Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen Releases Statement After Florida Attack
Written by Monty Sewell on March 20, 2023
With The Rock World In Shock, Rick Allen Speaks Out
In an exclusive statement to ABC News, long time serving Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen responded to being violently assaulted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last week.
“Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support. Your love and prayers are truly helping. My wife Lauren [Monroe] was thankfully not with me at the time of the incident. We are together now, and working on recovering in a safe space.” He continued, “We ask you to join us in our effort to move from confusion and shock to compassion and empathy. We understand this act of violence can be triggering for so many people. To all of the fans, veterans and first responders in our global community, we are thinking of you all. Together with love, we can all get through these difficult times.”
Def Leppard perform with Motley Crue on the first leg of their world tour.
Out in Florida to perform a co-headline show with Mötley Crüe at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel the 59-year-old drummer took a moment to head outside for a cigarette. He was then attacked by 19-year-old Max Hartley in an unprovoked tussle, being thrown to the ground from behind. A passing woman saw the incident, trying to intervene before also being attacked by Hartley. According to the police she was hit and dragged by the hair. The police have now arrested Hartley.
Allen started his Def Leppard career in 1978, responding to a local ad before being indoctrinated into the band on his 15th birthday. Opening for ACDC, recording the Pyromania album – which would make them a household name – Leppard were on an exhilarating rise to the top. In 1984 Allen was in a car crash that left him in need of a full left arm amputation. But in a move never seen before Allen continued to play for the band, using electronic kick pedals and various other methods to keep that signature Leppard rock out sound.
Def Leppard performing the first leg of their world tour with Motley Crue.
With the full support from fans and musicians alike, Allen with continue to tour with Def Leppard. They come to Europe on the second leg of their world tour with Mötley Crüe.
