The Hard
Rock Hotel & Casino hosted a memorabilia display dedication with Great
Britain’s premier arena rock band Def Leppard, in honor of its upcoming
residency VIVA Hysteria! at The Joint March 22 to April 13. Def Leppard band
members Joe Elliott, Vivian Campbell, Rick Savage, Phil Collen and Rick Allen
joined Paul Davis of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Bobby Reynolds of AEG
Live Las Vegas for the special unveiling.
“Hats
off to you guys,” said Davis to the band, “We’re honored to have this unique
instrument here. To see a true piece of rock ‘n’ roll history is really moving
– I can’t believe it’s here.”
The
dedication features the original drum kit Allen used following a near fatal car
accident. The instrument was custom designed by Allen so he could continue to
play the drums after the loss of his arm. The elaborate set serves as Def
Leppard’s memorabilia centerpiece due to its importance in the group’s rock ‘n’
roll history. During the event, Allen was emotional as he addressed the
importance of the one-of-a-kind, self-made drum kit, giving insight into his
personal story behind the piece.
 |
| Rick Allen's Drum Set |
“The
first time I played this drum kit it was with sheer terror, and it has gotten
me to this point,” said Allen, “I’m just so happy I can share this not only
with the band but all of you.”
Allen
continued, “There’s a natural thing that happens when you lose something where
the rest of your body takes over. I think it’s a natural response for survival,
but there is also a learning curve and that learning curve is pretty steep.
Once I got over it, I realized the information was in my brain, and I just
needed to channel it to a different limb. It was a long journey, but it was
well worth it. We’re here. I’m here.”
In
addition, band members spoke about their upcoming performances and posed for
pictures in front of the display. The dedication was the kick-off event to their
residency starting today. Three additional exhibits are available for viewing
at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino including a display of the band’s gold records,
iconic guitars and costumes. The special memorabilia will be on display
throughout the legendary rocker’s residency.
Def
Leppard Viva Hysteria! Show Dates: March 22, 23, 27, 29, 30 and April 3, 5, 6,
10, 12, 13
*show
time is 8 p.m.
Residency
Details:
Produced
exclusively by AEG Live, Def Leppard will perform their iconic album HYSTERIA
in full as well as a selection of their greatest hits, highlighting classic
material from throughout the band’s career. VIVA Hysteria! will feature an
elaborate set design created only for Def Leppard’s Las Vegas residency. Known
for legendary big-scale arena shows, Def Leppard will bring their world-class
production to The Joint offering an up-close-and-personal experience like never
before. With the furthest seat only 155 feet from the intimate venue’s stage,
VIVA Hysteria! is unlike any show the band has ever done or will ever do again.
Tickets
are available starting at $49.50 and can be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel
Box Office, online at www.hardrockhotel.com, ticketmaster.com or
charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000. For groups of 12 or more call 702.693.5220 or
email groupsales@hrhvegas.com.
Photo
credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
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