The Story Behind Rick Allen’s “Saint Charlie” Painting
The Def Leppard drummer called the late Charlie Watts “deserving” of the holy title. Stream Pierre Robert’s latest interview with Rick Allen.
"I hit things with a stick. Some people seem to like it."
This is Rick Allen's Twitter bio, and honestly, where is the lie? He's been behind the kit for Def Leppard since he was 15 years old and have achieved massive success in the decades that followed. According to Rick, though, the band wouldn't be where they are without the influence of the Rolling Stones and their late drummer, Charlie Watts.
Just before Def Leppard's double header with Motley Crue in Atlantic City, Rick called Pierre Robert to discuss his art exhibit, and one particular painting in his Legends series stood out: "Saint Charlie". Pierre asked why he chose that title for the piece, Rick explained:
"If it wasn't for Charlie, I probably wouldn't be playing drums the way that I am now... Of all the musicians I can think of, he’s kind of the top of the pile. He was so unassuming. I met him a few times and it was so cool talking to him, you know. I was starstruck; the realization that he plays drums with the biggest rock n' roll band in the world was just incredible to me, and the fact that he was so humble and so willing to talk to me... so I just really looked up to Charlie and I think he deserves that title."
If you missed Rick's art show at the Wentworth Gallery in the Hard Rock Atlantic City, you can catch a glimpse of of the painting below, along with some footage from Def Leppard's gig later that night. You can also stream the full interview with Pierre to hear more about Rick's art, his work supporting veterans, and his relentless optimism.
Rick AllenThe 2023 Mötley Crüe & Def Leppard World Tour is officially underway with a pair of kick-off shows this past weekend in Atlantic City at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. These AC shows, dubbed "The Up Close & Personal Tour", are part of a much bigger tour that will be hitting Mexico, South America and most of Europe throughout 2023. Following the highly anticipated and as equally successful 'Stadium Tour' in 2022, both Mötley Crüe & Def Leppard are going to ride that 80's rock n roll wave even longer! The 7000, or so, capacity inside the Etess Arena at Hard Rock Live is much more intimate than the 40k-60k+ fans they were accustomed to playing in front of only a few short months ago. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers put on a helluva show as always with a hits-packed set.
Def Leppard @ Hard Rock Live - 02.10.2023
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Take What You Want
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Let's Get Rocked
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Animal
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Foolin'
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Armageddon It
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Kick
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Love Bites
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Promises
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This Guitar (acoustic into full electric)
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When Love and Hate Collide
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Rocket
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Bringin' On the Heartbreak
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Switch 625 (With drum solo)
- Hysteria
- Pour Some Sugar on Me
- Rock of Ages
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Photograph
Def Leppard - Let's Get Rocked LIVE in Atlantic City
Make sure to check back tomorrow for the Motley Crue pics and video! -bp
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Rick Savage of Def Leppard
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Joe Elliott of Def Leppard
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Phil Collen of Def Leppard
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Joe Elliott of Def Leppard
Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard
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Joe Elliott of Def Leppard
