Episode 132: The Hardest Hitting Drummer Knows He Can Always Improve
What keeps you humble?
"I know I can always be better than I am today."
After you've toured with John Cougar Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, and Melissa Etheridge, you might also have to think about how to remain humble.
Kenny Aronoff is More Than an Extraordinary Drummer
What keeps you humble?
"I know I can always be better than I am today."
After you've toured with John Cougar Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, and Melissa Etheridge, you might also have to think about how to remain humble.
Kenny's musical background might surprise you, he earned his percussion chops playing classical music, and studying in one of the most prestigious musical programs in the country. He was even offered a position with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra he finished college, but turned it down because he knew that wasn't the path for him.
On tour with Melissa Etheridge
Of course he has lots of great stories, and many involve celebrity rock stars, but my favorites from this conversation were about his family, where he grew up, how he prepares for playtime, and how he receives feedback and guidance.
Kenny writes EVERYTHING down when he’s preparing for a gig.
The complexity of Kenny Aronoff and his work might just surprise you.
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Kenny was named one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Greatest 100 Drummers of All Time":
"Best known as John Mellencamp's hard-bashing drummer from 1980 to 1996, Kenny Aronoff is fully capable of banging out flashy fills — let's not forget the tumble that leads into the bridge of "Jack and Diane." But he's equally at home sitting in the pocket and keeping a sturdy beat. "[As the drummer], I'm the employee," he told Esquire. "My job is to listen, learn, lead. And I understand I'm not the boss." With a sixth sense for what makes music pop and the patience to take direction, he's ended up as a go-to studio beatsmith for the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, John Fogerty, Sting, the Smashing Pumpkins, Lady Gaga and tons more."
You can purchase Kenny's book, Sex, Drums, & Rock 'n' Roll on bookshop.org (to support independent booksellers) or Amazon. Visit his website to learn more!
106: Resilience and Persistence are Two Different Things - We Need Both to Thrive
Russ Johns’ life changed dramatically after falling three stories to shatter his wrist and break his arm. He was a professional musician - a drummer - but that was no longer an option after two years of surgeries and physical therapy. He was lucky to have any use of his arm… he was lucky to be alive.
Stories of Loss and Grief, Coupled with Gratitude and Inspiration
Russ Johns’ life changed dramatically after falling three stories to shatter his wrist and break his arm. He was a professional musician - a drummer - but that was no longer an option after two years of surgeries and physical therapy. He was lucky to have any use of his arm… he was lucky to be alive.
There’s just something about Russ’s energy that caught my attention, and I realized during our call that it is his curiosity and openness to listening and sharing stories, coupled with his sense of gratitude and wonder at life and living.
He shared some very personal history with me during our conversation, and I was especially grateful for the grace with which he shared the story about his son’s suicide, a story he shared on stage at a The Moth Story Hour event.
Russ demonstrates the title of this podcast so beautifully, I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording this episode.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
A free, 24/7 confidential service that can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, or those around them, with support, information, and local resources.
Crisis Text Line
741-741
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