That was the most exciting period, I think: at first, when you get the success on that really large scale.

For acoustics Collen uses several Fenders Breedloves and a Guild acoustic guitar. Despite this invitation there was no need to replace Pete Willis and as a result Collen stayed as a member of Girl. He then joined a line-up of early bands including Lucy Tush Dumb Blondes and Girl.

He joined the band in 1982 following the departure of Pete Willis. Philip Kenneth "Phil" Collen (born 8 December 1957) is the co-lead guitarist and one of the backing vocalists for English rock band Def Leppard.