Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen discusses the sound of one hand rocking
What would you do if you were the drummer for one of the most popular metal bands of the '80s? If you were Def Leppard's Rick Allen, you'd go the rock-star asshole route, abusing substances, driving fast and taking chances. Now, what would you do if, two years after recording a masterful and historic heavy metal album that sold over 10 million copies worldwide, you were road-raging down a rural English road on New Year's Eve and lost your arm in a horrible car accident? If you were Rick Allen, you'd re-assess your life, become a nice guy, keep rocking, find serenity, start a non-profit (www.ravendrumfoundation.org), and kick back and listen to the sound of one hand clapping.
The Wave: Do journalists always ask you questions about your missing arm, or are they too chicken?
Rick Allen: Normally I'm pretty forthcoming. I usually talk about it anyway.