Adrenalized

Life, Def Leppard, and Beyond

By: Phil Collen, Chris Epting

Narrated by: Steve West

A revelatory, redemptive, and “wild...juicy” (Rolling Stone) memoir from the lead guitarist of the legendary hard rock band Def Leppard—the first ever written by one of its members—chronicling the band’s extraordinary rise to superstardom and how they maintained it for three decades.

Meet Phil Collen. You may know him as the lead guitarist in Def Leppard, whose signature song “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is still as widely enjoyed as when it debuted in 1988. Maybe you’ve heard of him as the rock star that 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 and slogging it out in London-based pub bands for years; that is, until Def Leppard formed and transformed from unknowns to icons, from playing openers in near-empty arenas to headlining in those same stadiums and selling them out every night. 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.” Just as it still does.

Adrenalized is an amazing underdog tale featuring a bunch of ordinary working-class lads who rose to mega-stardom, overcoming incredible obstacles—such as drummer Rick Allen losing an arm in a car crash and the tragic death of guitarist Steve Clark, Phil’s musical soul mate. Featuring personal, never-before-seen photos of Collen and his band mates on stage and off, Adrenalized is a fascinating account of the failures, triumphs, challenges, and rock-solid dedication it takes to make dreams come true.

Solid read! Great narrator.

Great book. I wish he got more into the other members, focused on more special moments, and skipped simple recounting.

Actually A Great Audio Book!!

This is a great book. An inside look at the life and career of, Phil Collen. Known for his role in, Def Leppard... Phil lets you into his world. From his rise to superstar status, to his failed marriages... Phil, still carries on. Still performing today...Phil's love of the guitar, still shines through.

HOLY SHIT!!!!

I've been a die hard Def Lep fan since I was a kid 40 years ago...I love everything about the band, thier great music, example of comradery, zero bullshit drama for the sake of fake ass entertainment...I was blessed to have gotten to see them for the very first time a week ago in Spokane Washington, USA...difficult finding words to describe the amazing experience...the next day I got this book (I was previously unaware of it) and all I can say is Holy shit balls man, you transcend being the guitarist of Def Lep, as great as that may be...incredible book man, to say the least. I hope you write another..and get the other guys to as well, lol...esp loved yor spiritual insight toward the end..and the scene of Rick and your ole man pushing the bus will be re playing in my imagination for a good long while...cheers mate!

Great book for Leppard and music fans

I enjoyed the book! Collen's story is interesting and great for any music fan. I respect his journey and outlook on life.

Excellent all around

I enjoyed this history of Phil Collen. The truth and insight which leads to inspiration is, indeed, inspiring.
Dave