Monday, 21st December 2015
Pic by Jo for dltourhistory
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen played his first show with the band 37 years ago today in 1978.
The show took place at Clifton Hall in the South Yorkshire town of Rotherham, England. The Christmas Dance event also featured a band called Bliss and after "Deff Lepard" (as spelled on poster) the Spektrum Disco!.
This show was always believed to have been Rick's first with the band and was recently confirmed to be via an old fan club fact profile.
Rick also stated that his first ever gig was in his "Front room at home with my first band". As well as Favourite Band - "Def Leppard" and under Dreams..."Wet Ones!"...
Rick replaced original drummer Tony Kenning on 27th November 1978 who had been fired on 18th November. Rick contacted the band in response to a local newspaper story before they recorded their first EP.
Photo Gallery - Rick Allen On The 2015 World Tour
Related Story - Rick Allen Joined Def Leppard 37 Years Ago Today
Related Story - Rick Allen Celebrates His 52nd Birthday Today
Animal Instinct 1987 Biography Quotes
"But at his audition, the day after Def Leppard returned from Fairview Studio, Rick wowed the band with his whiplash timing, riffle crack sound and his nifty Pearl all-chrome kit. Another drummer turned up for the audition, but he didn't stand a chance. After one number, he was swiftly dispatched into the night. According to Joe, Tony Kenning also turned up and made vague murmurs about getting his old job back. He was too late."
"We asked Rick if he knew Emerald by Thin Lizzy," says Sav. "We played that and suddenly the song sounded six times better than the way we usually played it. We were now in the company of a proper drummer. Even at fifteen he was outstanding."
- Def Leppard - Rotherham 1978 Show Page
- Def Leppard - Rick Allen Section
- Previous News - 27th November 2015