Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen talks brutal attack l GMA

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🙄

[@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

[@ChristianContemporaryMusic02]

​@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.

[@jamesgoines7663]

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

[@atroutman5959]

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

[@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.

[@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!?

[@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.

[@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.

[@bethanhamer.8669]

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

[@TracyT5150]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@blackmagicwoman1493]

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

[@mrshess443]

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

[@lasandralucas7314]

Thank goodness he is okay and alive. True inspiration.

[@kevztunz]

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

[@jujubees711]

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

[@monicascott2354]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@wendythewitch01]

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

[@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!!!

[@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. ❤🙏❤️

[@shirleydusinberre274]

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

[@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❤

[@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😊

[@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. ❤️

[@traceyk4531]

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

[@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. ❤

[@AlwaysAuntieDana]

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

[@ethanhogg1098]

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

[@LM-tl5bd]

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

[@randyyoungban4021]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@richarddrewniak2097]

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

[@annahenson2961]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@greggreg2263]

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

[@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! ❤

[@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 🇨🇦 🥁✌️🎵

[@arlenashallow6014]

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

[@micheleboyle3547]

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

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I've been a D.L. fan for much of my life and Rick Allen is one of the reasons why.

[@sooz9433]

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

[@mattdylan664]

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

[@thebabylonz7910]

Rick Allen is a class act. Prayers and blessings to him and his family

[@RielEyes]

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!

[@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.

[@GaryLaaks1]

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

[@hillclimber4incolo498]

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

[@littleone7404]

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

[@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.

[@lisasenglishconversationcl3582]

Love Rick Allen! Love Def Leppard!

[@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.

[@BrooklynBaby100]

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

[@oregoncoastbeachcomber2060]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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....

[@terrilynn27allen88]

Glad Rick is healing. ❤

[@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❤❤❤❤

[@RokDAWG1]

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

[@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.❤

[@WarriorMigs24]

Thank you Rick

[@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!

[@marcturner5297]

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

[@acu112]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@philipatkinson843]

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

[@gwen3010]

GOD BLESS Mr. Allen!!!

[@lanaroberts-nc3hd]

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

[@christinewhite661]

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

[@Ravenoflight2275]

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

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Def Leppard, one of the best bands of my lifetime!!

[@beverleyjas]

the nicest guy, loved him since the 1980s

[@jillloutsch]

What an feel good moment and such an incredible moment

[@AllanAdamson]

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

[@tiffanyroseangeles34]

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

[@jeanoboyle2439]

I hope he keeps healing, & well 🙏🙏🙏

[@YoursTrulyThe1Pony]

Will there ever be another drummer who can play with one arm. So glad he's ok

[@jo8726t]

That was horrible. Hope he gets well soon.

[@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.

[@copp214]

He is very kind to his fans. He does not snub them when they ask for autographs. There are too many people walking around with serious issues out to harm others. There is no logical reason for attacking him. It is good to see his wife always being supportive of him.

[@marybeck7594]

Rick, a great soul

[@private_c]

Idk why someone would attack Rick like that but that’s unforgivable, but I’m glad he’s ok

[@vaderladyl]

Some drugged kid that did it because he thought it was fun.

[@private_c]

@@vaderladyl oh? Well I didn’t know that

[@vaderladyl]

@@private_c Punk kids these days.

[@cindysmith4181]

I saw Def Leopard the year before covid at Carolina Rebellion!!!!!! They sound just as amazing in person as they sound on the radio!!! I was thoroughly impressed!!!!!

[@Blujonny11]

The biggest Def Leppard memory I have is when I started a new school in 8th grade and every rocker was wearing a Def Leppard t-shirt on the first day of school. At that point I didn't even know who Def Leppard was. I know Def Leppard is used to seeing thousands of fans at once but to me seeing that is a kind of irreplaceable memory.

[@JamesWilliams-c7i]

You are the best totally awesome in the best drummer in the world