Pete Willis

Infobox musical artist

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Name = Pete Willis
Img_capt =
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name = Peter Andrew Willis"'
Born = birth date and age|1960|02|16|df=y
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Died =
Alias =
Genre = Heavy metal, Hard rock
Occupation = Guitarist, Songwriter
Instrument = Guitar, Vocals
Associated_acts = Def Leppard, Gogmagog, Roadhouse, Atomic Mass
Label =
Years_active = 1977 - present
URL = http://www.defleppard.com
Notable_instruments = Hamer Scarab

Peter Andrew "Pete" Willis (born February 16 1960, in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, where he attended Tapton School) was one of the original guitarists for the British rock band Def Leppard until he was replaced by Phil Collen in 1982. He co-wrote many tracks and played guitar on the band's third album, "Pyromania", which was being recorded at the time of his replacement.

Career

Willis was a guitar enthusiast since his youth. He was a fan of Jimi Hendrix to whom he modeled much of his self-taught guitar playing style.

In his early teens, he formed a band called Atomic Mass with Rick Savage, Tony Kenning, and (briefly) Paul Holland. He met Joe Elliott in 1977 and invited him to audition for the band, which would later become Def Leppard.

Willis was one of the main songwriters of the band during their first three albums. His contributions are often described as unique and difficult, due to being written in unusual key-tunings or with perplexing chords/fingering positions.

He was dismissed from the band during the recording of "Pyromania" due to a drinking problem, and was replaced by guitarist Phil Collen (formerly of British glam band Girl). He later recorded with the bands Gogmagog (with former and current members of Iron Maiden) and Roadhouse.

In the 'Def Leppard' episode of VH1's 'Behind The Music', Willis spoke about his dismissal from the band. He said that being fired from the band was likely the best thing that ever happened to him.

In February 2003, Atomic Mass reunited at the Hallam FM Arena.

He now runs his own property management company in Sheffield.

Discography

With Def Leppard

* "Def Leppard EP" (1979)
* "On through the Night" (1980)
* "High 'n' Dry" (1981)
* "Pyromania" (1983)
* "First Strike" (Bootleg)

With Gogmagog

* "I Will Be There EP" (1985)

With Roadhouse

* "Roadhouse" (1991)

ee also

* Def Leppard