Five great musicians who made comebacks against the odds, inspiring everyone.
Rick Allen is a British musician who began playing drums at age nine and joined Def Leppard in 1978. However, on New Year's Eve in 1984, he lost control of his car and crashed into a brick wall, severing his left arm. Despite all odds, Allen was determined to play drums again and practiced on a piece of foam at the foot of his hospital bed. His first significant comeback show was at the 1986 Monsters of Rock Festival, where he gave a flawless performance. Today, he is one of the most iconic drummers in rock history.
Tina Turner was born in rural Tennessee and became the Queen of Rock n' Roll after her divorce from Ike Turner, who was abusive and temperamental. She fled to Los Angeles and began a solo career, where Rod Stewart admired her and asked her to join him on tour.
Johnny Cash was a music legend by the time he was in his mid-20s, but his addiction issues hindered his career. In 1992, Rick Rubin invited him to record an album on his label, American Recordings, which was released to widespread critical acclaim and won Best Contemporary Folk Album at the 1995 Grammy Awards. Cash remained in the spotlight until his death in 2003.
Shania Twain returned to the stage after a long absence due to Lyme disease, undergoing throat surgery and marrying the ex-husband of her husband's mistress. She has multiple awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Joni Mitchell has made a remarkable comeback from a debilitating brain aneurysm, relearning how to speak and play guitar. She returned to the stage at the Newport Folk Festival in July 2022, performing some of her greatest songs.