Def Leppard News - DEF LEPPARD's RICK ALLEN On His Art/Upcoming London Show (Video)

Tuesday, 20th March 2018

DEF LEPPARD's RICK ALLEN On His Art/Upcoming London Show (Video)

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Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen appeared on local news TV in Washington D.C. on 16th March and the full video is available.

Rick spoke to Larry Smith for Good Morning Washington before his two art events on Saturday in Bethesda, MD and McLean, VA.

Rick talked about getting into art, similarities between drumming and art, Wounded Warrior Project/Raven Drum, his passion for art and music, Washington D.C., Walter Reed Hospital, losing his left arm in 1984, 2018 North American tour, being on the road and the Teenage Cancer Trust show in London.

The band's first show of the year takes place this Sunday 25th March with support from Slydigs.

Listen to the full 5 minute interview video below.

Also view some of the many photos posted by fans during his art events at the weekend.

Good Morning Washington - Rick Allen Interview Quotes

How did you get into this?

"I got into it when I was young and then I discovered music and then got back into it with my youngest daughter. We started painting together and it was a great way to connect and this is the result of it."

Correlation between drums and art?

"What it does it actually sends me to the same place. It's a nice way to keep me in the moment. And when I play music, you know, just being in the moment and playing from my heart that's the way to be. And the same thing I think happens when I create the art."

Wounded Warrior Project/Raven Drum

"I have my own foundation Raven Drum Foundation and Project Resiliency. Actually a goo portion of all the proceeds from the art go towards vaterans programs and it's a great fit for me because obviously with extreme trauma I had that in common with our warriors."

What fuels your passion for art and music?

"Just life itself. I mean just, you know, my life experience. Coming from England and then coming to America and then settling down here and just a combination of all the experiences that I've had travelling the world."

Washington D.C.

"D.C. is so vibrant and there's so much history here, you know, it's just inspiring. I come here and you know I take something home with me every time I come here."

Visiting Walter Reed Hospital

"I've done that quite often. Like I say it's a good fit because if the trauma aspect I know what a lot of our warriors go through suffering with PTSD."

What was it like for you when you lost your arm?

"Yeah the end of 1984. At first it was, when I finally came round, it was terrible and it was horrible. I thought it was all over, but I discovered the strength of the human spirit. You know with the help of family and friends and band mates and , you know, the guys in the band. You know I got back into it."

2018 North American Tour

"Yeah I think June 8th and 16th we're gonna be in the area. I'm not exactly sure but that's gonna be with Journey."

You're on the road quite a bit!

"I am. I mean it's a blessing. It's nice to be doing something that's a little less physical than playing drums, but I love doing this."

What's next for you after you leave D.C.?

"I leave for London on the 21st and Roger Daltrey asked us to do the Teenage Cancer Trust. So we're gonna be playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London. So you know when Roger Daltrey asks you to do something, you don't say no. So that's gonna be fun."

#GMW Recap: #DefLeppard drummer @rickallenlive premieres new "Legends" exhibit this weekend https://t.co/rgMUf6r7Np @ABC7Larry pic.twitter.com/BWy8fai1ia
— Good Morning Wash. (@ABC7GMW) March 16, 2018