Friday, 1st November 2013
Screenshot by DefDazz/Darren
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen celebrates his 50th birthday today and becomes the last of the band to reach this age.
All five members of the band are now 50 or over ("I'm sorry but it's true"...).
Rick joined the band on 27th November 1978 after responding to a story in a local newspaper titled "Leopard Loses Skins". Therefore he will soon have been in the band for exactly 35 years.
His first appearance on a record was a 1978 EP by The Johnny Kalendar Band which featured three cover songs.
Rick recently launched his second fine art collection in September which was created while playing various Def Leppard songs.
Shown below is a thank you note written by Rick to fans in the Spring 1985 fan club newsletter after he returned to the band following his 31st December 1984 car accident.
2013 Photo Gallery - Rick Allen aka Camp Out
Rick Allen Thank you note - From 1985 Fan Club Newsletter
"Hello there,
Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to the many people who wrote to me whilst in hospital, I must say that the letters & cards were a great comfort to me, and made my stay in hospital much more bearable.
As for the future Def Leppard will carry on as before, and when the next album is complete we shall be back on the road ASAP.
I've recently been working with my new drum kit, and so far everything is going really well, thanks for all your support, and I'll look forward to seeing you in the near future.
Sincerely, Rick Allen."
- Def Leppard - Rick Allen Section
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