Ahead of Brit rock band Def Leppard’s Mumbai concert, drummer Rick Allen reveals how a trip to South India helped him recover from a life-altering tragedy of losing an arm
Rick Allen. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
While fans of the Sheffield-based rock legends Def Leppard await the band’s big Mumbai concert tomorrow, few might know it will be a homecoming of sorts for the band’s drummer, Rick Allen. Nearly two decades ago, Allen found his way to India while recovering from a near-fatal accident that robbed him of an arm. It was a meeting with Chennai-born former monk Ashwin Srisailam, who accompanies the band to Mumbai, that helped Allen turn his life around.
Life-altering night
In conversation with mid-day, Allen recalled the fateful night in 1984 that changed his life. While driving near Sheffield, his car faced a high-speed collision, flinging him out of the car, and leaving only his left arm behind in the crashed vehicle.
Allen’s customised drum kit features extra pedals to make up for his limitations. PIC/GETTY IMAGES
“I dealt with feelings of defeat... like I wanted to give up,” the veteran drummer recalled. On stage tomorrow, fans will witness a customised drum kit that the 62-year-old has been playing since 1985, thanks to his close associate Mutt Lange, among other friends.
Found in India
“Life was good, but there was still something missing,” Allen said. In 2006, the drummer found the missing piece at an erstwhile monastery near Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Srisailam recalled, “Rick was seeking answers to how and what it takes to understand the mind. He visited India three or four consecutive years, staying for 21 to 42 days every visit. Our time included walking amidst nature, meditating, and reflecting on our inner selves.”
Road to recovery
“The people around me really helped, but I realised it [recovery] was an inside job. My self-talk could be quite negative at times. Mind fitness is something that has become deeply personal and dear to my life,” Allen added.
Ashwin Srisailam with Rick Allen
Giving back
As it turns out, the India tour is not just about music for the band. Allen revealed his plan to return to India as part of a tour called ‘Mind Fit’ led by ‘Ahhaa’ — a platform co-founded by Srisailam and US-based Diane Bacchus. Bandmate Phil Collen is also keen about stepping on board, Srisailam told us. The global tour will help young minds in schools, colleges, and workplaces understand the mysteries of the mind.
‘Excited about Mumbai’
While events begin only in July, Allen already knows what Mumbai has in store this weekend. “I’m really excited to meet our fans in Mumbai because they are so enthusiastic. I’m planning to visit the Ganesh temple [Siddhivinayak Temple], and yes, I do enjoy a good cup of masala tea.”
Quick mantras
Diane Bacchus, who founded ’Ahhaa’ along with Srisailam
Diane Bacchus and Ashwin Srisailam’s three tips for the time-strapped Mumbaikar…
Find gratitude in small actions: Not everything in life is transactional. Neurologically, gratitude reminds your brain that you’re living a truly rich life
Start every day with intention: When challenges arise, remind yourself what you had set out to do
Pause: Check on yourself and your emotions from time to time
1984
Year Rick Allen had a life-altering accident
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