MUSIC is not all about talent and good looks (though it certainly helps) – it’s as important to put in the hard yakka, have the correct attitude and listen to the right people.

And that is why Brit hard rockers Def Leppard remain so successful after they first started out in 1976, says co-lead guitarist Phil Collen.

Collen says Leppard’s working-class roots helped them to defy the laws of rock gravity.

“I think it was very important for us as a band, our British roots and our values,” Hackney-born Collen says.

“Our parents lived through World War II, having to go down air raid shelters at night. They had a values system and they ingrained that in us.

“I’ve lived in the States for 33 years now but still feel very blessed to be from London.

“Our work ethic and how we treat other people, it’s all about respect.

“When our producer Mutt Lang came on board – someone who works as hard as anyone I’ve ever known – we didn’t want to disappoint him,” Collen says.

“He put so much effort into us and we wanted to look worthy in his eyes.

“The least we could do was work that hard in return and we lasted so long that it paid off.”

With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, two prestigious Diamond Awards in the US, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Def Leppard – Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick “Sav” Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums) remain one of rock music’s enduring forces.

The band have produced a series of classic, ground-breaking albums and their spectacular live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name.

Def Leppard are credited with making two of the most trailblazing albums of all time – Pyromania and Hysteria – and hits such as Rock of Ages, Pour Some Sugar on Me and Foolin’ capture the band’s sexual charisma and raw power.

But, like all bands, the boys have withstood the highs and lows that accompany a lifetime on the road.

Leppard’s early years involved all the regular antics expected from bands of that era: groupies, drugs, and wanton abandon in excess.

They sacked founding guitarist Pete Willis because of his alcoholism in 1982 and soon afterwards drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a car crash on New Year’s Eve, 1984.

In 1991, the other founding guitarist, Steve Clark, died from his addictions while Collen, too, had to confront his raging addiction to alcohol.

Collen quit drinking, started exercising, became a martial arts champ and a dedicated vegan.

Nowadays, the boys have a retinue of personal trainers, hairdressers, and fashion advisers with whom they consult.

The band tread an almost spiritual path.

Drummer Allen helps trauma survivors heal at his drum circles and Collen’s approach to martial arts training, fitness, and his empathy for animals would put Bruce Lee or Gandhi to shame.

“I remember eating meat and feeling physically sick,” Collen says.

“I’d think ‘I’ve got had a dead body in my mouth, a body part’, just like a serial killer would.

“I gave up booze and meat and began feeling the best I ever had.

“People ask me when I’m going to retire [Collen is 65] but we are still making sure we display the level of excellence required of us to be the very best we can.

“I absolutely refuse to give up and do that thing where you just sit on a couch and everything disappears, both your mind and your body.

Def Leppard released critically applauded new album Diamond Star Halos in 2022, and fans can expect a couple of cuts from that plus most of their hits at the band’s upcoming Brisbane date alongside rock legends Motley Crue in support.

“Our world tour shows have been totally crazy so far, the crowds and the love for our music in places like Mexico and Munich,” Collen says.

“Australia is always top of the list and hopefully when we get down to see you all, you are going to see something you haven’t seen before.

“We have raised the bar even more since we were last with you all.”

See them live at the Suncorp Stadium, Milton, November 9.