Name Rick Allen
Best known for One-armed drumming.
Current city Los Angeles
Really want to be in Big Sur
I’m really excited about My wife, Lauren Monroe, released a new single today (March 18), and I’m so excited for people to hear it. It’s a “California Country” song called “Kiss Me Now.” I’m also extremely excited to be playing music in front of a live audience again. I’ll be playing a few intimate shows with Lauren in NYC (March 21), Philly (March 22) and DC (March 24), and a summer Def Leppard U.S. stadium tour with Motley Crew, Poison and Joan Jett.
I’m also really excited about the upcoming album by Lauren Monroe, due out later this year. This album is lyrically transforming and deeply reflective of love in all of its forms…light and dark. I was happy to join the likes of Doug Pettibone and Sebastian Steinberg in supporting Monroe’s velvety vocals and warm tone. I’m sure there will be many people enjoying these songs as they drive down the road reflecting this crazy life and all of the love we need to get through it.
My current music collection has a lot of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Frank Sinatra and Oliver Koletzki.
And a little bit of World music.
You wouldn’t expect me to listen to The MRM Team, Bombay Jayashri, Israel Ka-makawiwo’ole but I do! I’m a big fan of music in general and appreciate all genres.
Preferred format I really love vinyl and need to get a new turntable! You just can’t beat analog sound. It’s warm and more pleasing to the ear. Besides, the cover art is always a treat, too.
1
Back in Black, AC/DC
This album is raw, unapologetic Rock and Roll.
I had my 16th birthday opening for AC/DC with Def Leppard at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1979. It was my first big arena gig and I was being wished Happy Birthday by Bon Scott. I had to pinch myself… It was a birthday I will never forget.
2
Electric Warrior, T.Rex
What can I say… I was completely inspired by this record. If it wasn’t for Marc Bolan I probably wouldn’t be in a band at all. This album was and still is soul-moving for me. T. Rex epitomized the Glam Scene in England that still lives on today. I really don’t think there’ll ever be another T- Rex.
3
Houses of the Holy, Led Zeppelin
Houses of the Holy blew the doors off rock and roll in my opinion. What a fantastic blend of rock and blues. The searing vocals by Robert Plant, Jimmy Page’s unforgettable guitar riffs and legendary melodies. Every song feels like a mystical rock journey and then there’s the epic thunder of John Bonham on drums. Completely transformative…
4
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles
This album is a soundtrack of my youth with so many memories of my childhood. The family car rides and my young school days. The vocal harmonies stick with me to this day. I used to sing and play drums in the early days before my accident, I stopped to get used to playing my kit with one arm, but it was this album that made me want to create harmonies and sing with the band.
5
Under the Wolf Moon, Lauren Monroe
This album has a favorite song for everyone. It covers everything with its roots rock and Americana feel. I’m really proud to have been a part of it. One of the highlights for me was playing the song “Big Love” with friend and fellow drummer Steve Ferrone from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers along with John Ginty, monster organ and piano player who jumped on the kit that made three drum kits recording in one big room. Great memory and a great album all around.
Rick Allen is embarking on a fine art tour making a number of special appearances, including Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Casino and also King of Prussia Mall on April 2 and 3. These exciting events are open to the public. Visit Rick’s websitefor more info.
