Def Leppard’s Rick Allen, says that without Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts, he would have never become a drummer. He said that when Watts died, it was the end of an era and that meeting him was truly an honor.
Allen recently created an art piece dedicated to his musical hero called Saint Charlie. It’s part of a collection all dedicated to legendary musicians such as Eddie Van Halen, Kurt Cobain and Johnny Cash.
He’s planning on making a number of appearances at Florida Galleries next month to show off and sell his art. The events are free and open to the public.
A portion of the sales from his work will benefit an organization that he and his wife work with called Project Resiliency, it helps U.S. war veterans.
Def Leppard will kick off a stadium tour in June with Motley Crue, Poison, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
SIDE NOTES
- At the height of worldwide fame in 1984, he lost his arm in a car accident.
- Allen became the drummer for Def Leppard when he was 15 and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
- Quote: “Music, art and photography have been passions of mine since I was a boy. 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.”
- Rick Allen recently revealed that he is writing his memoir.