On June 30th, the 1980’s superstar rock band Def Leppard, performed a live concert in Boston, Massachusetts. A couple of months prior to the concert, I received an email from a Hollywood agent/manager when they discovered my vegan travel blog. I had the pleasure of being granted a backstage interview with Phil Collen, lead guitarist of the group! Phil is a vegan, a fitness guru, an animal lover, and a talented musician. We sat down to discuss all of these passions of his.

When I arrived at Boston’s Comcast Center, I first met up with Helen who is Phil’s wife and manager. Her enthusiasm for her husband’s fans was truly evident. We grabbed my backstage credentials as she escorted me to meet with Phil.

Upon my arrival backstage, I was warmly greeted by Phil. He radiates an easygoing, friendly persona which made me feel at ease immediately. He is an all-around nice guy. Before our conversation began, I gave him a box of chocolate vegan cupcakes. He typically does not eat heavy food right before a performance. His personal trainer, who joins him on tour, keeps him healthy and fit while on the road. As these cupcakes were vegan, he decided it was ok to take a small bite. Our conversation thus began and we delved into discussing a variety of topics.

His trainer, Jean Carrillo, is a leader in Thai kickboxing. He trains Phil every day while traveling between concert appearances. Phil does kickboxing in the evenings and jump roping and lifting heavy weights every morning. Each day, his fitness routine consists of both cardio and weight-lifting exercises.

I asked Phil how he prepares for his grueling tour schedule. In addition to his daily exercise routine to maintain his fitness, he also drinks fresh juices. In fact, he brings a juicer machine on the tour bus. As a vegan, the juices he makes are made with fruits and green veggies. A favorite juice he enjoys preparing consists of spinach, kale, ginger, lemon, and Bragg’s nutritional yeast. After his evening exercises, he tries to get eight hours of sleep. The man is truly dedicated to getting his twice a day workouts while on the road, to stay fit and healthy.

For snack time, he tries to eat healthy items such as tortilla chips, fruits, and smoothies. Vegan since last November, he has been omitting milk products, as he feels towards the suffering of cattle in the dairy industry.

I then asked him about his music. How does Def Leppard keep going strong after all these years? He believes it is due to their integrity. They have always delivered a particular type of sound and maintained it along the way. He also credits the fact that they have never broken up. Fans appreciate the consistency. As for his newer side project, the group Manraze is quite different. The alternative rock band plays at more intimate venues and takes more risks with their music. They push the envelope with lyrics that make strong political statements. Phil enjoys the diversity between the two groups.

I asked him if any of his Def Leppard bandmates have followed his healthy-eating lifestyle. He mentioned that Rick Allen has been vegetarian since his accident twenty years ago.

Phil’s wife has become vegetarian. She has embarked on a raw vegan lifestyle. Phil’s goal is to adhere to a raw vegan lifestyle for six months. His daughter has even embraced veganism since age nineteen.
His 21 year old son and six year old daughter has never eaten meat. Phil has worked with PETA on campaigns to promote veganism and wishes to someday show his young daughter a dvd regarding this topic.

I asked if he has any pets. It warmed my heart to hear that he has two rescued dogs, a shepherd and a shepherd/husky/dane mix! One was left by the roadside..abandoned. The other was injured and had been treated badly. Since Phil took them in, they have been so gentle and great around his kids.

We walked over to Def Leppard’s sitting room where Phil proceeded to show all of the healthy foods, snacks, and beverages that they keep in stock. I was really impressed! The buffet table displayed trays of steamed broccoli, rice, vegetable wraps, and veggie burgers. Bottled, spring water and coconut juice were the beverages of choice. Snacks included fruit, multi-grain tortilla chips, and vegan sweets. Lots of fresh greens were available at moments notice to make juices or smoothies.

Phil also wanted to show me the healthy items they keep on the tour bus. Indeed that is the case! I found a bowl of various fruits, cereal and crackers on the kitchen counter. The fridge contained almond milk. He also keeps vegan protein mix and strawberries to put in his non-dairy milk after a cardio workout. He drinks orange juice after a weight workout. A sandwich maker and juicer are kept in cabinets. It really is a bus fit for the health-conscious, vegan lifestyle! Any vegan who travels the country in an RV should follow the same eating and exercise routine!

As we made our way back outside, Phil escorted me to the pre-show private party. He had to leave at that point to prepare for the band’s onstage appearance in an hour or so. It gave me the opportunity to mingle with his staff.

Concert time had arrived! I made my way to my fabulous VIP seating! The concert was phenomenal! The band displayed Def Leppard photos from past to present on a giant projection screen behind them. The lighting changed from song to song to reflect the mood of the rhythm and lyrics. They performed all of their hit songs, rock and power ballads. The audience, myself included sang along as we enthusiastically stood up, waved our arms, and danced around in our individual spots! The members of the group have not lost their touch one bit. They are just as energetic as ever! Their voices are as strong as ever! Phil strummed that guitar of his with such passion! The last performance of the evening was “Rock Of Ages” as the audience really did rock and enjoy themselves. Standing ovation well-deserved!

My night was not yet complete. Helen and Phil had invited me to the private afterparty backstage! I mingled with friends of the band. Phil and I took another photo and chatted a bit more before I had to head for home.

All in all, it was an incredibly amazing evening! I got to hang out with the lead guitarist of my favorite 1980’s rock group. I had the opportunity to interview Phil regarding his compassionate,vegan lifestyle. The man is truly a talented, rock legend; a health-conscious vegan, a dedicated fitness enthusiast; and a friend to animals. His compassionate lifestyle is and should be an inspiration to those who meet him!