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Def Leppard Tour History Fan Archive.
28 years Ago Rick Allen Returns At Donington

Saturday, 16th August 2014





Donington 1986.
Donington 1986

Def Leppard played the Monsters Of Rock festival in Donington Park on this day in 1986 marking the return to the world stage of drummer Rick Allen.

Rick had lost his left arm in the car accident of 31st December 1984 but returned to drumming for the band in early 1985.

During a break from the recording of the 'Hysteria' album in August 1986 the band were due to play four outdoor Monsters Of Rock festivals in the UK/Europe.

They played a short six show warm-up tour in Ireland with Jeff Rich (Status Quo) as a second back-up drummer. By the 4th/5th shows he was gone and Rick was ready for the big comeback appearance in England. The show marked the start of the most successful period in their home land including the first ever Top 10 single/Number One album of their career in 1987 with 'Animal'/'Hysteria'.

Donington 1986 - The Return Of The Thundergod (click to enlarge)

Donington 1986. Donington 1986. Donington 1986. Donington 1986. Donington 1986.

Rick Allen's Comeback Shows

  • 5th Aug 1986 - Cork, Ireland - 1st three songs on his own
  • 6th Aug 1986 - Galway, Ireland - 1st three songs on his own
  • 7th Aug 1986 - Limerick, Ireland - 1st three songs on his own
  • 10th Aug 1986 - Ballybunion, Ireland - 1st five songs on his own
  • 11th Aug 1986 - Waterford, Ireland - 1st full show with one arm/No back up drummer
  • 13th Aug 1986 - Dublin, Ireland - 2nd full show with one arm
  • 16th Aug 1986 - Donington Park, Derby, England - The first major/high profile Show - More Info

Animal Instinct 1987 - Quote

"The crowd's response was better than Leppard had ever expected. During the encore, while Rick was taking a brief drum break, Phil suggested to Joe that he give Rick a special introduction, something he hadn't done on any of the Irish shows. "So I went out after he was done and said 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Rick Allen on the drums.' You could have knocked me over with a feather. The cheering was so loud they practically blew us off stage. I mean, they were louder than we were. I could barely hear Rick because of the big waves of 'YEAH' which rolled over the stage."

Fan Club 1986 - Quotes

"Castle Donington was the one the band were unsure about; but they rose to the occasion."

"Rick was brilliant (although, he was concentrating so - hard he didn't crack a smile during the entire 1 hour set - and we spent all show making faces at him, to get him to show some facial expression.)."

Sounds - Review Quote

"The sound was pristine, at least to begin with, and clean cut razor-edged hooks which line their classy and almost sophisticated metal took the place by storm."






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