Rocking His Art

Rick Allen, the drummer of the legendary band Def Leppard, has served as a role model for many using his own story of perseverance and resilience as inspiration. Allen, who joined the British band at age 15, was involved in a car crash when he was 21 (and the band was at the height of its success) that resulted in the amputation of his left arm. While most musicians would deem this the end of their career, Allen continued playing with Def Leppard using an adapted hybrid acoustic/electronic drum set. In 2019 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Through Allen’s journey, creativity serves as a foundation and a guide.  “Music, art and photography have been passions of mine since I was a boy,” Allen says in a press release. “My life has been a journey of transformation and my art is a reflection of the many facets of dreams and perceptions that have shaped me. Each piece has a story and a connection to my life from my roots in England, my life-changing car accident, journey to America, travels around the globe and to my deep connection to Wounded Warriors and their struggle to heal. The collection intends to express messages of hope, transcendence and the human condition.”

Allen is referring to his artwork, which first went public in 2012 with a 300-piece collection followed by a second collection in 2013 titled “Rock-On-Canvas,” both of which quickly sold out. Now, Allen’s highly anticipated third collection, “Wings of Hope 2021,” is set to go on exhibit next month, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee making his first appearance since the COVID-19 shutdown. 

The exhibit will feature new, limited editions of the painted drum series, mixed media originals, plus the “Legends Series” which will include new portraits of Eddie Van Halen, Kurt Cobain and Johnny Cash.  A portion of the proceeds from each sale will benefit Project Resiliency (sponsored by Allen’s charity, Raven Drum Foundation) where for over the last 12 years Allen and his wife Lauren Monroe have worked with veterans from Vietnam, Desert Strom, Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The exhibition will run from May 20-22 at Wentworth Galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Boca Raton Town Center Mall, respectively.  In-gallery appearances by Allen in all three showings will take place and all artwork is available for acquisition. 

For times and additional information, click here.