Adrenalized

Life, Def Leppard, and Beyond

By: Phil Collen, Chris Epting - contributor

Narrated by: Steve West

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 extraordinary rise to superstardom and how they've 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 who gave up alcohol and meat more than 25 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 formed and transformed from unknowns to icons (all thanks to a little album called Pyromania), 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.

This is Collen's story, starting with his first real taste of success and wild rock and roll excess as a member of the seminal glam rock outfit Girl. But once he joins Def Leppard, it's also an amazing underdog tale featuring a bunch of ordinary working-class lads who rose to megastardom, 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, who lost his fight with alcoholism. Adrenalized is a fascinating account of the failures, triumphs, challenges, and rock-hard dedication it takes to make dreams come true.

©2015 Phillip Kenneth Collen (P)2015 Simon & Schuster

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.

Great book

Loved this book. It was very inspiring makes me want to be a better musician and person.

Honest. Creative. Adaptive. Highly recommend!

Things you never knew, and never knew to admire about this guitar hero, artist, and his family and colleagues. For those of us whose worlds exist so far from music, this book educates, informs, and broadens perspective.
If you enjoyed John Taylor’s In the Pleasure Groove, this book is for you.
As always, Steve West’s reading brings the author’s words to life like just your friend sharing stories—heartfelt, humorous, and unrushed.

Excellent all around

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

inspiring, thank you!

thank you Phil,fire sharing this past of you. I learned so much, and I am truly inspired. I realize my life is not long enough to absorb all the things this earth has to offer, so I will make the most of every day!

So much life, so short a book

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes, I would add much more to it.

What was most disappointing about Phil Collen and Chris Epting - contributor ’s story?

That the Story was so short and yet what was presented was so coherent. There was no reason to make the book so short.

Which character – as performed by Steve West – was your favorite?

Narration was great.

Was Adrenalized worth the listening time?

Yes

Any additional comments?

When you find a guy like Phil who can recall such details and clearly states when he cannot, it's a shame not to extract more story from him and get it into the book. Also rare to find a Rock Star of this caliber who is not conceded to take the entire success all for himself. I wanted to hear more about everything especially the making of the albums and Band dynamics. These guys fought wars in the Studio making some Classic albums and I think the listener should get to hear about this. You do get some intimate details about Phil's life and I appreciate that but as a Fan of his work for 30 years now, I still know more about the Band from just being a fan than I would have learned in this book. I do come away from this book with much more respect for Phil though, his craft speaks for itself but the person is really a kind and well worn soul.

Great Book

Loved It. finished it in a Day! It was explanatory & interesting. Highly recommend that Def Leppard Fans listen to it or read it. Phil gives great advice at the end of the book.