams come true.--Adapted from book jacket.