Date: 4 December 2008

Venue: Barfly, Birmingham
 

 

Man Raze poster signed by the band - click here to enlarge

 "One of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet". That's the opinion of Ashley (Deft Leppard's Joe Elliott) after meeting Phil Collen and the rest of his band Man Raze following their show at the Barfly in Birmingham.

Man Raze are on a mini-tour in support of their debut album "Surreal". The band featuring Paul Cook on drums (Sex Pistols) and Simon Laffy on bass (Girl) have just played an hour long set and are relaxing and hanging out backstage when Deft Leppard pop their heads around the door.

"The band were more than happy to sign one or two things for us, but the real highlight was when we told Phil that we are Deft Leppard, the UK tribute to Def Leppard" says Ian.

Ashley continues, "Phil was so thrilled about it, we showed him our poster that he had signed and he remembered signing it, but couldn't remember where and when. He asked how the band was doing and shook hands with all of us and had his picture taken with us all. When he was introduced to Mark he quipped 'Phil meet Phil' and agreed to sign Mark's guitar"


"I took my guitar along in the hope that we might be able to meet Phil and I could get him to sign it" Mark explains, " so when I shook his hand I asked if he would mind signing it for me and he agreed"

"Phil was handed Mark's guitar and spent a couple of minutes checking it out and trying to see where he could sign it for the best. I cheekily suggested while he'd got the guitar he could teach Mark a solo and he laughed, but when he finished signing it, he proceeded to play the 'Women' solo" Ashley laughs

After playing a few bars on Mark's guitar, Phil mentioned that he uses a heavier
Phil checks out Mark's guitar

Phil examines Mark's guitar in more detail		 gauge string and they began a technical conversation on strings and pick-ups, at which point Phil asked if Mark would like to see his 'all-time favourite guitar' and promptly opened up cases until he found it.

"Have a go with this" he said and handed over the guitar to a very gob-smacked Mark.
This is how the Women solo goes...

"It's tricky with a pen in your hand"
Phil:"Now this is my all time favourite guitar"
Phil explains the workings before handing it to Mark

"Phil was such a nice bloke and chatted to us like we'd known him all our lives, it was a great pleasure to finally meet him and to play his guitar was way more than I ever expected. I'm going to really enjoy playing the one he has signed for me onstage as well!" adds Mark.

Phil signs Man Raze poster as Mark & Alex look on		 "I've got to say as well though, that both Simon Laffy and Paul Cook were also really nice guys and stuck around having a chat despite their takeaway going cold! And the show itself was excellent; very intimate and very relaxed, and you know these 3 guys just love to make music, because they're out here doing this and loving every minute of it"

"We also have to say a big thanks to the 2 guys backstage who took our picture with Phil" adds Alex, "we didn't get your names, but know you come and see us at the Robin when we're there. Thanks for the compliments too lads, we'll see you in Bilston next year - we're booked back in there for August 27!"

Working out the best place to sign Mark's guitar
Ash's shirt signed by Phil