Rhythm of the heart | Rick Savage

Chapter 13

"In the last few months, I have had the opportunity to spend time with the members of Def Leppard, I have had the chance to come to know them individually.

We'll start with Joe Elliott, the lead vocalist and co founder. Joe's artistic brilliance and emotional depth have been instrumental in shaping the bands signature sound. But beyond the stage, Joe's genuine connection with the fans has been a cornerstone of the band's enduring success. His warmth and approachability makes each listener feel like apart of the Def Leppard family. Joe's infectious energy remains a constant inspiration. In moments of triumph and heartache, Joe Elliott's resilience shines through. He has navigated the band through both the highs of chart-topping success and the lows of personal and professional challenges. His unwavering dedication to the music and his bandmates has been a driving force, a beacon of strength that has carried Def Leppard through the storm.

As a young prodigy, Rick Allen's unparalleled talent on the drums catapulted him into the spotlight at a tender age. But it was his unwavering passion and dedication for his craft that has cemented his place, in my eyes, as one of the most iconic drummers in rock history. His thunderous beats and intricate rhythms formed the backbone of Def Leppard's sound, elevating their music to new heights. Yet, amidst their soaring success, fate dealt a devastating blow. The tragic car accident in 1984, which resulted in the loss of his left arm, left Rick and the band facing an unimaginable challenge. While most would have succumbed to despair, Rick's unwavering spirit rose above adversity. With sheer determination and groundbreaking technology, he embraced a new approach to drumming one-handed, yet more powerful and innovative than ever before.

In the realm of rock guitar legends, Phil Collen stands as a virtuoso, wielding his six-string with a fiery passion that ignites the soul of Def Leppard's music. As the band's lead guitarist, Phil's mesmerizing solos and melodic prowess have left an indelible mark on the very fabric of rock 'n' roll. From the moment Phil joined Def Leppard, his electrifying presence infused new life into the band's sound. With a style that seamlessly blends power and finesse, he became the driving force behind some of the band's most iconic tracks. His intricate fingerwork and soulful riffs elevate the music to stratospheric heights, captivating audiences worldwide. Beyond the stage, Phil's unwavering dedication to his craft and commitment to honing his skills have earned him respect from peers and fans alike. He is an innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of his artistry, exploring new techniques, and refining his sound. His passion for music is palpable, and it resonates in every note he plays.

In the pantheon of rock guitar legends, the name Steve Clark shines as a beacon of brilliance and artistry. As the mastermind behind the captivating guitar solos of Def Leppard, his presence electrifies the stage, leaving audiences spellbound with every strum and riff. Since his early days with Def Leppard, Steve's guitar work became the heart and soul of the band's music. His innate ability to blend soulful melodies with powerful rock chords defined the band's sound, propelling them to the forefront of rock stardom. Beyond his extraordinary talent, Steve's magnetic stage presence draws fans into his world of music creating an unbreakable connection between performer and audience. He is not just a guitarist but a storyteller, conveying emotions through his strings that resonate deeply with fans across the globe."

I look up momentarily, and towards Sav who is looking at me with guilt. I can tell he is anxious waiting for what I have to say about him.

"Finally, in the realm of rock legends, few bassists possess the melodic prowess and unwavering dedication to their craft like Rick Savage of Def Leppard. As the rhythmic anchor of the band, his basslines form the heartbeat that resonates within the soul of their music, enriching their sound with depth and resonance. Throughout Def Leppard's journey, Rick has been a steady force, a beacon of dedication and unity within the band. His unwavering commitment to the music and his bandmates has been an anchor that steadies them through both triumphs and tribulations, ensuring that their legacy endures through the ages.

But, Rick or Sav as his close friends call him, has been the one person that I have gotten closer to than any other. Some readers might have heard of our relationship, whether it was genuine or not. But there is one thing that I want to say to you Sav, so I thought I would do it in a way that you understand, through art. So I wrote you a poem.

I hate you..."

"This is bullshit, she's obviously too emotional for this" Adam stands up and shouts towards me. I look over to him feeling taken aback, I wasn't expecting this.

"Shut up, Adam. Let her speak!" Sav shouted back to him.

"Why should I, we all know what's going on here" Adam argues, Sav turns back around to him. This time full of anger.

"Sit the fuck down, Adam. Let her speak!!" Sav shouted back to him, I've never seem him so angry before but god is it hot.

"Carry on" Sav said looking back to me.

I look him in his eyes,

"I hate you,
I hate the way you talk to me,
And the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car,
I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb leather jackets,
And the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick,
It even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you're always right,
I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,
Even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you're not around,
And the fact that you didn't call.

But most of all I hate the way I don't hate you,
Not even close, not even a little,
Not even at all"

(Note: This poem is from the movie, this is a massive clue what movie it is.

I don't know who actually wrote it, but full credit goes to them.)