Thursday, 31st December 2020
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DEF LEPPARD And RICK ALLEN Recall His 1984 Car Accident (Videos)

Def Leppard 1998. Screenshot

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car crash 36 years ago today and band quotes about the day are available to read.

The tragic accident took away his left arm and resulted in him having to relearn how to play drums.

Rick was driving back from the Ladybower Reservoir outside of Sheffield, England on the A57 road with girlfriend Miriam Barendsen when the accident took place.

Read more about the accident as told by the band in their own 1987 biography book.

Rick and the rest of the band have talked at length about the crash and his recovery in the years since it happened and many quotes are included below. Along with contributions from others who work with them or were at the scene of the car crash.

The story of that day as told by the band in various TV documentaries and interviews. Plus links to a playlist of tribute videos.

Note - Pete Hartley who helped make Rick's first makeshift foot pedals passed away in late 2014/early 2015. He ran the Hartley Electric Music store in Sheffield.


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 1998.

Read the full 'Rick Allen Car Accident' interview in the Def Leppard Interviews section.

This section will be expanded with more historical interviews/features.




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