Saturday, 18th February 2017
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Rick Allen Recalls Joining Def Leppard In 1978 (Video/Photos)

Rick Allen 2017. Screenshot

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was interviewed yesterday by Washington D.C. TV and the full video is available.

Rick visited Good Morning Washington yesterday for his usual round of interviews and appeared live on the show.

Rick talked about how he joined Def Leppard in 1978, how touring has changed since the 80s, how his youngest daughter inspired his painting, his art exhibitions and how his charity work helps him deal with PTSD.

As mentioned earlier this week Rick will be in Bethesda, MD and McLean, VA later today for two more art exhibitions which will include his new collection 'Drums For Peace'.

Watch the full 6 minute interview video below which includes a "teleprompter" moment at the end.

Good Morning Washington - Rick Allen Interview Quotes

Joining Def Leppard In 1978

"I was fed up with playing with bands that just wanted to play cover songs and yeah I came home one day. I was totally disgruntled with the whole business and I decided that was it, my career was over. And we actually saw a piece in the newspaper by a local, yeah by a local guy and he was like 'Leopard Loses Skins' and there was a telephone number. So we called the number and within days I met with Joe Elliott and Steve Clark. I got to go play with the band. They loved what I did and the rest is history."

How old were you?

"It was just before my 15th birthday. And I joined Def Leppard on or around my 15th birthday. So I was very, very fortunate."

You were a child. Literally a child in a rock band.

"Just out of diapers, yeah."

Rick Allen 17th February 2017 - Photo Gallery

Rick Allen Artwork - News Quotes

A SPECIAL EVENT FEATURING his "Drums for Peace", and "Art To Wear" Collections

Saturday 18th February 2017 - Wentworth Gallery, Bethesda, MD

Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd from 12 to 3pm.

Saturday 18th February 2017 - Wentworth Gallery, McLean, VA

Tysons Galleria, 1807 Galleria at Tysons II from 6pm to 9pm.

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