Rick Allen who has been the drummer of the hard rock band Def Leppard since 1978 stunned the whole world today with a heartbreaking announcement… See More 

Rick Allen, the esteemed drummer of the hard rock band Def Leppard since 1978, recently shared a deeply unsettling experience that has left fans and the music community in shock. In March 2023, following a performance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Allen was violently attacked outside his hotel.

 

On March 13, 2023, after a concert at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Allen stepped outside the Four Seasons Hotel for a cigarette break. There, a 19-year-old from Ohio, Max Hartley, emerged from behind a pillar and charged at Allen, knocking him to the ground. Allen, who lost his left arm in a 1984 car accident, recalled, “I don’t think he knew who I was, but he must have seen that I wasn’t a threat because, you know, I’ve only got one arm.” citeturn0search0

 

A woman who witnessed the incident and attempted to assist Allen was also attacked by Hartley. Hartley then fled to another hotel, where he began damaging vehicles until apprehended by police. He was subsequently charged with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal mischief, and abusing an elderly or disabled adult. citeturn0search0

 

In the aftermath, Allen expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and the community. He stated, “Your love and prayers are truly helping. My wife Lauren was thankfully not with me at the time of the incident. We are together now, and working on recovering in a safe space.” citeturn0search8

 

Allen’s wife, Lauren Monroe, also addressed the incident, “My heart just completely sank into me. I know the journey of trauma. Everything stopped in our house and focused on him.” citeturn0search0

 

Both Rick and Lauren have been instrumental in supporting trauma survivors through their organization, the Raven Drum Foundation, established in 2001. The foundation focuses on helping veterans, first responders, and others affected by trauma. citeturn0search12

 

Despite this harrowing experience, Allen and Def Leppard continued their tour, performing in Sheffield, England, and preparing for their European tour. Allen reflected on his journey, saying, “I know that I’m not going to be playing music in a band forever. But while I am, I plan on making as many people happy as I possibly can.” citeturn0search0

 

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. The support from fans and the community has been a testament to the impact Allen has had both as a musician and as a person.