Two years on from a violent assault outside a Florida hotel, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen says he’s still “going through some challenging times” and struggling with the fallout.
Allen, who’s been the band’s rhythmic backbone since 1978 (and did it all with one arm after a near-fatal car crash in the ’80s), opened up during a recent chat on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation. He was asked why he didn’t bring his art exhibition to this year’s Monsters of Rock cruise, and his answer hit hard.
“I’ve been trying to deal with what happened the best that I can,” Allen said, referring to the 2023 incident outside the Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale, where a 19-year-old allegedly tackled him to the ground while he was smoking outside. The assault left Allen with head injuries and, understandably, some serious emotional fallout.
“It was very traumatic for me,” he admitted during the interview. “It’s been difficult. But hopefully I can put it behind me soon.”
Since the attack, Allen says he’s stepped back from side projects to focus on recovery and spending time at home. “I found it difficult to be around people,” he said, adding that he’s now taking things slow. “Don’t try and bite off more than you can chew.”
Allen initially thanked fans for their support after the incident, asking for compassion and understanding not just for himself, but for everyone affected.
The man accused of the assault, Max Edward Hartley, has since been arrested and charged with battery, criminal mischief, and the abuse of a disabled adult.
Despite the incident, Def Leppard aren’t slowing down anytime soon. The band will headline the inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival in May, alongside Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, Alice Cooper, and more.
But for Allen, the priority right now isn’t the stage, it’s just healing. And honestly, given everything he’s pushed through already, you wouldn’t bet against him doing just that.
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