Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen talks brutal attack l GMA

The iconic drummer is opening up about his recovery journey only months after he was assaulted in Fort Lauderdale.
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#drummer #defleppard #rickallen #gma

[@rubychew6535]

We have a lot of sick people in the world. I'm glad that Rick is healing emotionally.

[@sunnystormy4973]

-horrible !-

[@SicilianStrega13]

I love him. He has been my hero since I was 18 years old. I always check in on him. I am so sad that he went through this but I am so happy that he has his beautiful wife and he is stronger than what Life has to throw at him.

[@meld2584]

Yeah, no kidding. And we aren’t two of them Ruby Chew - haha

[@zenoblevinsbigz6665]

.... ..

[@jeffmisch1485]

Florida has more than their share.

[@philverostko1784]

This man is not only a great musician, but he is an incredible individual. I had the opportunity to meet Rick and the rest of the band in 2003. It was a great experience, as well as a dream come true. I've been a drummer since I was five years old, thanks to this man and MTV!!! Keep on rocking Rick!

[@jeffhodge7272]

Rick was 17 when I saw him live the first time!😁

[@allykatt1849]

❤❤❤

[@sunnystormy4973]

-#cheers-- !-

[@lindahandley5267]

That's so cool!

[@ZYGTropicals]

He was arrested for domestic violence. Everyone has issues!

[@movieforge01]

I met him in Maui in the early 2000s. The nicest guy. People always say that but I'm saying he was just super friendly and genuinely kind. Had over a 20 minute conversation with him. A definite Highpoint of my life. He'll never remember me but I'll always remember that guy.

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

Cool dude love them especially Joe Elliott and the gang oh my God a survivor Rick Allen the ultimate thunder God

[@stephb3321]

I was in high school when he lost his arm, I remember that well. Can’t believe the senseless act of this attack. He is resilient and a true survivor. God bless him, his wife and family. ❤️

[@chrishester9990]

The same wife that Rick beat up a few years ago?

[@wildlifewarrior2670]

If there was a God he wouldn't have let that accident happen the first place

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

I was in Junior High.

[@vaderladyl]

@@chrishester9990 That was in 1995 when he was having alcohol problems, not recent, besides people change.

[@chrishester9990]

@@vaderladyl 🙄

[@alterego6075]

He didn't just "learn" to play drums with one arm. He had to completely rewire his brain and reinvent his drum set. The dedication to his craft and his bandmates is commendable, to say the very least.

[@abbasidanny]

Also that his bandmates stuck by him, and they went on to make the most successful album of their career.

[@cameron_0023]

In real life he had both arms.

[@alterego6075]

@cameron_0022 What? Are you ok?

[@cameron_0023]

@@alterego6075 I am OK.

[@RossHebrank-gy3eu]

​@@cameron_0023no but I like him

[@shellos8]

I remember when he lost his arm and I remember his comeback. He's always been a great inspiration.

[@raimeyewens7518]

I remember wondering how he was ever going to play again. I thought it was awesome they found a way to keep him in the band and modify his drums.

[@ReneRosa]

I remember when he then used his one arm to beat his now ex-wife.

[@SydneyJones-bm5bu]

Hey you are a real fan of Rick I remember his comeback too it was legendary

[@80smusicfan90]

​@ReneRosa Don't be that way. Yes I know it wasn't right. But ricks received help now. He's in a much better position than he was in 95.

[@bluebluesky3170]

​@@ReneRosafor which he was punished, very publicly, and rightly so. He had severe PTSD at the time, & it was 30 years ago. He's been happily married to someone else for 20 years and has spent those 20 years helping others with PTSD. Nobody could have done more to try to make things right.

[@ValentinasWatching]

I'm glad he's ok. Such a terrible thing to attack someone like that. Specially when it's someone with a missing body part like him. How dare you. He and his wife are very graceful and their positivity is inspiring though.

[@Sindollx666x]

Right, as if the guy hasn't been through enough!?

[@jamesgoines7663]

Glad to see he is doing well. Godspeed to him and his family.

[@jmhaces]

The man's a class act. I remember being a 14 year old kid back in the early 90's and managing to make my way to the very front of the crowd during the encore of one of their shows for their tour for Adrenalize and, as they were taking their final bow, diciding to yell out, "Rick!" and give him a thumbs up. He looked back at me, smiled back and gave me the thumbs up too. It meant a lot to me as a kid who had grown up listening to his older brother's Def Leppard albums from the 80's.

[@the406seadonkey6]

Preach dude. Same experience in life as you, minus your cool experience at your moment in time. Peace.

[@bluebluesky3170]

I can relate. I was at a Bon Jovi gig (seen in their I'll Be There for You video), when Rick joined Elton John, Brian May, and Lita Ford on stage to perform The Boys are Back in Town with Bon Jovi. I screamed "Ricky!!" and he looked right at me and gave me a thumbs up and a wave. A huge moment for me as a young fan.

[@annjones9802]

What a remarkable guy Rick is! So glad he is ok. So nice, so good looking! We sure do love the guys of Def Leppard.

[@jeniestra.]

I didn't know this happened to Rick. There are too many people out there that need mental help. I'm glad he is alive, this man is a fighter.

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

Me either.

[@Ron898]

Most Floridians need mental help.

[@TheMilesswint]

What a senseless coward! Rick is not only one of the best drummers that’s overcome amazing adversity but he seems like such a genuine guy and class act with all of his fans. Glad he’s doing well and wasn’t badly injured.

[@atroutman5959]

He said he “wants to make as many ppl happy as he can” he’s doing a WONDERFUL job!

[@TracyT5150]

I am just happy to see hes ok. I love this band and this guy is amazing. 😭😁🙏😇

[@bethanhamer.8669]

Such a great bloke , saw them last night at Sheffield U.K. amazing . I swear he smiled the whole way through . ❤❤

[@mrshess443]

What an amazing survivor Rick is. Sorry he went through what he has, but wow what a freaking legend...

[@kevztunz]

Rick Allen is a great drummer, great human being, and an inspiration to a generation of us 80's kids.

[@Cornbread-]

Heart breaking to hear him have to say with one arm "I am no threat too you" what a helpless feeling he must have felt.

[@blackmagicwoman1493]

I've always liked him. He comes across as such a sweetheart in all of the interviews I've seen him in.

[@jujubees711]

What a wonderful couple with a great attitude. Sending prayers and blessings to them both that they be kept from any future harm.

[@sarabeckham3647]

I was born on November 19, 1985 I'm a very huge fan of Def Leppard as a little girl growing up listening to they music I heard about Rick losing his arm in a horrible car accident many yrs ago too.

[@lasandralucas7314]

Thank goodness he is okay and alive. True inspiration.

[@traceyk4531]

I'm glad that Rick is alright and no one else was hurt. I think he struck gold when he met Lauren.

[@gritsngranola]

So fortunate to have Lauren and your band mates. Look forward too seeing you when you finish the tour. XO to you n the family!

[@aneesackbarali5149]

Rick's guardian angel seems to be watching over him 24/7 . Rock on brother ! God bless🙏🧡

[@jcsmith7898]

Sounds like that angel was sleeping on the job! Too bad Rick was attacked.

[@jamiecasey9800]

I seen Def Leppard 5 times when i was younger but what an inspiration this fellow is to anyone that faces challenges. Glad He's ok and pray for speedy recovery. And happy to see Him and the Band still touring. ❤🙏❤️

[@lookingglassmimzy]

So proud to be a life long fan of such a wonderful man. May God bless his family and ventures to help others!! Thanks for being a stand up human!!!

[@markfarnsworth3306]

I’m a drummer myself and love Def Leppard and Rick glad he’s ok…their greats hits CD has been in my cars CD player for over a yr now and I listen to them pretty much every day

[@debschoman8775]

I am so sorry this happened, but THANK YOU! I needed to hear this today. God Bless You😊

[@billdambrough]

Rick, you are an inspiration through and through. I'm so sorry this happened. Sending all of the love and support to Rick and Lauren❤

[@Keeponsmiling60]

So sad I wish we could go back to the 70’s& 80’s. We lived such a free life

[@zolitariglussey6302]

Our Parents whipped our butts too............. this Liberal parenting BS doesn't work and this is more proof of it!!

[@Jackielocks]

Yes! If you figure out a way, please share- I’ll go and I promise you, we will have a blast! It wasn’t perfect but it definitely was a whole lot better in many ways, wasn’t it? I’d definitely hit the concerts.. what would you do?

[@Keeponsmiling60]

Oh yes the concerts for sure

[@shanewilson199]

The music, sure… not to sure about the free life bit.

[@jeffgregory5524]

life's better now boomer

[@wendythewitch01]

I’m glad he’s doing ok. Lots of prayers And love.

[@melissamunoz-rush8298]

Rick is so amazing and so is his wife Lauren. I am glad he is healing well. I am a huge fan of his and Def Leppard. Blessings to Rick and the band. ❤️

[@victorkreitner754]

Anytime you wake up one day and decide you can't do something in life or the chips are stacked against you all the time think of Rick who lost his arm and could of quit feeling sorry for himself 40 years ago. Life will go on with or without you. Rick is a strong individual.

[@greggreg2263]

You can knock Rick down for a few seconds, but he pops right back up even stronger 💯🙌✅🙏

[@monicascott2354]

Whoa. That gave me the CHILLS! Mad respect from Colorado.

[@shirleydusinberre274]

So glad that he is ok...what a life he has had.

[@LM-tl5bd]

I am so relieved to know Rick is doing okay. What great support of family he has around him!👏🏼

[@Notric]

What a great guy! As a long time fan I was shocked by this attack. Love your work mate.

[@pancakeday4866]

Incredible drummer and resilience. ❤

[@jackcompton8752]

Blessed to have met Rick while on WWP Soldier Ride in CA. Really cool, laid-back dude who overcame adversity and thrived despite it. Felt weird that he thought I was someone special, but his support was welcomed & uplifting. I gave him my WWP cycling jersey. ✌️ Stay strong, brother.

[@kimberleykochel4785]

Glad that Rick is on the road to recovery. He is a very gifted man. To play the drums with one arm is totally awesome. Glad he asked for "The Higher Power" to help him was definitely a great thought. Def Leppard is most definitely my favorite group to do my housework with. I'll be doing that today. Love your style Rick. You have a great wife to support you. Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 🥁✌️🎵

[@AlwaysAuntieDana]

Sending the warmest and comforting human-to-human love to both Rick and Lauren.

[@yeshuas_follower]

The most humble guy ever. I saw him lastnight in glasgow after watching them yrars ago in the 80s, what a performance he gave, bare feet one arm...WOW! ❤

[@annahenson2961]

I'm praying for my all time favorite drummer and his family. Thank u for everything you do.

[@richarddrewniak2097]

What a genuine person in life and such a god given talent. You are such an inspiration to people, never give up.

[@randyyoungban4021]

your drumming gets me goosebumps every time! thanks for your work and get well Sir!

[@ethanhogg1098]

So proud to come from the same town and school as this man

[@micheleboyle3547]

Man…the best to you and your family! Rock on!❤

[@lisaanderson135]

What a beautiful souls Rick and his wife are! He really is a beacon of strength and resilience with all he’s been through! Not allowing his past and present hardships to hold him back from doing what he loves! He’s an inspiration of how we all should be treating others and ourselves

[@acu112]

Great attitude, overcoming major challenges, you inspire me to work harder and smarter, love you like a brother ❤❤❤

[@arlenashallow6014]

So happy you are doing good. Many blessings to your wife

[@MP-fk9em]

Thank God Rick is doing better 🙏🙏🙏🙏. I was 11 when Def Leppard release their first album in 1980. I grew up listening to their music during the height of their career. Their music will always be on my playlist as they played an important part to many of my best memories❤❤❤❤

[@Sindollx666x]

Def Leppard was my first favorite band. I still have the first album I ever bought, Hysteria vinyl I bought it in Tower records with my birthday certificate.

[@timothylawson3262]

I will always be connected to this brother, that same weekend I toalted my Camaro berlinetta I was so bummed out and depressed about what just happened, then a few days later on the radio I heard about his accident and was like wow, it still sucked but I wasn't hurt, I will always remember that weekend, two bad accidents, two different outcomes.

[@thomaswilson7441]

I'm glad you're okay, I'm just having a hard time believing what's going on with people nowadays

[@sandib4234]

Nuts!!

[@dixieshepherd4132]

The Bible goes into detail about what will overtake society in the last days when 'the spirit of lawlessness' is let loose as a result of people taking God out of everything. The worst evil man can conceive.....with the ONLY answer/remedy turning back to God once again. Tina

[@rosemaryhips]

Rick is tough & inspirational. Mental Health should be a priority in the US but instead, hate is being stoked😡😖Humans must do better. Thankful for Rick’s grace🙏🏼 & continued recovery.

[@littleone7404]

Rick thank God you are ok, sorry you had to go through such a Horrible experience

[@sooz9433]

Respect to this man. I'm happy he's doing well.

[@hillclimber4incolo498]

He's a really inspiring guy and what a tremendous couple these two are

[@oregoncoastbeachcomber2060]

Love you Rick! Keep rockin'. Your attitude is inspirational.

[@MandiMriel]

This man is a legend! Also who attacks someone with one arm!!!!

[@jehehdjdjdjdjdj9772]

🦍🦍 people

[@ladyhonor822]

AMEN THANK YOU ❤

[@michelejp69]

Some sad freak and typically were he was!

[@jodyrobinson5122]

I'm sorry Rick.. You have many fans who stand by you.. Through the good and bad.. We love you and we appreciate your skills and the band.. Thank you for not giving up

[@SydneyJones-bm5bu]

Hello. I agree with you

[@mattdylan664]

Rick is the sweetest most humble person , who in their right mind would want to hurt him? it makes no sense

[@keithburchart6419]

I hope they throw the book at the guy who attacked Rick. In no way did he deserve that. He loves making people happy and is a genuine nice person. I still have all their albums, and remember buying On Through The Night when I was a young teen. Been hooked on Def Leppard ever since. Carry on Rick, and don't let that guy deter you in any way. We all wish you the best and appreciate all you do! Your art work is amazing by the way.

[@tiffanyroseangeles34]

What a sweet humble & great iconic drummer is Rick Allen! Woah! ❤❤❤❤❤ inspiration to all drummers & to anyone to never give up !😊

[@GaryLaaks1]

Big influence in my life. Thank you for your music gents.

[@towerharvey5629]

I was at the football stadium last night, Sheffield United fc, rick was awesome, blew my mind, i hope our sheffield crowd did them proud last night....

[@daveybay2771]

It SUCKS that this story only got 200K views in its first week. What a great motivational story. Bad things happen every day. Do we HAVE to focus on them all the time? This is focus on how we get past it - how we survive. Thank you GMA! Apparently not many people want to feel good anymore, but today you made me feel good.

[@AllanAdamson]

I remember seeing Rick with his band at Somerset 23? years ago & it was a great time.

[@christinewhite661]

I'm glad that he is blessed. I'm sorry for him. He is a great drummer!!

[@lanaroberts-nc3hd]

It makes me won't to Cry ,loveDef Leppard!!

[@lindahandley5267]

It's a wicked world and we never know what to expect. He is such a nice man and he is a wonderful example of how to survive it.❤

[@terrilynn27allen88]

Glad Rick is healing. ❤

[@jeanoboyle2439]

I hope he keeps healing, & well 🙏🙏🙏

[@marcturner5297]

I am glad to see him and his wife healing though this terrible experience...

[@BrooklynBaby-1]

I’m definitely going to see Def Leppard live now ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@RokDAWG1]

I hate that anyone would attack him! I’m glad he’s doing better & hope justice will come.

[@philipatkinson843]

What a beautiful human being. He has been a huge part of the soundtrack of my happiness.

[@PookysPlace]

Dam I love Rick Allen. I was sucker punched in 2018 . my back(T1) and neck(C6 &7) were shattered when my head hit the ground, I had to have a 30 hour surgery ,spinal fusion LOTS of hardware lots of rehabbing and still in rehab. I thought I got hit by a car. It was so out of the blue.He IS a rock ICON but the humblest of humans. Long live The THUNDERGOD!

[@carlosdeno]

Ricks parents lived across the road from my then girlfriends house, in Dronfield. When he lost his arm he used to practice there and I would see him through the window, when I parked my car on the street playing his newly adapted kit. An amazing musician and what he overcame was remarkable.

[@cody_charlesguitar]

Rick is a true example of courage in the face of adversity. He’s one of the strongest humans ever abs as a legally blind person he inspires me to try to be stronger in the things I have to overcome. Thank you Mr. Allen for giving me hope when I felt like giving up.

[@SoberOKMoments]

Grace and courage, plus all his priorities straight. Ditto his lovely wife. Glad he's still with us and still bringing music to the masses.

[@Ravenoflight2275]

Rick Allen is a inspiration and great drummer. Glad he is recovering after that senseless attack in Ft. Lauderdale

[@lisasenglishconversationcl3582]

Love Rick Allen! Love Def Leppard!

[@aprilking4058]

A beautiful soul I am huge fan since I was young

[@wndowpayne]

Met him back in the day on the Hysteria tour...really good dude...

[@WarriorMigs24]

Thank you Rick

[@bravomom22]

I am so glad he is going to be ok! Have always enjoyed Def Leppard!

[@beverleyjas]

the nicest guy, loved him since the 1980s

[@jennyosorto6281]

Just learning about this, Rick and Def leppard we love you in Miami!!! Rick you Rock❤💛🧡

[@Q2-iswatching]

Awesome outlook I love his attitude and he's a heck of a drummer

[@jillloutsch]

What an feel good moment and such an incredible moment

[@rayericphillips3916]

As I live in Derby UK just a few minutes from Sheffield and I remember when Rick lost his arm. I hope the concert goes well.

[@missthang4982]

What a kind gentle soul. Always loved this guy. Saw them a couple of times in my younger years. Amazing band. Glad to hear you're doing well. Highest of fives to to your, "Wing Gal". What a equally solid human. Wives are everything. I know. Because I'm one of them. I'd just die, without my husband and would do anything for him too. 💃 🤜💥🤛 Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦✌️

[@ronbishop3289]

Love You Rick and I'm am so happy you are ok! Keep rocking my friend! 👍👍👍

[@goudgio]

Sheffield steel. Amazing guy and amazing drummer.

[@Danuta628]

He’s Sucha good dude. I just shake my head - I’m glad he is safe and okay. Dayum humanity is such a mixed bag.

[@sd560]

A symbol of resilience, I salute you, hun ... keep on rocking...and of course, drumming 😂💪💪💪💪💪

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

I saw Def Leppard here in San Diego great show they opened up for Aerosmith. In 2008 I believe at the Coors Amphitheater in Chula Vista. Great drummer his band mates have stuck with him . Great Band 👍

[@ShelbylunaMorgan]

Rick you are an inspiration ❤❤. Glad you are healing.