Drummer Rick Allen, who lost his left arm in an accident, turns to painting | Nightline

Always had big respect for DL because of the way the band handled Rick’s tragic accident. They shut down operations and came back after things were set up where he could play. And they didn’t bring in another drummer and have Rick on the side playing along as an auxiliary or bongo player. They stayed with him as their drummer. Much respect.

I’m 50 and remember when his accident happened. Kudos to his band mates for sticking with him, especially at their young ages. A true artist. A resilient and determined human. What an inspiration through his personal trials and tribulations.

Gotta give the band band enormous credit 4 standing by him as he recovered.

Keeping rick in the band was the very best thing ever.

The giving back to the American wounded warrior project is so amazing. Bless him more abundantly.

Always admired DEF LEPPARD for never even considering replacing Rick Allen...rock on !!

To Rick Allen: Hello my name is Judy Oger, I To am 58 years old. When I was in high school Def Leppard was "IT" with Foreigner, 38 Special and a few others that followed. I played drums in elementary school and through high school, it was my therapy for stuff happening at home that I had no control over, so I get the meditative reference from your perspective. I wanted to tell you thank you for toughing it out and pursuing drums even though I am sure you suffered so much pain. Your music did a great deal for me, and I am sure many other aspiring musicians. I hope that you continue on your healing journey and continue with the painting, I am into sculpting now, not on your talented level, but it is a creative avenue that helps feed my soul. Thank you for sharing a part of your story of injury and recovery, it helps others like me realize that we all have a path, that is solely ours to walk, in pain, in sorrow and hopefully eventually in victory. God be with you on your continued journey.

I must say, Rick aged well. He’s better looking now than ever.

Gosh, how sad that he felt he had to apologise for welling up and crying. Rick is still healing, but he's got a huge heart. Thanks for posting this.

As a former drummer, to see what Rick experienced, lived thru, and PERSEVERED, to RELEARN how to play....is the most amazing thing to me.

Rick is a resilient and courageous person. He is an inspiration to all.

Such a humble person, a genuine inspiration. All the best to Rick, a phenomenal artist.

I never get tired of hearing stories about Def Leppard

He may have lost his arm but he gained so much during his journey in his recovery. I'm loving the Prince portrait. He's done so well in his music and his art. Keep going forward!

I grew up with def Leppard music, and remember when he had the accident. Was a huge inspiration to me, to not give up, not give in. And I am sure his story affected millions of other people in one way or another in their life. And his fellow band mates stuck by him through the entire process of him adapting to this physical problem he had to work around, which says a lot about them as well. Great true life story of overcoming incredible hardships and humanity.

the most iconic drummer in rock n' roll history...the thundergod!

Love this story. He’s incredibly talented. What a fulfilling life he’s had.❤️

It's wonderful that his band stuck with him after the accident. GOD BLESS.

Fun fact, after Rick had the accident the rest of the band did everything they could to keep his spirits up. Joe bought pac-man and miss pac-man arcade machines so when the band was taking a break from recording, Rick could have fun beating everyone at them since the cabinets used 1 joystick and no buttons to play.

I was fascinated that they engineered his specially designed electronic drum kit, in 1985. Long live "The Thunder God." 🥁