Is Rick Allen still playing with Def Leppard?

Rick Allen of "Def Leppard" has been playing drums without his left arm after his 1984 accident. However, he recently revealed that he could've lost both arms at the time of his healing process.

In an interview with Joe Rock, Allen said not many people know that he almost lost his right arm when he was in the hospital.

The drummer said his right arm was broken "really badly," and doctors told him, "There's a chance that you may lose your right arm as well." (watch the full interview below)

However, there was a ray of hope for the musician as he said he could get through the horrible accident. He revealed that the infection got out of his system, and doctors were able to fix the bone in his arm.

"you can imagine I was so grateful," he said.

To make the most out of his right arm, Allen expressed himself in many ways aside from music. He said he delved into the world of art as he started painting in recent years.

In his artwork, Allen put his handprint because it is a "sign of gratitude."

"from drumming to the artwork and, obviously, everything that I do. So it's pretty symbolic. It's the only one I've got, but I'm really blessed to have it," he added. (via 101.5 WPDH)

Looking back at his experience, he said he came out of it stronger, and he "grew a lot as a person."

In addition, he considers the incident as an odd "blessing" because it made him a better person."

When he's not performing for "Def Leppard," Allen spends his time in galleries and exhibitions to showcase his artworks.

His artist portfolio can be seen on his official website, where he also sells accessories.

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Rick Allen's 1984 Car Crash

According to Fox News, the famed drummer was driving his Corvette on New Year's Eve of 1984. However, it ended up in a devastating car crash.

The musician explained that he was thrown through the sunroof of his vehicle when the car flipped. His belt came undone, which caused his arm to get stuck inside, meaning his body was thrown out while his left arm remained inside.

Through his determination, Allen was able to continue drumming for the band despite losing his arm.

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Details

Full Name: Richard John Cyril Allen

Birthdate: Fri, 1963-11-01

Birthplace: Derbyshire, UK

Current Residence: California, US

Biography

Rick joined Def Leppard at the age of 15, right before the band signed their record contract. He lost his left arm in a car accident in 1984, but this didn’t stop him from being a drummer; with the help from a (semi-)electronic drum kit, Rick became “a better drummer than he was when he had two arms” (as said by Joe Elliott). In 1986, the drumkit was completely electronic, but since 1995, some parts are acoustic again, depending on his studio- or live setting.

Rick’s Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickallenlive/

Rick’s Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theofficialrickallen/

Rick’s Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/rickallenlive

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen opened up about the car crash in 1984 that claimed his arm and the difficult journey to his recovery that he has faced since then.

"I really didn’t want to be here, and I felt very defeated," Allen told Page Six, also admitting that he felt "very awkward" and "self-conscious."

On New Year’s Eve in 1984, the musician was driving his Corvette when he was involved in a horrible accident that left him without his left arm. 

At first, doctors reattached the limb, but it was later removed due to infection.

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The rocker has been able to continue on in his career by using an electronic drum kit specifically designed for him.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Joe Elliott, of Def Leppard, left, performs with Brian May, of Queen, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (AP)

"A lot of my peers, a lot of fans, my family … a lot of encouragement, they all tried to help lift me up and then finally I got it," Allen told the outlet. "I got to a point where I realized I can do this … It wasn’t until after the fact that I discovered the power of the human spirit and that’s what really propelled me to where I am now."

Rick Allen, drummer for Def Leppard, spoke out about the difficult journey he has faced since losing his arm in a car crash. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Allen also noted that he has found strength and purpose in his continued work with veterans. 

Drummer Rick Allen is shown performing on stage during a live concert appearance with Def Leppard on Oct. 11, 1987. (John Atashian/Getty Images)

Along with his wife, Lauren Monroe, he is the founder of The Raven Drum Foundation, which assists veterans dealing with PTSD through alternative medical programs, such as drumming circles.

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"The first thing any of us ever hears is our mother’s heartbeat so we’re rhythmic beings, it’s just a very ancient form, it immediately taps into healing," Allen explained. "It helps with the brain, it helps with the nervous system and it slows down the respiratory system, it’s something that is beneficial on many many levels."

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Will Mendelson is an entertainment editor for Fox News Digital. 

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