Rick Allen drummer of Def Leppard Pyromania Tour ’Äô83- ’ÄúWhen I first started playing with Rick I thought he was using a double kick drum. But he had this amazing technique where he would flick his heel on the pedal and make it sound like a double kick. Rick’Äôs technique was pretty grownup for a rock drummer as he used jazz techniques and he was so young. I remember once on this tour we went to jam with a band at the hotel we were staying at but Rick wasn’Äôt allowed in because he was under aged. This was to be Rick’Äôs last tour with this way of playing. The next year on New Year’Äôs Eve he had a horrific car crash that severed his left arm. This actually led to a period of total inspiration for him and everyone who was around to witness. When Steve and I visited him in the hospital he told us he’Äôd been practicing on the pillows in his bed and that he was going to replace his lost left arm with his left leg and a series of pedals that would allow him to continue drumming. The result was astounding. He would get up at 8am every morning and play til nightfall every single day. He not only dealt with the frustration of learning a new way to play drums but then there was the everyday life stuff ie., tying shoelaces and even standing up straight. Rick pulled this off big time with humility and humor. He continues to be a huge inspiration to me, the band, and many others.’Äù