Def Leppard

Phil Collen Unleashes Manraze Box Set: Lock, Stock & Barrel

By Jason •
Def Leppard's guitar maestro takes a nostalgic dive into the eclectic sounds of Manraze.

In a recent chat with BraveWords, Phil Collen, the legendary six-string sorcerer of Def Leppard, unveils the newly minted Manraze box set, 'Lock, Stock & Barrel'. This compilation isn’t just a retrospective; it’s the culmination of a vibrant journey through rock’s many veins, blending everything from punk to glam in a blistering cocktail that remains true to its roots.

“I love The Clash, The Police, The Pistols; this project is like a sonic melting pot,” Collen reveals during the 'Streaming For Vengeance' interview. The guitarist highlights how Manraze has managed to encapsulate a sophisticated edge while maintaining the raw energy reminiscent of classic bands like Iggy and the Stooges and the New York Dolls. “It’s very British,” he adds, “but it taps into all of that frantic American spirit too.”

As a powerhouse trio, Collen joins forces with his former bandmate from the NWOBHM glam rock sensations Girl, bassist Simon Laffy, and the legendary Sex Pistols drummer, Paul Cook. Despite their storied pasts, the group retains an infectious youthful spirit that drives their mission: to craft the perfect song. “We’re still on that quest,” he states. “Manraze has been an evolving process, and we’re only getting better.”

With five CDs packed with demos, albums, and live tracks, 'Lock, Stock & Barrel' is a treasure trove for fans. Collen noted that the excitement of creating remains undiminished, even as he juggles Def Leppard’s relentless touring schedule. He recently caught up with Cook in London, just before the drummer’s 70th birthday, where they reminisced and even teased the possibility of new gigs for Manraze later this year. “We want to get out there and share more of our music,” he asserts, the fire still burning bright in the heart of this rock veteran.

Don't miss out on the chance to dive deep into the world of Manraze. The box set is available now through Cherry Red Records, and you can catch Phil Collen in action on 'Streaming For Vengeance'. And while you're at it, check out the new Bangalore Choir album, 'Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II', for more hard-hitting rock to fuel your metal soul.