“I can’t imagine who I would be today without music. Music is a journey, an expression and a way to connect. It’s a gift that touches every human being.”
Rick joined Def Leppard at the age of 15, right before the band signed their record contract. He lost his left arm in a car accident in 1984, but this didn’t stop him from being a drummer; with the help from a (semi-)electronic drum kit, Rick became “a better drummer than he was when he had two arms” (as said by Joe Elliott). In 1986, the drumkit was completely electronic, but since 1995, some parts are acoustic again, depending on his studio- or live setting.
Rick Allen Talks A Little About Himself:
Playing drums rocks. But for me it’s also about mastering the art of mindfulness. Every time I play I learn how to connect my body and mind in a new way. It’s a continuous practice of being a conduit for power, for humility, and for the massive energy of a live audience.
Drumming is my meditation, my art, my spirituality.
Surviving a car accident and losing my arm could have destroyed my life. Instead it led me on an unexpected path of finding my deepest strength.
Def Leppard fans give me so much support. I will never forget the cards, letters and gifts that came to my house after the accident. The outpouring of love and care made the option of giving up impossible.
With so much encouragement and a lot of hard work, I was eventually back on stage again, drumming better than ever before. But the emotional injuries from the accident were still hidden inside of me. I ran from them for many years until finally I confronted and slayed the dragon within.
The art of music, the practice of drumming, the cosmic dance with the audience—these are the passions that have kept me alive and still keep me going, night after night.