The 21-year-old drummer was rushed to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital inSheffield, where micro-surgeons performed two operations in an attempt toreattach the limb. Initially the opertions were considered a success, and Allenwas listed in stable condition. However, four days later, the surgeons were givingAllen a routine check-up when they detected a severe infection in the upper partof his arm. Although the doctors said that Allen's hand and forearm were healingwell, they feared a spread of the infection, and were left with no alternative but toamputate Allen's arm. Said a spokesman for the group, "We're just glad he'salive" Def Leppard had already laid down the rhythm tracks for their upcoming album,but are unsure of what will happen next.

Allen had been with the band since it's formation, having joined up with PhilSavage and Pete Willis(the first guitarist). At the time the group went by thename Atomic Mass, until a sketch by graphic design student Joe Elliot convincedthe band to change its moniker to Def Leppard. Recently, they had been votedthe Most Popular Group in America, according to the Gallup Poll. Def Lep's lastalbum, Pyromania, sold well over 7 million copies, with several chart busting cuts-"Rock of Ages", "Foolin'", and Photograph"- scoring heavy radio play for theband.

FACES and DL's millions of fans are pullin' for you, Rick.