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Def Leppard drummer uses fame to help suffering kids

Friday, August 22, 2003

By APRIL HELMER
The Express-Times

Def Leppard's drummer Rick Allen had to work the hardest he ever had to in his
young life when faced with a harrowing car wreck that took his left arm.

With support and time, Allen was able to return to the band after retraining
himself on the drums.

Along the way, he received many letters, both of support and looking for
support. There were others all over the world suffering the same way he had.

After meeting his fiancé, Lauren Monroe, the couple began to explore more
naturalistic healing and spirituality. Not long after, The Raven Drum Foundation
came to be.

The foundation sponsors free educational programs and at each tour stop, Allen
hosts a drum circle prior to that night's concert.

"It's good for him, good for the kids," lead singer Joe Elliot says of his band
mate's cause.

Guests range from the handicapped to inner city children to children from broken
homes. Whatever the circle, Elliot says he's seen and felt the change during a
drum circle.

"Like Rick says, it's the first communication," Elliot says. "If it's the right
tempo, it can make you move -- just walk in a rhythmic way. Everything just
disappears.

"When the children leave, they're smiling, happy."

Mostly children participate, but additional tickets/backstage passes to the
drumming event are auctioned. All proceeds go back into the foundation.

The Allentown passes' bids ranged from $405-$520 just before the auctions ended.
Other donations are taken through the foundation's Website
ravendrumfoundation.com.

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