The Kenny Aronoff Interview: Music's Go-To Drummer For Half A Century
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- Опубліковано 13 січ 2025
- In this episode I interview legendary session drummer Kenny Aronoff as he shares his experiences and stories from his time playing with iconic bands like John Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, John Fogerty, Joe Satriani, Billy Gibbons, and Alice Cooper among many others. Discover the secrets behind his incredible drumming career and the timeless hits he's helped create.
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When I was a 15-year-old drummer in Illinois in the mid-80s, I wrote a fan letter to Kenny Aronoff and asked him for advice in keeping time. He not only wrote me back with specific advice, but he sent me a Christmas card that year and I think the next year also. Class act!
That's amazing! Great memories and how nice of him.
That’s one of the greatest music stories I’ve heard!!!
Incredible. I commented on one of his videos recently and he wrote a personal reply. I mean he's a busy guy, but still did that for a stranger.
That’s so cool
Awesome story, thank you for sharing that.
We retained Kenny a few years ago on a track. Even though we are no-names, he treated us with as much respect as if we were superstars. His number one goal is service to the song. When I first heard his tracks, it literally brought tears to my eyes. He is unbelievable.
What song? Imma listen
@@gevantassa Valhalla
Excuse my ignorance, what do you mean by “retained”? Is that an industry term for hiring a musician & paying them a certain way or something?
That is his gift. He makes every client feel like they are the most important thing to him. Which they are.
I’ve recorded Kenny lots of times. He is an amazing person and drummer.
I believe that! I’ve always said myself that he always plays the perfect parts in every song.
His energy for 71 is insane.
Caffeine 😂
hes how old? i would have guessed maybe 60.
Crazy
What I thought he was 58 or something.... thats Crazy
drums keep you young
What a perfect interview! Rick just stays quiet, listening and enjoying the whole time only interrupting Kenny with perfect questions. I wish all people interviewing legends could be this way. Thank you for that.
Rick is a class act. Like many of us, I follow a number of channels covering various interests and I reckon know one does a channel better than Rick - passion, enthusiasm, intelligence, deep, deep music knowledge, access, experience, talent, communication skills, personality etc.
Simply awesome Rick! Much of it was like reading a Modern Drummer article. You asked questions about the nerdy equipment and tech details that drummers want to know all about. Plus, like others have said, you just let Kenny go. Great judgement as always. And, I had never heard you say before that drums/drummers were your favourite… (or however you said it). That explains so much about the diversity of your channel. Thank you!
I'm only half way through and I cannot believe the amount of wisdom, philosophy and common sense this man has. So much to learn here, no matter what your discipline or life interest is.
Exactly... his approach to entering a situation where input is critical is applicable to so many fields. As a chef, it applies 100%. He said it best with the analogy of 5 great candidates volleying for the same spot, but the guy who's open-minded and positive and who can read the room and contribute will win out. Survival! Great guests, as always, Beato.
He has a great channel as well. Amazing interviews with other musicians. Phil X was a real hoot.
Couldn't agree more!
When you have the love and the enthusiam, it shows.
Experience and wisdom.
This is another example of why the top session musicians are the absolute best musicians in the world
Exactly my thoughts too. I love listening to the top session guys.
Kenny is the perfect example how to serve the music. what a great musician
@@justinsayin3979 Really?
I didn't know what to expect, but I got a Master Class. Thank you, Rick. Thank you, Kenny. I'm not a drummer, but I learned so much that I can apply every where. I'm truly grateful.
His autobio is a must read for any drummer. All about discipline, dedication, hard work and being prepared. Nothing but respect for this guy.
Must read for anyone who wants to be successful
@@Dan-zq5wt Absolutely.
What a joy this man is, his enthusiasm is infectious. Love that he repeatedly states how practice, discipline and routine are keys to success. So many people today don't want to work that hard to be the best and he's still on top of his game at 71. Makes me think of what Geddy used to say about Neil - he's the only guy who practices for weeks before rehearsal.
Rick, you continue to book the best guests that have terrific skills, and provide superb communication of their craft. Well done Kenny!
Kenny's the real deal. Sweetheart of a guy, 100% genuine, too. He's done sessions for me several times over the last number of years and always brings something compelling and bombastic.
He did a gig at a sales conference I attended. I couldn’t understand why we booked him. But then I was blown away by his talent, experience, work ethic, and ability to pivot in his career over the years. Fascinating guy.
This is the MOST informative interview with a musician I have ever seen...still blows my mind a drummer has this much insight into nearly EVERYTHING & can articulate it in plain understandable language. Amazing man. Amazing interview.
I remember when he first got into Mellencamp’s band and he came into the bar where I worked in Bloomington. I hadn’t seen him in a couple years. I asked him how it felt to be in the band. He said the best thing was he was getting a steady pay check and was. Able to buy a washer dryer. Cracked me up! Always down to earth.
Met Kenny at a clinic here in Atlanta last month. He truly is not only a consummate professional musician, but just an all-around great guy. He went way over time (shocker to anyone who’s ever heard him speak😂) yet stayed after his presentation for over another 90 minutes to chat with the participants. We chatted briefly about our shared love of Tama drums & laughed about surviving our respective college orchestras. Funny thing is I left thinking “man, what a great interview subject for Rick Beato.” Little did I know Rick was already one step ahead, as always. Keep up the great drummer interviews Rick!
What a boss. Kenny is unreal. 90 percent of the substance of his stories are simply him learning, making mistakes, figuring it out, and making it right. Absolute champion mindset.
when he talks about health near the end of the interview. it hits home! he knows his health, hormone, testosterone, vitamin D3, lifting weights, drinking water, sleeping 7 to 8 years. and how he builds his career with discipline, perseverance and reading music. so much to gain from this video. thank you RICK!
Man his passion for being a great performer is infectious 👍
Mr. Kenny Aronoff is an inspiration to us all. He exudes hard work for a living each & every day. Thank you sir for everything you do & have done to help keep music alive. Especially Rock & Roll music!
Maestro Aronoff blew us away when he played the Blue Note, Honolulu, with Billy F. Gibbons. Powerhouse doesn’t even begin to describe his groove and attack. Absolute master! Wonderful interview with a living legend.
Rick's ability to listen, and let the quality flow and build is unparamounted .
Mr Aronoff’s contribution to The Smashing Pumpkins is something I’ll always love him for. He did an amazing job when the band really needed him 🙏🏻
Yes! This is immediately what I thought of when I saw this come across my notifications.
05807o😅@@GregCarlet
@@GregCarletsame thought as well
@@Hilaire_Balrog specifically their performance on SNL
I guess, and I like him, but I feel like he can’t touch Jimmy.
Jeez!
That was amazing. He's an amazing guy. Inspirational, he's preaching musical gospel.
And, you put these up for free? We're all indebted to you, Rick.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
He’s still in great shape, I had the pleasure and opportunity to jam with him for a week at a bass clinic “Bass at the Beach” at Myrtle Beach. A real cool guy, down to earth was nice to everyone.
What a fricking cool experience!
@@horsepanther Yeah, an experience I’ll never forget. It was such a rush hearing him hit that bass drum and snare in person with such power and energy! Frank Gambale, Howard Levy, Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Mike Pope & others were also there. I Had the time of my life.
Kenny’s the easiest interview ever: ask a single question and watch him run 😅 Such an awesome person, love his energy 💪
"You want you're worst day to be a great day." I am not a musician or a drummer. But Mr. Aranoff is a guru and I could listen to him talk all day. I've never heard him speak before. I am motivated. Thank you so much Rick (and Kenny)
oh geez, Kenny is 71, I am 53...he has so much energy that I now feel 153.
Agree. He looks so much younger.
What? He is 71? That just changed this whole video
Same with Tommy Aldridge, 73 years old and spanking the drums
@@thomasluby1754 Yes, I agree..it's funny how being bald can affect how old someone looks. I actually think it now makes him look younger..I remember when I first saw him performing with Mellencamp in 1982), in the Hurt's So Good video..I was16 years old...and thinking: "That drummer is really good...but I wonder why he decided to get an old bald guy?".....
@@dyer2cycle I was in my 20s in the 1980s. I'm not sure what I thought when I saw him playing back there (on video, didn't see them live). But the funny thing is, I watched a video of theirs just a few months ago from 1987 and actually felt sorry for Kenny. Mellencamp and the other two guys up front, had these great heads of hair & were young, good looking guys and Kenny had to be the bald guy in the back. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Now Kenny probably looks better than Mellencamp & the other 2 do. 👍👍👍👍✌✌✌✌
Kenny has always been one of my favorite drummers. After listening to this interview I am blown away by his passion. Not just for his drumming, but for other factors like health and fitness that contribute to his longevity allowing him to be at the top of his game. He's definitely one of a kind and those who have had him play on their tours, shows, and recordings are very fortunate. I even remember watching a DVD with my wife of Robert Mirabal (Native American artist) and there is Kenny on drums. A master no matter the musical style, but Kenny definitely rocks! As usual, Rick's interviewing is why I am here. He is the best at having people open up and letting them be themselves and shine. Kudos Rick.
Rick, i live thousands of miles away from you and from the USA, but i have to say: you are an incredible person, a great producer, the best UA-camr of music stuff, your gifts through this channel travels around earth. Top classes every episode! Thank you very much! Greetings from Rio.
I second that - from Estonia.
When Kenny talks, you listen… Personality goes a long way. High achiever!🎯
This interview was like attending a drum clinic on technique! I LOVE how Kenny plays, and he does it the right way!!!
I met Kenny a few weeks back in a restaurant in Santa Barbara. I'm smiling now thinking about it. This is how he is in real life. such a bundle of genuine energy and positivity. After talking to me for 10 mins, he spent 10 mins with the jazz combo at the restaurant. We had IU and Mass connections which made the convo flow. Kenny, if you see this, thank you for a great life moment!
I love that whenever he's giving any spec for his drums there is a whole story behind it.
I saw Mellencamp several times and Kenny was always the one driving the bus. His drums are what gave that rhythm section is power and groove that let the others have room to do what they wanted. He is in the same category as Neal Peart from Rush, or any drummer who lead the music and kept everything moving. So good!
John Fogerty's Premonition DVD was the second DVD my family ever owned, after Lethal Weapon 4 of course. I was 5 years old.
He's the reason I picked up the sticks.
Love, love, love Kenny Aronoff.
Wow! Kenny is unreal! Came here to hear some drum stories, but came out with great instructions for life. Unbelievably inspiring man! Such a sharp mind. So much energy! Thank you! And Rick is the best!
Great call! Whenever I’ve seen him interviewed I’m so impressed by his positive energy. Great drummer, saw him with Mellencamp a number of times!
Growing up listening to all of the great albums he has played on and now being able to have him working on my own albums and calling him a friend is nothing but a true blessing. Great interview as always Rick!
Didn't know much about this guy before the interview, but holy cow, I was blown away. I want Kenny as my life coach lol
I first spoke to Kenny just before he was coming through Ottawa touring with Joe Cocker in 2000. He asked if all was ready for his clinic he was doing at Barimores Theater (the venue I later got married in). He performed for a sold out crowd of 560 music lovers. One of the best clinics Steve's Music and Tama drums ever showcased. The following week as life would bring these moments of synchronicity my band was opening for Joe Cocker in Walkerton Ontario, 400 miles away from Ottawa. Stick with me as this is when the magic happened. I used a Tama Pro Beat kick pedal for 15 years of drumming. My new kit was a Yamaha Maple custon 30th Anniversary. First gig ever with my new kit. The pedal didn't fit the hoop on my new bass drum. Kenny said "give me that pedal" and disappeared. I was literally pannicing and wondering wtf? Minutes later he returns with a file and begins filing the clamp and base of my old Tama pedal. With seconds to spare I attached the pedal to my hoop and played in front of 25000 people. He never left my side that day. Best story of my career. Hope you are feeling better after your surgery Rick. Love your channel. Pura Vida:
Hey Chris nice to read your comment! Sacha from GHS!!!
The amount of dedication and knowledge that this guy breathes as his air is just inspiring. This hard working and passionate human being deserves all my respect 👏👏👏
"Inspiring is the adjective form of the verb inspire, which comes from the Latin word for "breath." When something is inspiring, it's as if the breath of life is coming into your body."
This man is such an inspiration. Humility and hard work.
I knew Kenny was great, but I didn't know he was a great reader and is a great timpanist. Holy heck!!! Repetition of skills is the preparation to success. Absolutely brilliant!!!❤
I’m 68; I can relate; followed him on album covers 40+ years. Kenny has many skills, but what makes him a GREAT studio player was….his PERSONALITY, enthusiasm, and ability to get along well with others. WORKS WELL WITH OTHERS!
🎯
John Cougar Mellencamp was my first concert I saw. It was in winter 1987, I was 5 years old and it was at the Montreal Forum. Before the encore one of the band members and Kenny himself came to see me maybe thinking "wow that's a pretty young kid at this show" and gave me a guitar pick (which sadly I lost) and one of Kenny's signature Vic Firth sticks. I still have it to this day resting on top of my cork board in my studio/office. I started playing drums when I was 6 and still play to this day. Was very fortunate to discover Kenny's playing which inspired me from the jump. Long live music!
I was there, one of my favorite concert ever.
@@YvonG4 no way! How old were you?
@@YvonG4 Still have my Dad's copy of The Lonesome Jubilee on vinyl. That one and Scarecrow are my favorites of his.
@@sjeanmacleod15 or 16
My best friend dad was friend with Donald from Donald K Donald
All the free tickets he gave was crazy. I’ve seen so many shows.
@@YvonG4 hahaha DKD that takes me back. Cool beans!
Tremendous interview. Should be required viewing for every drummer. Kenny’s discipline is impressive and why he’s one of the all-time greats
Didn't realize he was so studied ! That's amazing !
He's simply a legend among other awesome drummer legends...but he's in the UPPER level of those legends. He's just incredible! 🥁❤️
I have been following him for 40 years. I also went to Indiana University for trumpet.
Stalking him? 😂😂😂😂
I went to IU also, but for business.
I love Kenny Aronoff. I have met him about a dozen times and he always made time for me. Always listened. He taught me to speak fast and to the point. Rock on, Mr Aronoff. In fact, I have seen Kenny play more than any other professional musician. I've lost track. Real down to earth super human.
We heard of him, come on! A beast of a drummer!
Robert Christgau wrote a review calling Mellencamp “a well-meaning cornball with Kenny Aronoff in his band”. I always remembered that. Love Kenny’s playing.
Kenny Aronoff and Gregg Bissonette should have a "speed talk-off".
Imagine if they took speed, we couldn't understand a thing.
I listened on 2x speed
both LOVE their job
I know right? I have watched a few interviews with both and they seem to dominate the interview. I was a fan of both for years and now get some weird vibes from them. Got to meet Greg several years ago and the nice guy thing seemed like a facade.
haha, good one
Heheheh love the sign off from Mr. Aronoff: “…cool!”.
That was super cool. I had no idea what this guy was like. He’s awesome! Rick, thanks for all this!
Seventy frickin one years old. Goals.
Kenny Aronoff is a treasure. Someone who plays that well shouldn't be so kind, but he is. He played on 10 tracks on our new album that drops 8/8. And he slammed them! The quality of his work along with his incredible generosity and kindness helped me get our project off the ground. I'm not sure it would have without him. My hero.
I watched Kenny perform at a drum clinic in Grand Rapids Michigan back in 2000. Celebration of the drum, Mike Mangini, Terry Bozzio and a few others, it was amazing! It really doesn't look like Kenny has aged a day, this dude is forever Young! So much energy!
Kenny.... one of my favourites drummers!!! Energetic as hell!!! Great interview Rick!!!
Kenny is still in amazing shape to be in his early 70s ..still beating the hell out of life...🔥🔥🔥❤️👍🏽💯........THANX FOR SHARING RICK!!
Such a great interview. I was glued to this the whole time
I really like and admire Kenny. I don't think there is a harder working drummer out there. And he's got to be one of the easiest interviewees. All you have to do is hit record and ask him a question. He will keep you entertained for hours.
100%! Rick's questions are always the questions that elevate the conversation.
That drum part in "Rain On The Scarecrow". I will never forget what I felt when heard that muscular drum track.
A jewel of an album !!!
His energy, enthusiasm and work ethic seem to be undiminished over a nearly 50 year career. Awesome interview as always Rick!
Another legendary drummer?! Thank you, Rick. I love your LOVE for drummers.
What a lovely chap. Sharp like a razor blade ... very inspiring and a boost as motivator to deal with aging successfully. I hope I never have to retire because of health issues. Work, being active, living healthy, and have every day a challenge to keep learning ... with good people around minimizing stress that's a good formula for any life segment. Tks for this interview. It was more than pleasure.
Unbelievable interview (conversation!). The level of detail and intricacy and energy in his art - technique, hardware, approach is a joy to listen to. It just proves there is so much more to drumming than most people, including myself realise. I will make sure my drummer friend studies this!
Your drummer interviews are always my favorite!
No question. I hope he's dialed in Bozzio & Wackerman...
Rick this is one of the best interviews you have done. Kenny is amazing, and your insight in questioning just makes everything in this interview fantastic. You and Kenny knocked it out of the park. Big thumbs up.
I've been a fan since the 80's. I've seen him live many, many times. Had the pleasure to go to one of his clinics. He was astounding!!
My favorite drummer interview so far, Kenny's so generous with his knowledge. Learned a lot that, as a multi-instrumenatalist with a focus on drums, I will be incorporating into my own routines.
The absolute best interviewee EVER!!
So many kids want to know exactly how to get there. The B E ST
What a guy. It's just the cherry on the cake that he's his age and still doing it at top level. Such a solid drummer, such a pro, and I realized that I had no clue about the depth of his musical education, dedication, and history.
The live videos of Kenny playing for the Smashing Pumpkins tour in Atlanta are my favorite Pumpkins video to go to because he understood the assignment perfectly and gave a great performance in the Adore era
Thank you Rick for having Kenny Aronoff on for this interview. He is a true servant of music and so are you. He is an icon of the music industry. Always ahead of the curve as it were. A true musical Genius. Thank you again Rick and Thank you Kenny for being you.
I was a percussion student at Indiana in the late 80's and played drums in local Bloomington bands during the 90's. Kenny was living there at the time and I would occasionally run into him or see him play. He was always friendly and full of energy. Seeing him go through his practice routine brought back many memories because I learned it from him 2nd hand through my teacher at the time, Shawn Pelton (SNL Band).
Kenny is truly a fitness nut. When we had the annual "Bloomington Days" retail fair, the local fitness center would have a physical fitness competition and Kenny, who was about 40 at the time would blow everyone away. Even the younger age groups.
Kunkel, Gadd, and Aranoff, oh, Ringo too! As a drummer I have been learning to relax, sticking is essential, Mr. A. Is right repeat it til ya get!
Kenny is 100% committed to excellence. Imagine if we all had this attitude.
👍
His layers of expertise, education, business and social skills are just mind bending.
ok, racist.
I hosted Kenny in my city for a clinic and also put a live band together for him to use, for that clinic. He requested a set of Led Zep covers and he nailed it. A really nice guy-we had dinner tater after and he told us some incredible stories.
Thank You Rick!! Kenny is one of my many favorite drummers! Kenny Aronoff is a living legend! You get the best interviews bro! Keep it rockin all night and every day!
Kenny and Greg B have been heroes of mine (as a bass player) for 30+ years now. The song always comes first for them.
Mark of an amazing musician is the range of artists and styles they can cover. Legend
Kenny is the man! Finally saw him live on the Satch-Vai tour.
Same!
Yes!
Rick,
Watching this video has lifted my spirits and inspired me!
This guy is an absolute force of positivity !!!
Thank you for your hard work in putting together all of this great content!
-John M.
Commenting before listening, but I know it’s gonna be great. Kenny has been a hero of mine since I was 12 or 13. Legendary player and super nice guy.
Great interview ! Kenny looks great for being 71 He's an amazing drummer
I love Kenny! He's a phenomenal drummer, who has played on so many great songs, with so many great musicians! I had no idea how technical he is, but he translates that into an amazing feel that serves the song. So beautiful! Thank you Rick and Kenny, for an amazing interview!
I was the assistant engineer on the Stevie Nicks record mentioned at 1:22:05. Kevin Killen engineered with me alongside Glyn Johns producing. Fun project. GREAT BAND!
I just watched Kenny play with victor Wooten and Steve Bailey twice this week at berklee college of music, it was great
Kenny, Ferrone, Keltner.... Huge respect for those few session guys that that are on everyone's speed dial.
Mind blowing conversation. It's really amazing when you get a band to individually play for what the song needs. Not what each person's can do. I recently read Sully Erna's book. He mentions that the guys all play for what is required of what a song needs. No one shows off so to speak. They play what is required to make great songs.
Absolutely blown away by this interview. Kenny is an amazing talent and Rick knows everything about everything music related. Great pairing and immensely entertaining and educational.
Wide variety of artists is an understatement - he even played on an album I produced! I learned so much being in the room with him - what a Pro!
Another Indiana alum here... I was in a pretty popular band in Bloomington in the late 90s... Kenny was our drummer's teacher, so I met and hung with him a few times... What an absolutely excellent dude he was (and is).
Were you in Skamikaze?
@@thebeatlabmusic749Nope... That wasn't us! 😊
You're probably too young to have seen Kenny play in a band called Streamwinner in Bloomington? This was before Mellencamp. It was a jazz rock fusion band. I followed him and this band. Great memories, he was loud then too. LOL
@@beckygarrett5752 You are correct, Becky... That was before I hit B-Town!
@@thebeatlabmusic749 Now that I think of it, I think Skamikaze was on "The B-Town Sampler" CD with my former band and many other great up-and-coming groups of the era... Ahh, the good old days!
Kenny can fit in anywhere. Hes that good
Exactly! Great description! He is that Good!
He’s up there with Gregg Bissonette to me, total versatility
No everything he plays is just the same.
@@dcmastermindfirst9418 look up some of his jazz stuff 😛
@@dcmastermindfirst9418Absolutely spot on. Don Was opened a lot of doors for him. Extremely overated. Porcaro any day of the week.
This guy!!!!!! 🎉🎉 One of your best interviews, Rick! Can’t believe he’s 71!
Best Kenny quote of the interview. "my brain is the 4th of July". Great stuff Rick.
Maravilloso. Gracias. From ARG🇦🇷 Peace & Love!!! 🎸🎸🎸💕
This guy on the Adore Tour with Pumpkins in that 98 show in Hamburg, Germany… magical.
I have always told everyone the best drummer in rock is Kenny Aronoff. Thanks to this interview I understand now that Kenny worked to get this great!!!