drumzine
Rick Allen, drummer for the popular rock band Def Leppard, lost his left arm in a car accident, yet he continued to pursue his passion for drumming and went on to become one of the most renowned drummers in the world today.
Allen is proof that anything can be achieved with hard work and determination no matter what obstacles life may throw your way. He developed a unique style of playing, using both feet as well as custom-made electronic foot pedals that allow him to operate all four drums independently with only one hand. His inspiring comeback story is helping others around the world stay strong and motivated despite any hardships they may face.
On the afternoon of 31 December 1984, Allen was involved in a car crash, with his then-girlfriend Miriam Barendsen, on the A57 road in the countryside a few miles west of Sheffield. While trying to pass another car at a high speed, he lost control of his Corvette C4, which hit a dry stone wall and entered a field; his left arm was severed. Doctors initially reattached the arm, but the arm was later amputated due to an infection. Despite losing his arm, Allen decided to continue playing drums with Def Leppard, and adopted a specially designed electronic drum kit. The band took a hiatus from onstage performances until 16 August 1986, when Allen was able to return to live drumming at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington.