A 19-year-old man is in custody after allegedly attacking both Rick Allen from Def Leppard and a woman who came to Allen’s aid.
According to the police report obtained by TMZ, Allen was smoking outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale Beach when a man attacked him by surprise from behind. 19-year-old Max Hartley ran full speed towards Allen, stricking him so hard that his head slammed on the ground! A witness who attempted to aid Allen was also assaulted. He fled to another nearby hotel, and damaged mulitple cars in a parking garage before police found him. Hartley was arrested and charged with elder abuse, battery, and criminal mischief.
Neither the band nor Rick Allen’s camp have released any statements as of yet. We hope he’s okay!
Today should have been a much more fun, happier day for Def Leppard fans, as the band just shared news about Drastic Symphonies. This greatest hits collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra arrives May 19. The reimagined Hysteria single “Animal” is our first taste.