Def Leppard Guitarist’s Band To Release New EP

Manraze, the London-based rock band formed by Def Leppard lead guitarist Phil Collen, along with punk rock forerunner Paul Cook (Sex Pistols) on drums and Simon Laffy, rockin’ bass player of Collen’s former glam-band Girl, will release their new EP, “I Surrender”, on November 12.

“I Surrender” will be comprised of three songs, including the title track, which features background vocals by Debbi Blackwell-Cook, who also appears on “All I Wanna Do”, a newly recorded version of the song which first appeared on the trio’s 2011 sophomore album “punkfunkrootsrock”. The final track is “Connected – Live from Shepherd’s Bush”, a live studio performance from a studio podcast session, not previously released.

The first single, “I Surrender”, was nearly forgotten about, explains Collen. “The song is eight years old,” he says. “It practically never got finished. I was on tour last year and started singing the chorus. Early this year, I re-did the guitars to Paul’s original demo drums. I did a vocal and Simon played new bass-lines. Ger McDonnell then did a brilliant edit and mix on what we gave him. Debbi Blackwell-Cook supplied the wailing outro-vocals that you hear at the end of the song. We feel this is our best song yet.”

In the spring of 2011, the Manraze single “I, Superbiker” was the theme song for the feature documentary of the same name. Another Manraze song featuring Debbi Blackwell-Cook titled “Take On The World” was also released in conjunction with the film. Directed by Mark Sloper, and released solely in the U.K., the documentary is an in-depth exposé into the merciless world of competitive speed bike racing and a look at the men who have dedicated their entire existence to this incredibly dangerous, adrenaline-fueled sport.

Since the last album release, all three band members have kept busy. Collen continues to hold down his “day job” as lead guitarist with Def Leppard, currently promoting their DEF LEPPARD “Viva! Hysteria” concert live album and DVD release this month. Cook has been working with Edwyn Collins, first on his 2013 album release “Understated”, and then touring with Collins playing live shows. Currently, Cook is also playing in SUBWAY SECT with Vic Goddard touring and recording a new album. Laffy has taken his talents into another creative lane, having authored two novels in his “off time,” “Red Sunrise” and “Seed Of Satan”. Both are historical fictions, set around epic events of the 20th century and are in the process of being published.

It all started in 2004, when Phil Collen, after 20+ years as lead guitarist for Def Leppard, decided to express himself via another creative outlet. After a chance meeting on the street with Paul Cook, Manraze finally released their debut album, “Surreal”, through Universal in the summer of 2008 to rave reviews.