Rick Allen: the story of the legendary one-armed drummer

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

Who doesn't know Rick Allen, this talented musician who hasn't given up on his passion even after having one of his arms amputated? Now all the drummer's fans bow to his love of music and courage.

Biography

Rick Allen was born in November 1963. This significant event took place in the city of Dronfield in the UK. From an early age, Rick was fascinated by music in its various manifestations, in particular drums. But at first, the talented boy had to play only with the help of his mother's kitchen tools.

When Rick was ten years old, he convinced his mom and dad to buy a drum set, and his parents granted his wish by buying an excellent quality instrument. Rick Allen immediately promised to return half the cost of the installation as soon as he could achieve the proper level of skill.

The guy achieved success very quickly. Already after 6 months of shock home training, he began to play in the Smokey Blue team. Later, Rick Allen replaced several other bands, including Johnny Kalendar Band and Rampant.

The turning point in the life of the drummer came when he was 15 years old. It was then that he decided to become a memberthe Def Leppard team. And a year later, the guy dropped out of school to pursue his musical career exclusively.

At the same time, the first concerts of the group began, one of which was dedicated to the guy's next birthday.

Def Leppard's first album was recorded on March 14, 1980. After this moment, Rick Allen, along with the rest of the musical group, began to actively go on tour. At first it was performances within the country, a little later they were replaced by world tours.

Drummer loses hand

In 1984, the musician was in a car accident with his girlfriend Miriam. It happened on December 31, when a driver drove onto the road, preventing the drummer from passing safely. This man provoked Alain to overtake. But after accelerating, Rick failed to spot the turn in time, causing the vehicle to crash into a wall.

Because the drummer did not fasten his seat belt in advance, he was thrown out of the car when he collided with an obstacle, and his left arm was torn off. A nurse who lived near the crash site managed to keep the limb alive until the ambulance arrived, and provided first aid to Rick Allen. But all these efforts did not save his left hand, after several unsuccessful operations, he said goodbye to it.

The life of a musician after the accident

Blood poisoning has become a key reason for the amputation of the hand. But Rick Allen is a drummer who, despite severe depression, did not give up andovercame a host of difficulties awaiting him. He did not finish his musical career, but having recovered mentally and physically, he was able to go further towards the goal and remained an active member of the Def Leppard group.

And in 2003, the drummer married a second time to Lauren Monroe, with whom he still lives. Recall that Rick Allen has a daughter from his first marriage.

Art exhibition by drummer Def Leppard

Last year, the Wentworth Gallery proudly presented the musician's work in a series called "Rick Allen: Icons and Angels" at one of its New Jersey branches. The work of the legendary drummer could be seen not only at the opening in Short Hills, but also in Philadelphia, Atlanta and South Florida.

This series includes forty-five works, including lighting, paintings and photographs by Rick. The author of the works also visited her and spoke a little about the history of the works.

From each work sold at this exhibition, a portion of the funds was donated to charities, and all buyers were able to receive a Purple Heart medal, personally signed by Rick Allen. This award is usually given to soldiers who were injured or died due to the attacking actions of the enemy camp.