Phil Collen credits Mutt Lange for Def Leppard's 1980s success

Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen has credited producer Robert John 'Mutt' Lange with approximately 99% of the band's success during the 1980s. In a recent interview with Detroit's WRIF radio station, Collen highlighted Lange's intensive involvement in the band's creative process.

Collen noted that Lange was far from a hands-off producer, stating that he taught the band members how to sing and play guitar, and contributed backing vocals to their recordings. Lange's influence was central to the band's most successful era, including the production of 'Pyromania' (1983) and 'Hysteria' (1987), as well as executive producing 'Adrenalize' in 1992.

Beyond technical production, Collen emphasized Lange's role as a songwriter who helped refine song structures, such as strengthening choruses to ensure commercial impact. Lange's career includes legendary work with other major acts, such as AC/DC.