Def Leppard's Rick Allen drums up support for veterans

by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer

Drumming goes back to the beginning of civilization. Drums have been prominent in religious and ceremonial gatherings as a way of communication and self-expression. The beat of a drum conjures up feelings of rejuvenation and provide a calming power. From swing to jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll , it’s an individual experience.

Like guitarists, drummers carry a certain mystique. There are too many great ones to name and I’m not even going to try. However, there is one drummer that I’d like to recognize — Def Leppard’s Rick Allen.     

Although the story of the British rock band goes back to 1977, I didn’t get a first listen of their music until 1980 when I heard their debut album "On Through the Night. "

I, like millions of others, became a fan. Their sound was unique, their style was uncomplicated and each individual band member past and present added something special. They won the hearts of American audiences and achieved worldwide record-breaking sales in the 1980s and continue to entertain and mesmerize audiences wherever they play.

Def Leppard has had its share of triumphs and tragedies. However, they have managed to keep their music alive with a resilience to be admired. One of those life-changing moments happened to Allen on December 31, 1984.

On his way to a New Year’s Eve party, Allen lost control of his car and he was thrown from his vehicle and had his left arm severed. Thankfully another driver, a nurse, found Allen and his passenger and took them to a nearby hospital for treatment. Attempts to save the arm were unsuccessful. Never a quitter, Rick Allen soon worked with engineers to create a special drum-kit to help him return to doing what he loved best, playing drums, with one arm. In 1986, Rick Allen made a triumphant return to the music world at the famous Monsters of Rock Festival at Castle Donington.

Million-selling albums and successful tours later, Allen remains an important presence in the band and plays with as much power as ever.

He has ventured into other avenues and passions. One of those is was to co-found with his wife, Lauren Monroe, Raven Drum Foundation (http://www.ravendrumfoundation.org), a nonprofit organization in 2001.

Their mission is to help people with the healing powers of drumming. With so many people afflicted by pain and injury through traumatic circumstances, this organization has proven to be an invaluable resource. Their popular "drum circle" workshops have been held at military bases, hospitals, detention centers and other community locations, with a special focus given to war veterans.

The entire band has embraced the foundation, and they have generously donated a portion of their concert tickets to military veterans. Allen has participated in special "meet and greets" with military veterans during the current Def Leppard Tour.

The Raven Drum Foundation believes in the benefits of drumming and its therapeutic advantages. Monroe is no stranger to the healing arts. She has been a teacher of energy healing and massage for many years. In addition, Monroe has worked with incarcerated teens, hospice care and crisis healing centers.

Monroe, a vocalist, songwriter and musician, had the special gifts that provided her with the essential tools to be a brilliant asset to this outstanding foundation. Their drumming workshops have been used to help relieve stress, help encourage a healthy immune system, control constant pain and reduce tension.

Drumming has provided participants a welcome release for whatever trauma or negative feeling they may be experiencing.

I extend my thanks to Rick Allen, Lauren Monroe and the staff at Raven Drum for helping our veterans. Many hands help make the burdens our wounded veterans face light. Their wounds may be external or internal, but with the healing hands that Raven Drum provides, the beat of the compassionate drum keeps the beat of their hearts going with hope and much-needed encouragement.

Donna Teresa can be reached at donnateresa@sbcglobal.net