As you scroll through the news headlines this week, one story stands out for its sheer senselessness and tragedy. Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen spoke out in the aftermath of the latest mass shooting in Florida, calling for an end to the violence that has become all too common. “No one should have to fear for their lives doing something as simple as going to school, a nightclub, or a movie theater. This has to stop.” Allen knows firsthand the life-changing impact of violence, having lost his arm in a car accident as a young man. His resilience and determination in overcoming that loss made him an inspiration to millions. Now his voice joins the chorus calling for change to prevent future tragedies like the one that unfolded in Florida. The only question is whether anyone will listen.
Rick Allen Speaks Out Against Gun Violence
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen spoke out this week against the epidemic of gun violence following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead. In a statement on social media, Allen said:
No one should have to fear for their lives when going to school. It has to stop. We need to stand up, speak out and take action against these atrocities. Our leaders need to make changes to gun laws to ensure that deadly assault weapons do not end up in the wrong hands.”
Allen
Allen went on to express his support for the surviving students organizing rallies and protests to demand political action on gun control. “I applaud the courage and determination of the students who are making their voices heard. They are inspiring all of us to make a change so that these tragic events no longer become the norm. We all must take a stand to build a safer future for our children and put an end to these preventable acts of violence.”
The drummer’s call to action comes as the latest in a series of statements from musicians and celebrities urging political leaders to pass gun reform laws, including universal background checks on all gun sales and a ban on assault weapons. With the midterm elections approaching, there is hope that younger voters will turn out to support candidates pledging to take real action against gun violence. Overall, Allen’s message highlights the need for collective action to solve this critical issue: “Together, we have the power to create change.”
“How Many More Before We Take Action?”
In a statement following the tragic attack, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen expressed his frustration with the lack of action on gun reform in America. “How many more before we take action?” he asked. “How many more innocent lives must be lost?”
According to Allen, it is unacceptable that mass shootings have become commonplace. “My heart breaks for the victims and their loved ones in Florida,” he said. “But heartbreak is not enough. We need change.”
Allen called on political leaders and voters to support “common-sense gun laws” and stronger background checks. “It has to stop,” he urged. “No one else should have to live through a nightmare like this.”
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue,
Allen said “There are steps we can take now to help prevent these tragedies and save lives.” In particular, he advocated:
- Banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines designed for mass casualties. These serve no purpose for sport or self-defense.
- Expanding background checks on all gun sales to close loopholes that allow firearms to end up in the wrong hands.
- Investing in mental health resources and threat assessment to identify at-risk individuals.
- Promoting a culture of responsibility around firearm ownership and security. Unsecured guns are frequently used in accidental injuries, suicides and mass shootings.
“My hope is that this time, our leaders do more than offer ‘thoughts and prayers’,” Allen concluded. “The time for action is now. We owe it to the victims, their loved ones, and every person who lives in fear that they could be next.”