Saturday, 1st November 2014
Screenshot by dltourhistory
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen celebrates his 51st birthday today while on tour in Rancho Mirage, CA.
Rick joined the band on 27th November 1978 after responding to a story in a local newspaper titled "Leopard Loses Skins". He has now been a member for 36 years.
His first appearance on a record was a 1978 EP by The Johnny Kalendar Band which featured three cover songs.
The band play the second of three casino shows tonight in Rancho Mirage, CA where he will no doubt receive an extra special ovation from the crowd. As he did 11 years ago in London, England for his 40th. Listen to the crowd (including me) sing Happy Birthday in the video shown below.
Shown below is a thank you note written by Rick to fans in the Spring 1985 fan club newsletter after he returned to the band following his 31st December 1984 car accident.
2013 Photo Gallery - Rick Allen aka Camp Out
Rick Allen Thank you note - From 1985 Fan Club Newsletter
"Hello there,
Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to the many people who wrote to me whilst in hospital, I must say that the letters & cards were a great comfort to me, and made my stay in hospital much more bearable.
As for the future Def Leppard will carry on as before, and when the next album is complete we shall be back on the road ASAP.
I've recently been working with my new drum kit, and so far everything is going really well, thanks for all your support, and I'll look forward to seeing you in the near future.
Sincerely, Rick Allen."
- Def Leppard - Rick Allen Section
- Previous News - 1st November 2014