What Is Phil Collen’s Net Worth?
Phil Collen, the English musician and songwriter best known as the guitarist for Def Leppard, has an estimated net worth of $20 million. This figure reflects his successful career spanning several decades, encompassing album sales, touring, and other ventures.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born on December 8, 1957, in Hackney, London, Phil Collen began playing guitar in his early teens. He honed his skills playing with various bands, including Lucy, Tush, and the Dumb Blondes, before gaining prominence with the band Girl. Girl released two albums, “Sheer Greed” and “Wasted Youth”. In 1982, Collen joined Def Leppard during the recording of their third studio album, “Pyromania”. He replaced Pete Willis, who was let go due to alcohol-related issues. Collen’s addition proved pivotal, as his partnership with fellow guitarist Steve Clark created Def Leppard’s signature dual-guitar sound, earning them the moniker “Terror Twins”.
Def Leppard and its Impact on Phil Collen’s Net Worth
Phil Collen’s primary source of wealth stems from his involvement with Def Leppard. Since joining the band, he has contributed to numerous highly successful albums. “Pyromania,” released in 1983, was a breakthrough album for Def Leppard, selling over ten million copies in the US and achieving diamond certification by the RIAA. The album spawned hit singles such as “Photograph”, “Rock of Ages”, and “Foolin'”, all of which reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40. The success of “Pyromania” was followed by “Hysteria” in 1987, which cost approximately $4.5 million to produce. The album sold over 25 million copies and was certified 4x platinum in the USA by June 1988. “Hysteria” generated seven hit singles and solidified Def Leppard’s status as a global rock phenomenon. Other successful albums include “Adrenalize,” “Retro Active,” “Slang,” “Euphoria,” “X,” “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge,” “Def Leppard” (2015), and “Diamond Star Halos”. Def Leppard has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and earned two Diamond Awards in the US and Canada.
Other Musical Ventures and Income
In addition to his work with Def Leppard, Phil Collen has explored other musical avenues. He formed the band Man Raze with Simon Laffy (his former bandmate from Girl) and Paul Cook (from the Sex Pistols). Man Raze has released albums such as “Surreal” (2008) and “Punkfunkrootsrock” (2011). Though these projects contribute to his income, they haven’t reached the commercial heights of Def Leppard. “Surreal” had a low selling price of $3.75, a median of $9.04 and a high of $16.30 in March 2025. He also collaborated with Debbi Blackwell-Cook to form the blues-based side project Delta Deep, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Collen has also contributed to and produced albums for other artists, further adding to his income.
Touring and Live Performances
Touring has been a consistent and significant revenue stream for Phil Collen throughout his career. Def Leppard remains a popular live act, performing in stadiums and arenas worldwide. In 2024, Def Leppard embarked on a 23-city stadium tour, playing to approximately three-quarters of a million fans. These tours generate substantial income through ticket sales, merchandise, and other related revenue streams. For example, during the Hysteria tour, the band played at the Tacoma Dome in Washington and got 11,000 people in, while Kentucky held 23,000 and they had 3,000.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
Phil Collen has secured endorsement deals that supplement his income. He endorses products like the Sonus ergonomic chair, designed for guitar players. These endorsements leverage his reputation as a renowned guitarist. While specific financial details of these endorsements are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall earnings. Collen also carefully guards his endorsements. Collen is also venturing into the comic book world, with a graphic novel called “Hysteria” set to be released in April 2025 by Vault Comics. The graphic novel is a horror/fantasy/science fiction/thriller genre.
Property and Assets
While specific details about Phil Collen’s real estate holdings and other assets are not widely publicized, it is reasonable to assume that he has invested in property and other assets, in line with his high net worth. He currently resides in Orange County with his wife, Helen Simmon.
Phil Collen’s Lifestyle and Personal Choices
Phil Collen maintains a healthy lifestyle, focusing on fitness and veganism. He regularly engages in weight training and follows a vegan diet for health reasons. He emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, especially as he gets older. This commitment to health and wellness allows him to maintain the energy required for performing and touring. Collen is also involved with the Gerson Institute in Normal Heights, with the goal of lending support in the form of a $20,000 donation.