Rick Allen of Def Leppard Reflects on Challenging Times Following “Traumatic” Violent Attack Two Years Ago

Rick Allen’s Traumatic Experience

Dig Lepardd -Baskadchik Rick Allen further discussed a brutal attack two years ago in Florida, stating that he was “experiencing some difficult times” and referred to the incident as “very traumatic.”

In March 2023, the drummer was assaulted near the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Allen was smoking outside the hotel when Hartley allegedly emerged from behind a pillar and rushed at the drummer, knocking him to the ground.

The police report confirmed that Allen “hit his head on the ground, causing injury,” and that a woman attempted to help him but was attacked by Hartley, who grabbed her hair and dragged her down.

Addressing His Challenges

On April 17, Allen appeared on SiriusXM Magistral Nation, where he was questioned about his decision not to participate in the Monsters of Rock Cruise this year.

“I experienced some difficult times, which seem to be connected with what happened in Florida,” Allen mentioned, as reported by Blabbermouth. “All of this stems from when I was assaulted outside the hotel. I tried to cope with this as best as I could, and I really needed to step back from some side projects to spend more time at home.”

“So, this has been a significant issue for me. I hope I can move past it and return to as normal a life as possible under the circumstances. But it has been very traumatic, and yes, it has been difficult. I hope to be able to put it behind me soon,” he added.

Looking Forward to Recovery

Since the attack, Allen, who lost his hand in a car accident in 1984, mentioned that it has been challenging for him to be around people. “And so I decided: ‘You know, Rick? Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Just address what’s in front of you. Spend as much time as you need at home,’” he shared. “I hope to leave it behind… I would like to return to some of my side projects, especially art. Let’s hope that I can soon.”

In 2023, shortly after the attack, Allen took to Twitter to express gratitude to fans for their support.

“Now we are together and working to restore a safe space,” he stated. “We focus on healing for all involved. We invite you to join us in moving from confusion and shock to compassion and sympathy.”

He noted that he and his wife were thinking about “fans, veterans, and the first responders in our global community.”

The police arrested 19-year-old Max Edward Hartley after the incident, charging him with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal damage, and assaulting an “elderly or disabled person.”

In other related news, Def Leppard is set to headline the inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival alongside Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, and Shinedown this year.

The festival, organized by C3 Presents, a subsidiary of Live Nation that manages events like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, will take place in Ocean City, Maryland, on May 17 and 18.

Also featured in the lineup are shock rock legend Alice Cooper, the rockers Halestorm from Pennsylvania, and British grunge icons Bush, along with acts like Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Flyleaf featuring Lacey Sturm, Puddle of Mudd, 3 Doors Down, Extreme, and Black Stone Cherry.