10 Most Emotional Onstage Moments In Rock
1. Rick Allen's Arrival - Def Leppard
Not many bands have to slave through the massive amount of bulls*it that Def Leppard had to deal with when completing their breakthrough album Hysteria. Coming off of the mammoth success of Pyromania, these Sheffield lads spent upwards of 3 years in the studio trying to create something even better, while also dealing with drummer Rick Allen's accident which left him without an arm. Though it was unclear whether he could play, their performance at Monsters of Rock announced their true return to form.
Before Hysteria had even come out yet, this was a gig that the band had taken on to re-energize them through the album sessions. Despite having Rick's triumphant return behind the kit, most of the band was adamant about not bringing it up to the crowd. As the set soldiered on though, it was clear that the energy from the crowd was supporting Rick 100%. Not seeing any way around it, Joe Elliot's introduction of Allen behind the kit made for one of the greatest moments in hard rock history, with every member coming together to encourage Allen to continue on.
By the time Leppard got off stage, they had the drive to go back into the studio, after which they made amazing tracks like Pour Some Sugar on Me. After this one gig, Rick Allen had been extinguished. Now was the time for the Thunder God to take over.