Sunday, 16th August 2020
Prev  |  Next

34 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD/RICK ALLEN's Triumphant Comeback At DONINGTON

Rick Allen 1986. Screenshot

Def Leppard played the Monsters Of Rock festival at Donington Park in Derby, England for the first time on this day in 1986.

Following a successful six date Irish warm up tour this was to be Rick Allen's big comeback in front of almost 80,000 fans. The first "big" show back after the December 1984 car accident that had taken his left arm.

The low key Irish tour had prepared the band for a return at the largest UK rock festival in front of sceptical fans and the world's music press.

The band had originally intended for back up drummer Jeff Rich to play with them for the whole tour and possibly the main Hysteria world tour. However, Rick had other ideas and had played the last two Irish shows all on his own.

The band were now back to full strength and won over the crowd with a triumphant performance. Later referred to by Joe on the 1987/1988 tour as "The Return Of The Thundergod!". With renewed energy they went on to finish off the recording of the Hysteria album in early 1987.

Joe introduced Rick during the 11th and final song of the show - 'Travellin' Band'. The introduction of "Mr. Ricky Allen on the drums!" came during a drum break and can be heard below at the one minute mark.

Read the story of the show as told by the band in Animal Instinct and their own fan club newsletter.


Visit the Tour News section. For more news on future tour plans.

Visit the Album News section for more news on new music (based on band member quotes).


Def Leppard 1986.

Read the full 'Donington 1986' live show story in the Lep History section.

This section will be expanded to include all major historical events and releases.




Def Leppard 2020.

Def Leppard / Latest Release


Def Leppard / Latest Tour

Def Leppard World Tour 2021


Related News - 1 Year Ago DEF LEPPARD Start SIN CITY RESIDENCY In LAS VEGAS

Related News - 34 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Play 1st Full Show As Five Piece Since 1984

Related News - 28 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Make Adrenalized MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Debut

Related News - 40 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Play First Show After Signing Record Contract

Related News - 34 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Play With Two Drummers In Limerick (Photos)

Related News - 34 Years Ago RICK ALLEN Plays First DEF LEPPARD Show With One Arm


share this story:





get def leppard news

Stay in touch with the latest updates.


explore def leppard tour history
All News
Tour News
Album News
All Tours