Def Leppard's Rick Allen and RAMP "Rock It" at the MetroCentre

By Nicole Hytinen
Marketing Coordinator

The Wheel-A-Thon wasn’t the only exciting thing that happened on Saturday, June 21. Later that day, four RAMP staff and six RAMP consumers headed to the MetroCentre to meet Rick Allen, drummer for Def Leppard!

   I was contacted in early June by Jan Spencer of the Bright Star Foundation, Def Leppard’s official charity and was asked if RAMP was interested in being Def Leppard’s local benefiting charity for its concert in Rockford. Needless to say, RAMP accepted in a heartbeat.

   Def Leppard’s drummer, Rick Allen lost one of his arms in car accident in 1984. Shortly after, he was back and better than ever as Def Leppard’s drummer, using his left foot instead of his left arm to hit the beats. Ever since, Rick has been very involved with helping local charities that assist people with disabilities, particularly children, in each town he visits while on tour.

   Our group arrived at the MetroCentre at 4 p.m. and was escorted to the stage. Our excitement grew as we watched the band do their sound-check. Ollie, RAMP Development Director John Beck’s service dog, was frightened by the loud music and was taken to a room backstage. Ollie didn’t have any hard feelings, though, as he was licking Rick Allen’s leg and even his face just a little bit later after John and Rick posed for a picture. But he was saved from further distress by going home with his mommy, Sandra, before the concert.

   Each member of RAMP’s group was able to have a picture taken with Rick and get his autograph. Rick personalized each autograph, addressed to each person wishing “Lots of Love,” and accompanied by his signature stick figure drawing of a person with one arm.

   Rick choreographed a small drum circle comprised of himself and our group from RAMP, where each person was able to beat on a drum with Rick. It turned into a sort of mini jam session as shakers were incorporated to compliment the rhythm.

   RAMP was also able to have a booth set up to pass out brochures and to accept donations. Amber Nesemeier and RAMP’s Bob McGhee were volunteers for the booth. Anyone that made a donation to RAMP or Rick’s Raven Drum Foundation, www.ravendrumfoundation.org, received a chance to win autographed Def Leppard memorabilia or backstage passes. RAMP and Raven Drum will split the proceeds, which totaled nearly $3,000!

   The excitement, however, was just beginning. When it was time for the concert, we were brought to the corner of the stage, so close to the action that I think we all felt like rock stars ourselves. The music began and it was singing, screaming and grins from ear to ear for the rest of the night.

   Gabe Boyer, who only found out earlier that day that he was invited, knew all the words to every song. His twin brother J.R. also attended and is a true blue Def Leppard fan, having followed the band’s career for as long as he can remember. Other attendees included Cameron Gross, 18; Michael Hedrick, 18; Alex Konitski, 11; and Eric Brown, 17. RAMP staff in attendance were Tressie Nesemeier, Patti Wilburn, John Beck and myself (I was threatened not to print their ages!).

   After the concert, we had one last encounter with Rick as he broke away for a few minutes from the backstage pass winners to chat with a few of the boys and get a couple more pictures taken with them. He was one of the most personable, humble people I have ever met and was wonderful with the young people.

   The night was unbelievable and we all had the time of our lives. RAMP is extremely fortunate and grateful to have had this opportunity. Thank you, Bright Star Foundation, for making this possible. Also, special thanks to the Rockford Register Star’s Paul Arco and John Elbers, local television stations WREX and WIFR, and radio stations WXRX and WZOK for the wonderful media coverage. And, of course, thank you Rick Allen for your time, attention and support. The memories will last a lifetime.

(Above) Rick Allen meeting Michael Hedrick. Also pictured: Dawn Purtee of BrightStar Foundation

(Above) Gabe Boyer meeting Rick Allen for the first time.

(Above) J.R. Boyer holding shirt for Rick Allen to autograph

(Above) Front row from left: Tressie Nesemeier, Amber Nesemeier, Patti Wilburn, Nicole Hytinen, J.R. Boyer.

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