Def Leppard News - 33 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD/RICK ALLEN's Triumphant Comeback At Donington

Friday, 16th August 2019

33 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD/RICK ALLEN's Triumphant Comeback At Donington

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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.