Def Leppard's Rick Allen Recounts the Days Following His Life-Altering Accident

Drummer Rick Allen tells Howard Stern how he recovered both physically and mentally from the accident that took his arm. Watch more from Howard’s interview with Def Leppard on the SiriusXM app!
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[@roberthanson6156]

Huge sense of brotherhood that they didn’t just outright replace him yet just kept on supporting him and trucking along. Love Def Leppard

[@Floydfan47]

A drummer with one arm. And a HELL of a drummer at that. It's astounding.

[@johnmanor5236]

What an amazing attitude - and for his mates to give him the time it took to see if it worked or not. Kudos to Def Leppard.

[@motley331]

What is amazing about this happening/event ... is that the band DID NOT abandon him.

[@darklordlc]

Def Leppard are a family. You can see that here. The smiles and pride on their faces as he told the story are priceless.

[@richardgagliano1618]

I have so much love and respect for Def Leopard, as song writers, musicians and as human beings. These are honorable men who understand the meaning of friendship.

[@philipcooper8297]

So much so, that you know they're called Def Leppard.

[@ice-tsbodycount4054]

"The weird thing is he's been one armed longer than two armed". After he said that, I was like man that's another interesting way to look at it too.

[@donnav6219]

Def Leppard is still together thanks to Rick's tenacity. Amazing man!

[@Geotubest]

I remember Rick Allen's accident like it was just a couple of years ago. I had wondered at the time how he'd ever continue. But here he is, still going strong. Legendary really. Well done Rick.

[@Notimp0rtant523]

When I thought about giving up drums as a kid, Rick’s story and energy convinced me otherwise. I’ve since taught drums at a collegiate level. Thanks, Rick.

[@wolfgang548]

Rick Allen is one of the most inspirational drummers and person in general. Just about any other person in his position wouldn't have continued as a drummer. I was blown away by his paying ability when I first saw them in 1992.

[@thewitness829]

My father introduced me to Def Leppard when I was only a baby, he tells me stories of how I would bounce up and down in my crib to the songs and I’ve loved them ever since. My father and I had the pleasure of meeting Rick through his Wentworth Galleries art tour. He is such a humble, kind person and if you didn’t know who he was you would never even know he was a rockstar. My father suffered a spinal chord tumor just about 20 years ago and has been paralyzed from the waist down ever since. The second we were called back to meet Rick he immediately moved past all of his people ushering back to get to my father and help push his wheel chair and position him at the table. Before we discussed anything art or music he asked my father what had happened to him and my father had explained the whole story and for the first time and probably only time in my entire life I sat and watched my two greatest heroes (Rick is my fathers biggest inspiration as well because of how he overcame his adversity) have a down to earth humble conversation about the struggles of being handicapped. After they finished talking I got Rick to sign some stuff and asked him so questions about Steve Clark ( he’s my biggest inspiration as a guitar player ) and he was just so kind and down to earth. I will never forget the 10 minutes I spent with Rick Allen and I will never forget how he made my fathers life complete. If you ever read this Rick, I just want to say thank you so much and keep rocking on brother.

[@kristenlaplante132]

What a great group of friends. So awesome that they stuck together and helped Rick get through his recovery. They didn't continue without him, they waited for him. Respect.

[@YesuAiNimen]

Been a Lep fan since I was 12. Felt horrible for Rick when he lost his arm. I've cheered him on ever since. That band has been thru a lot. RIP Steve.....LONG LIVE DEF LEPPARD!

[@amyntut]

What a strong-willed man. His spirit is wonderful .

[@giggles8963]

I love the brotherhood Def Leppard has for each other... They are more than "a band" but also a "chosen" family even though they aren't related! Awesome attitude and a kickass band... Thank you Def Leppard for your presence! 💙 from 🇨🇦

[@ZakEdwardsOfficial]

Fantastical life event and incredible that the band stayed loyal to him. They clearly have a true bond. Rare in the music business. I met Phil at a studio we were both recording at and he seemed like a kind man.

[@robinstevens9189]

Rick Allen would be a fantastic one-on-one interview on the Stern show. Super nice guy, super funny and quite articulate. All good ingredients for the show.

[@laryon]

Just to show how many people's lives you have touched Rick. We are all glad to kept going. You were and still are an awesome drummer. You didn't let life kick your ass, you kicked it's ass. Rock on Rick Allen.

[@davidjb65]

I’ve recently lost the use of my legs after a huge aortic aneurysm. As a 40+ year fan of Def Leppard, Rick has been a great inspiration to me. Many thanks Rick - your experience and how you dealt with it has helped me!

[@Fsrjtyttzma]

As a drummer I can only say that this guy is a legend. He didn’t let it beat him and much of what he has been through and what has been adapted for him has been so good for e kits especially. Guys a fighter. Much respect.

[@nickknight5543]

99.9% of bands would of gotten another drummer and that is why as a drummer, I have the utmost respect for this band.

[@thundergodfan]

Had the awesome opportunity to meet Rick Allen at one of his art shows after I bought a piece of his artwork. I was so incredibly nervous about meeting him. But he was so down to earth it was amazing. A day my son, wife and I will never forget.

[@user-cl4kr4dj4l]

The nurse was just being positive and encouraging.. And obviously it made him feel good.

[@LD-qj2te]

Kudos to the guys for sticking with him and making it happen ! This is what makes Howard great ! Straight on great questions , insightful no vulgarity and Schtick . Don get me wrong he can be hilarious but as a straight on serious interviewer he is awesome !

[@RogueKT21]

Rick is an inspiration to anyone that gets down after a trauma that you just leave your old self behind and go with what you got! The phantom arm was quite the story too!

[@helenconnerat8732]

"Angels on Earth" Mr. Allens' words. An angel undid his seatbelt and took him through the sunroof! I fully believe in angels exist and walk with us on our journey on this earth. They are the spokespeople for/through Christ to our Heavenly Father in Heaven. Rock on Def Leppard and thanks for all the decades of great albums!

[@light-man2001]

Rick seems like a genuinely kind hearted guy with an amazingly positive outlook on life. It's no wonder the rest of the band rallied behind him after the accident. Who are the six numbnuts' that gave this a thumbs down?

[@robertmcintosh8476]

Light Man There's always assholes' that do this but never leave a comment. This is a feel good 😊, motivating, human story. I'm a drummer inflicted with a rare disease, less than 3500 people in the US. I have a great Roland set and I intend to try this. I won't play out anymore but I will play.

[@gswgirl87]

One of my top 3 favorite drummers besides Ringo Starr and Dennis Wilson. My mom introduced me to this band when I was 12 and when she told me that their drummer only had one arm I called her a liar. Little did I know right lol. Such an inspiration about never giving up and doing whatever you have to to achieve your dreams. Let's just say the next Christmas I got their favorite hits CD and played it for 2 weeks straight. I was obsessed, and still am ;)

[@geetarguy777]

DL is a really special band, not a whole lot of bands could have survived past such an altering event, these guys did it in stride, one of the coolest drummers in 80s rock.

[@SHEIKdrumma]

So much Love & Respect for Rick Allen. What an inspiration! Thanks for this interview Howard🤘

[@daviddeacon8544]

He's honest about it, and humble! I used to think "what if they're rude..." But now I realize they're not rude

[@judidoyle5060]

I have been a fan since day one. My respect increased after they stuck by Rick, instead of replacing him. If I live to be 100, I'll NEVER get over how incredibly he performs with ONE FREAKING ARM!

[@superorangeish]

His bandmates were all about Love.Beautiful

[@Dyl_Apple]

Lmfao he’s amazing “sometimes they leave me in it” - Rick Allen 2019

[@integral]

I'm one of millions from around the world who were impressed, inspired, stunned at his story. Seeing the first DL video after his recovery, when he started back playing with the band, lifted my spirits so high.

[@Marcus9Aurelius]

Such an inspiring story. They were the first band I fell in love with and still love to this day.

[@toriackley8402]

After everything they have been though from losing Steve to ricks accident and finding Vivian def leppard is still trucking along and I couldn't be more proud of them for not giving up !

[@jfd889]

joes comment at the end, "make sure your wallet is zipped up". lmao...

[@pizzaboy1250]

He plays the hell out of those drums. I saw them Co-headline with Journey last October. Both acts were incredible c

[@johnflanagan9153]

Having been a Def Leppard fan since 1981 when I bought " High and Dry," a lot of people either forget, or are too young to remember, that Rick Allen was a very young prodigy and a very talented drummer; Anyone who saw Leppard pre-accident in concert will tell you this. It's because of his determination and immense talent that enabled him to make his historic comeback. His story alone has to be the best Rock'n'Roll comeback EVER, and then you have the incredible success of " Hysteria " that makes it all the more historic. All the guys in Def Leppard are class acts and their induction is totally deserved, and a long overdue.

[@christconquers]

God bless him for keep playing and going strong after the accident, that takes a lot

[@momincmbtboots]

In 1981, with the premiere of MTv I caught a video from a band I'd never heard of. It opened with this awesome sounding guitar and the lead singer(wearing white pants and a sparkly blue shirt)sent chills down my spine when he started singing. That was my intro to Def Leppard and "Bringing on the Heartbreak". I was HOOKED. I was heartbroken when Steve Clark died and devastated when Rick lost his arm. Few things in life have been as amazing as watching these guys pick themselves and each other up and keep on rocking!! Joe, Phil, Sav, Rick and Viv you guys KICK ASS!

[@Shahriar019]

I loved how Howard stirred the whole conversation, he's a legend for a cause!

[@anonymous.reviewer]

He’s soooo inspiring!!! 🌟🙌🏻🌟

[@GalaxyTheCharmingTurd]

Rick Allen is the best drummer ever to be in the music industry 💐🌹❤️

[@Spzmeador]

I met Rick Allen in the 90's after a show, super nice guy. I had read his story in Rhythm magazine and was very encouraged by RA, he really is a genuinely nice not stuck up at all. (Most drummers are like that).

[@meauxgeaux]

Great spirit Rick has!

[@lfr30043]

God Bless you Rick and family

[@treverdavis5881]

What a pair of balls. He said I'm not gonna be a victim of bad fortune. He said fuck it and put his life back together and made a hall of fame band whole again . Respect!

[@BigdogMD808]

Rick still gets very nervous before playing. He paces about, and everyone gives him his space. Then he goes out and kills it. He is amazing.

[@nicolaholgate7]

What a great guy! Fantastic attitude.

[@mcewenca]

Saw them years ago for the hysteria tour. Amazing!! Great band.

[@robertemory3620]

Very inspiring...thank you rick for all the great times

[@maryseflore7028]

"A really interesting smile on her face..." I died. XD

[@CiaoGibson]

Been a fan since day one and you guys are truly amazing. Thanks for the great music!

[@AlwaysAuntieDana]

Love this! The only way to get through something so life changing is to embrace the new. Let the thought that - what can I do going forward - take over. It makes such a difference in grieving what was to now focusing on how can I make this work. So much love and respect!

[@BookofTerrors]

Class act, Def Leppard. Waiting on their mate. Good on them.

[@ROYCEJR.]

Hysteria. One the best song written.

[@GalaxyTheCharmingTurd]

I thought armageddon it was underrated and their best

[@chargerdave2046]

The human spirit...wow

[@seanpatrick7791]

Rick Allen is AMAZING!

[@-DC-]

Rick Allen what a inspirational man the drive to carry on and be successful is a testament to the human spirit.

[@davehoward22]

He had his accident near my grandmother's house,out in the sticks on the edge of sheffield...allways accidents on that road ,usually bikes. He says recovery was quick,but i believe they reattached his arm,but had to amputate it again as it wouldn't take

[@philseida5238]

One of my favorite Bands ever and Rick Allen such a Cool, Human Humble Bloke as they say in England. Amazing his recollection of things and The Nurse in the car behind him. Some things you can’t explain, but they happen somehow.

[@marydoyle3323]

Sat beside this gentleman in a restaurant at 4 seasons in Vancouver wish I had know who he was at the time would have expressed my respect for how he emerged from his accident. He was absolutely wonderful to the staff with no airs whatsoever.

[@richardfrancis9399]

Biggest balls in Rock and Roll.

[@grayghostgang]

The Greatest

[@ericknopf2109]

If people get the chance to watch him play, the cameras should REALLY capture his feet, as they are going CRAZY under the drum kit. He has one pedal for every piece of the kit, so as much as his arm is all over the place, his feet are going CRAZY hitting all those pedals.

[@davidlyons8278]

I love you.. you never gave up... you kick ass..... so proud of you man..

[@hectorespinosa6599]

I love this band. My personal favorite

[@KPJsMOM]

Rick Allen 🤘🏼 is the BEST!!

[@Boudosaved]

Incredible drummer and human being. I think Def Leppard would never have gotten to its trademark sonic sound on Hysteria and other albums had it not been for Rick losing his arm and switching to an electronic drum kit as I believe it forced the guitar players to change how they played to compliment the new drum sound. That and Mutt Lange had quite a bit to do with that.

[@MrAdamJoel]

Boudosaved Totally. The drumming opened up that arena rock sound

[@optimisticoutreach1236]

Lange was coming up with those percussion sounds well before he lost his arm...

[@no_stick_drummer2735]

@@optimisticoutreach1236 it doesn't really matter just as long as he can play live, that's all that should matter I don't really care if he cheats in the studio or not

[@thomaskemer8109]

It sounds strange, but his playing that special kit really fit the dynamics of their sound on that album!!! Truelly..remarkable achievement !!!

[@northernsurferboy]

Rick played electronic drums on Pyromania, Hysteria's sound is all Mutt Lange the rest of the band didn't have to change anything

[@ronnieparker4311]

BEND YOUR KNEES AND BOW YOUR HEADS!!!!!!! IF THEIRS A TRUE ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND!!!!!! ITS RICK ALLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lephilosopheinconnu3952]

"...feel something under my dress"....Gotta love Howrard for making those comments lmao

[@rocketman1773]

Hail Thunder God!!! Mr Rick Allen on the drums!!!!

[@lesleypercy8424]

Amazing story and what an inspiration

[@ScottAdair]

i have changed a lot since discovering Def Leppard as a kid, but Pyromania and Hysteria are with me for life, on every bad day when I need them.

[@isaacmoss9950]

Rick inspires everyone with his strong spirit

[@aboveaxis]

top blokes this lot... stood by their mate and gave him a chance... major respect for that

[@michellegoncalves7860]

RICK ALLEN IS PHENOMENAL!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@danny7578]

What a lovely fellow. They all are!

[@chrisf8855]

How I love that band and always will.

[@TownGirl04]

Such great attitude! That makes it so easier to live.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

True musical brothers. Love it.

[@bvg83]

Loved Def Leppard bio movie, I have to see it again 😍

[@jacquelinec.6785]

Rick's story of his experienced Tragic car accident is Inspirating to say the least!

[@superman31172]

God bless you Rick Allen

[@acward2007]

What an amazing guy and amazing band.

[@jg769]

“Make sure your wallet is zipped up.” Laughed out loud at that.

[@christrudell7966]

An inspiration to all drummers

[@markwhitely4021]

God bless all you guys.

[@TankVI]

Absolutely amazing interview, Howard Knocked it out of the park!

[@user-rd8vp6nq8b]

I think it's awesome that is band waited for him

[@rhondawilliams5859]

YOU ROCK 💪👊 DUDE!!!!!!🎶🎤🎵😀💕✝✝👱

[@cobra1995xx]

Dude was a great power rock drummer!!! Still a great drummer in a very unique way.. very cool how his rig is set up now.

[@mikestrutter7400]

beautiful human being some to aspire to. i live nearby ricks home town and him and the boys are a true inspiration. check out the def leppard story its amazing. love to all that reads this godbless x

[@eduardosampoia5480]

Too bad the great human being you are describing was not such a great human being on the day of the crash which his road rage caused.

[@annetteslife]

Thanks for the laughs about the upskirt thing Rick. I needed that due to dreaded pandemic

[@matthewjames206]

Rick "Fucking" Allen. Such a humble dude after everything that happened. He is and will always be one of my all-time favorite drummers. This was both heartwarming and difficult to watch. But definitely captivating.

[@fitter70]

Fantastic interview as usual. I agree with other people Howard should do a one on one interview.

[@skaf008]

They should do movie about this dude and nurse love story

[@robinstevens9189]

See "Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story". Good biographical history of the band and profiles this moment in some detail (minus them falling in love).