Hard Rock Hotel Celebrates Def Leppard VIVA HYSTERIA! Residency with Memorabilia Display Dedication

Rick Allen Poses with Custom Drum Kit at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
On Thursday, 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 now through April 13. 

Rick Allen of Def Leppard Explains his Drum Kit's Significance to Fans at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Rick Allen of Def Leppard Explains his Drum Kit’s Significance to Fans at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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.

Rick Allen's Drum Kit on display at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Rick Allen’s Drum Kit on display at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

“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.”

Rick Allen's Drum Kit on display at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Rick Allen’s Drum Kit on display at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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.

Def Leppard Band Members Pose with Paul Davis of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Bobby Reynolds of AEG in honor of residency VIVA Hysteria!

Def Leppard Band Members Pose with Paul Davis of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Bobby Reynolds of AEG in honor of residency VIVA Hysteria!

“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.

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