Def Leppard’s Collen Defends Mariah’s Cover Of Their Hit

Heath McCoy of the Calgary Herald caught up with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen who defended the group’s decision to let Mariah Carey cover their 1981 power ballad ‘Bringin’ On The Heartbreak’, despite the negative reaction many hardcore fans have given the move. “They’ve really reacted weirdly to it,” Collen said. “They’ll say ‘It sucks. You shouldn’t let her do it.’ Jesus, man. She’s an icon. She’s one of the most influential singers of the last decade. I mean, someone like Christina Aguilera is trying to imitate what Mariah did… (The fans) really get it wrong sometimes. She’s on our side and it’s an honor she’s done it. Really, that’s the only way we’re getting played.”