Def Leppard's Allen goes from kit to canvas

Def Leppard’s Rick Allen is showcasing his art around galleries in the US.

The drummer has long been interested in art and photography and has held previous exhibitions to display his work. His latest creations will be on show at Wentworth Galleries across the US.

Allen translates rhythm into visual art using technology to track his beats through the use of LED lights and cameras to create looping patterns, which he then incorporates into his art.

Speaking about the creative process, Allen says: “The leap from musician to artist came really naturally because of my interest in wanting to convey energy through sound and light.

“The thing that really gives me the passion to create is just being connected and supported doing some good in the world. I keep passion in my life by taking risks and wanting to be a better person, a better father, a better husband, a better musician and ultimately feel comfortable enough in my own skin to be able to create art.”

Def Leppard are currently on the road across the US with Kiss and will continue work on the follow-up to 2008’s Songs From The Sparkle Lounge later in the year.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.