The most difficult record I EVER made! True story behind No.1 Hit! - Kenny Aronoff

[@morrisonreed1]

" ill never be as great as I want to be , but Im willing to spend my entire life ,trying to be as good as I can be " Kenny Aronoff ......thank you for that Kenny

[@mccloysong]

Man, he took us through every single beat. What a journey.

[@VRPRocks]

He really did didn't he!

[@jeffgomez88]

He Didn’t Stop Believing in the Journey of being one of the best.

[@Rocksoup77]

I accidentally met Kenny in a music store about 20 years ago. I was at a John Petrucci meet and greet. Me and my brother went up the street to another music store and I spotted Kenny in there talking to one of the employees. We went and introduced ourselves. Kenny was/ is a very nice guy. He invited us to a nearby drum clinic he was doing that night. So we went later that night and he thanked us for coming. Great talent and a decent person!

[@crazyralph6386]

Awesome story. guys like Kenny are sadly lacking in today’s soulless and hollow music industry.

[@Mr1960xlch]

I'm a drummer trapped in a guitarist's body. I have listened to Kenny my entire life and never knew the character of the man. After this interview, I flipping love the dude.

[@tezzerii]

@Mr1960xlch "I'm a drummer trapped in a guitarist's body" - Hey, you know it's ok to be trans now, right ? Pick up those sticks, man =oD (I can't talk, I'm a keyboard player trapped in a drummer's body)

[@psugrowler1]

Great to see Kenny getting mad love here. I met him at Harrah's Tahoe lobby the night after a Chickenfoot gig. I've met him prolly a dozen times since then and he's always been so upbeat and gracious.

[@starlessskylark]

I met Kenny when I was around 16/17 years old at a SXSW Q&A, I luckily got a pass to. He answered so many questions from the crowd and was so excited to be there. Afterwards my band mate encouraged me (a drummer) to go talk to him. At the time I was very into 80s/90s pocket drummers such as Kenny, Tony Thompson, Michael B, etc. I went up to tell him that he was a great influence on me and I loved his playing. This dude talked my ear off for what felt like a long time about drums, my band, where I was from and my goals. I was taken aback. This dude was genuinely interested in a young kid wanting to be a good drummer. Such a humble, honest dude. Truly the salt of the earth. I later saw him play for Michelle Branch and he killed it. Great guy and a seriously underrated drummer.

[@barefootrecords]

Kenny is known by one and all fans and musicians alike belive me. ( got to meet him twice at drum workshops up in edmonton canada great guy !!!

[@thomasbalas5774]

Great story

[@bb-gc2tx]

kenny and billy squier the two nicest musicians ive met. class acts

[@lindabergman3127]

That’s wonderful ❤

[@lindabergman3127]

@@bb-gc2txlove Billy Squire ❤❤❤

[@RokDAWG1]

Kenny is so awesome! I worked with him with Phil X years back at SXSW. He literally finished his gig with John Fogerty and jumped on a golf cart and came over and did our show! He had more energy than anyone I’ve seen jump into a gig. He crushed it and was a lot of fun!

[@sirchromiumdowns2015]

Kenny is the kind of studio musician aspiring musicians should use as a template for their own careers. He works hard and he serves the song. He puts his ego in the trunk and does what the song requires. I have total respect for him.

[@kelleymcbride4633]

Was this show at Headhunters on the patio stage? I was the SXSW stage manager and Phil X and Kenny were by far the most professional, kind people I ever worked with in my entire SXSW career!

[@RokDAWG1]

@@kelleymcbride4633 Yes! We were on right after Andrew WK! One of my friends was with Skrillex and came over and helped out with the show. I actually shot a video over the weekend with Phil X & Dustin Jake (Fretted Americana) because they did a seminar on KZbin. At h The time they had 44 million viewers on their channel! So yeah, Phil asked if I wanted to come be a part of it all and I didn’t hesitate! Meeting Kenny was an honor. The guy is a monster drummer and definitely one of the best in the business. I’m sure and I had to have talked at one point or another during that time. It was so fast, go go go that it was probably in passing. It’s so crazy how packed that place got during that show!

[@lindabergman3127]

That’s way cool😁

[@josephfuller7008]

I was never a big fan of John Mellencamp but I just became a big fan of Kenny Aronoff. This guy is dedicated and he listens to different genres of music to get ideas. That’s a top shelf drummer.

[@thedadyouneverhadchannel3544]

John kicks ass!

[@pal4597]

I stopped listening to John when Kenny was gone.

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

Same here. Saw him with Satriani and was so impressed. He's like 78 and is playing at the top level. He was having a blast with Joe, smiling and gesturing, when top of the world musicians are having fun it's quite a thing to hear and see.

[@timothyslaughter476]

What part of side man do you not get???.....Clem Burke syndrome

[@mattskustomkreations]

Kenny wasn’t seen as a sideman back then. He was considered a member of John’s band.

[@joneno1820]

This was absolutely fantastic! I’m printing that quote from the end for my 19 year old son. He heard this interview and something changed in him. This quote at the end meant something and caught him.

[@phillipweber6059]

I honestly can't imagine Jack and Diane without that drum break. Completely changed the whole composition of the song and gave it a shot in the arm that it needed. Great interview!

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Full interview available on Friday 👍

[@mc76]

That break is a prime example of why band members should share songwriting credit. Mellencamp didn't chart that break. That was all Kenny. Grohl gets it. The Foos all get songwriting credit.

[@thebluesrockers]

@@VRPRocks You should post the link and set that comment at the top to get more views on that video. This was a cool interview. I do like a few Mellencamp tunes, but I'm not into him on his political views.

[@VRPRocks]

I will do@@thebluesrockers. Glad you enjoyed this section - the full interview Kenny talks about his friendship with Neil Peart, working with John Fogerty, Smashing Pumpkins and more 👍👍

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

that break and the handclaps give that song a lot of power

[@glengamble526]

I hosted a drum clinic with Kenny-great guy and a total pro. We went to dinner afterwards, and he told us some great stories. He also implied that Mellemcamp is called ‘Little Bastard’ for a reason.

[@D-Fens_1632]

Yeah he's a cranky one. I keep trying to post that I just watched his 2 hour appearance on Bill Maher's podcast and hoe he's the epitome of a pissed off bas+ard, but a loveable one who made good music anyway. KZbin doesn't like me using the B word. Oddly they allowed it for you. But I have a history of restrictions...

[@simpleagain1]

Ego trip John Cougar

[@MikeyAR7373]

There was something on tv a few years ago that featured mellencamp and in that interview he came off as a total dick and he even said he only continues to be involved in music because it pays the bills and allows him to sit and paint what ever he paints , he doesn’t stay in music for the love of the music .

[@kickstar1]

He's not lovable. He's an asshole. Some good music yes but a good human no. @@D-Fens_1632

[@markl1473]

​@@MikeyAR7373That's the vibe I got from Mellencamp when I saw Sammy Hagar interview him a couple years ago on his road show. It was kind of surprising. He was acting as if he was too cool for his music.

[@mitchgawlik1175]

I hold Kenny Aronoff in the highest regard as a rock drummer / musician. When I see Kenny appear on various music specials that pop up on tv I just know that we're going to hear excellent drumming. He's going to add to anything that's going to be played. This was fun and informative.

[@shonuffLA]

Great interview, thanks for letting him tell his story

[@franklinden3497]

Kenny was definitely an influencer on my early solid hard rock drumming learning. I'm 53 and haven't stopped. He hit em hard and anchored every song with purpose. What a Great story for us drummers and Johnny Cougar fans!

[@clutchcarabelli8054]

What a great story just relistened to the song and this story made it so much better.

[@tedgermann3904]

Saw him last year with Satriani on the Earth tour. He kicked very serious ass!!!

[@tmmyjay]

Love this guy! A drummer's drummer.

[@HazeAnderson]

Goldmine of info thank you 🙏

[@HarryJoiner]

11:03 - This analogy explains everything. Makes perfect sense.

[@scottkasper6378]

I remember Johnny cougar when he first came out. Wasn’t much of a fan, but I remember a few years later reading an interview with Kenny in modern drummer about how he was replaced in the studio by a session guy and that while it hurt badly, he didn’t just split, he stayed and watched the guy work to try to learn and better his own recording abilities. Of course now he’s the one doing the replacing! Impressive guy.

[@mc76]

I was in the Ed school at Indiana University when Kenny was in the music school. Even those of us in the other disciplines knew about him. Dude can play everything: classical, jazz, jazz-rock fusion, classic rock, alternative, you name it.

[@rickburnette4331]

Kenny Aronoff is one of the best drummers still to this day and if not then why does so many artists use him. He is smart and talented, plain and simple..

[@Cablerockband]

I met Kenny when Mellancamp came to Sydney in the 80s. My aunty took me back stage to meet the band. I mustve only been 10 or 11, but Kenny was generous enough to take the time to talk to me. Thanks mate, i always remember how cool you were to me.

[@VRPRocks]

That's such a cool experience for a kid! Very lucky!

[@anthonycarr9118]

that's was my first show as a youngster, absolutely killed it live, the whole band was outstanding

[@Cablerockband]

Now i use some of Kennys midi drum parts in Easy drummer for my songs. Who would've thought! @@VRPRocks

[@JohnGauge790]

Wise words.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

I remember seeing Hurts So Good and Jack and Diane play on Mtv for the very first time. I was 15 in 85 and started playing hair guitar. Dokken, Scorpions, Tesla, Whitesnake, Ozzy, etc. Was the greatest time in music history for drummers and guitar players. I saw Mtv launch and play their very first video, Video Killed The Radio Star and You Better Run by Pat Benatar. Awesome time to be learning guitar and music.

[@MrWilly2204]

This is wisdom right here folks. And not just about drumming. It’s outlook, mindset.

[@jnaught1358]

One of my favorite drum breaks that took songs to another level! Hearing the creative/business process from the horses mouth is absolutely PRICELESS!!! Yessssss! 🔥🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🔥

[@donovanjones4175]

I saw Kenny 15 years ago at a drum workshop, it was the loudest one ever. But, he was reading charts so I thought, this guys legit. Hearing his struggles with the album is a nightmare we all had I’m sure. But when he mentions the great Gadd, it shows his willingness to grow. I love that. Great story guys, big respect to Kenny,

[@dannyd1572]

If you look back at his history, this guy is a legend. Unknown to many though. I remember watching Hurt So Good video and thinking "Wow, what a sound!". He's a major part of Cougar's early sound.

[@jenko701]

I met Kenny at a drum clinic in the 90s , he was so nice to me answering questions , he genuinely a good guy .

[@TheOlvan]

Kenny is underrated. I did a clinic with him in the Kirkland Guitar Center back in 1998 or so. I worked with my Pro Audio lead and we gave him 2 dual 18 subs and 2 3 way JBL cabs and like 4000 watts of power or something crazy like that. Kenny came in and CRUSHED the living hell out of our kit and gave one of the best clinics I've seen. Afterwards, he told me that was one of the best sound systems he's ever played through in a clinic. He is one of the hardest hitting drummers I've seen in my life, solid like tungsten steel and has the timing of an atomic clock. AND, he's a really nice guy too! They don't make them like Kenny anymore.

[@nibs5821]

Kenny definitely not underrated.

[@rhythmfield]

He’s VERY highly rated - maybe not by my Aunt Nani but def by millions of musicians around the world - I’m a jazz musician - a great drummer is a great drummer, period

[@toddlentner1708]

This is why Kenny is a legend. Great story. Thanks, Kenny.

[@LoyalOpposition]

In 1982, producer and guitarist Mick Ronson worked with Mellencamp on his American Fool album, and in particular on "Jack & Diane." In a 2008 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Mellencamp recalled: Mick was very instrumental in helping me arrange that song, as I'd thrown it on the junk heap. Ronson came down and played on three or four tracks and worked on the American Fool record for four or five weeks. All of a sudden, for 'Jack & Diane,' Mick said, 'Johnny, you should put baby rattles on there.' I thought, 'What the f*ck does put baby rattles on the record mean?' So he put the percussion on there and then he sang the part 'let it rock, let it roll' as a choir-ish-type thing, which had never occurred to me. And that is the part everybody remembers on the song. It was Ronson's idea

[@commonman317]

I'm still amazed at Kenny and his version of "Straight, No Chaser" from the Neil Peart tribute to Buddy Rich CD in 1994. His playing on that song is on another level. I'm a life long amateur drummer. I just cannot comprehend getting through that song while reading sheet music, and keeping up with that Buddy Rich band. Stunning effort by Kenny.

[@ibleebinU]

I was totally blown away by his performance. One of my favorites from that cd.

[@archstanton4365]

Who knew that Aronoff would be such an inspiring conversation? I'm so pleasantly surprised and actually INSPIRED!

[@Datanditto]

There isnt an artist in music that wouldnt want Kenny on the drums. Coolest and nicest guy you ever want to meet.

[@billyshane3804]

Kenny Aronoff- sheer dynamite!!

[@musicmann1967]

I wasn't a huge Mellencamp fan back in the day, but I always noticed that he had a great drummer! It was even more obvious in later albums, where they really went for a specific and very "live" drum sound. His parts were always pushing the song forward with great energy. Kenny is great.

[@marksvideochannel3592]

Awesome story and interview, nice to let him roll with it. Not many interviewers can lay back like that. Thank you :)

[@kevinkappelman6227]

Kenny is a true pro and one of the best in the biz.

[@itsrob2321]

Kenny, that was a great story and an iconic drum performance! I love what you said that you may never be as great as you want to be but you’re willing to spend your entire life working at it. Man I feel that! I’m still trying to improve after all these years too!

[@Paul-fb1em]

This was so great. I was laughing the whole-time cheering Kenny on... even though this was 40 years ago! Would have liked to hear the story about how he and Mellencamp almost got in a fight.

[@thomasbonnett4800]

40 years, God I’m old.

[@jimmyBside]

@@thomasbonnett4800…..Ohhhfff. Right there with you, Man. 🍻

[@Doug-nr3gh]

They almost came to blows playing foot ball once ... Never a dull moment ..

[@michaelclay8544]

His performance with John Fogerty was absolutely in credible. Traveling Band, Proud Mary and Fortunate Son. Absoluely incredible

[@feliperodriguez6885]

you sir are a great drummer period!

[@grimgrinningtracy9157]

My dad worked for Polygram Records at that time as a record salesman. I was 13 and still remember going to a listening party the local branch was having for that release, so I got to hear it before it came out, instantly loved the whole album and remained a major Mellonhead for years while the best band was in place with Kenny, Toby, Mike, Larry, John and Lisa. Nothing was the same after that. Got to be backstage several times meeting them. Looking back now, knowing I was seeing and meeting and listening to daily an up and coming legend in Kenny, and an avid music lover and concertholic, it warms my heart to have been immersed in that time period. So many great memories of music in 70's and 80's.

[@johnfrombrm]

You forgot Cascella.

[@grimgrinningtracy9157]

@@johnfrombrm No, I said John, I wasn't meaning Mellencamp,. Sorry, should have clarified. I said John and Lisa because they were in the same stage placement together. John passed way too early. I should have said Pat and Crystal as well. Toby has been dealin with poor health now. That band just gelled so well.

[@stevebrown3955]

Kenny’s playing was definitely my favorite part of John Melloncamp’s records. I was really glad to see Kenny playing with John Fogerty about 5 years ago in a double bill with ZZ Top. He’s a classy drummer with a great groove!!!!

[@1967apple]

It's just amazing to me how life is. Before ever hearing this interview I just thought things came natural to all musicians in a band and then I listen to this interview and learn that it's not always like that. I don't know about other people but I'm the type thinking "wow that's a good song" without realizing what it actually took to create it like you hear in this video.

[@1rwjwith]

Great drummer, great interview. I am not much of a Mellencamp fan but that drum break is a great moment.

[@nylesfrench3568]

He's been the right Cat For the Job for a long Time. I can't say enough about Mick Ronson. A Phenomenal Guitarist and Great Arranger. Beautiful musician.

[@jonboatwright7777]

Love Kenny. The proof is in the results. He’s the real deal.

[@guydammit3287]

This was a great video. I had no idea Mick Ronson of all people contributed such an iconic part to such an iconic song. How strange and ironic! Plus I always love behind the scenes stories about how songs come about

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Plenty other 'stories behind the songs' interviews on the Vintage Rock Pod channel 🤘

[@jeffreyedwards767]

Stay positive = [ you ] are a ☆ Rock ☆star. All day

[@hugolafhugolaf]

This guy is a top notch storyteller!

[@fredtietjen3247]

Kenny is totally honest and authentic and an awesome drummer.

[@marknova8704]

Awesome story and advice. Now I have to play with Kenny! Bucket list!!!!😊

[@macadoo2530]

Whenever We Wanted is the album for me. Kenny is GREAT on that record.

[@Les537]

Good story teller and one of the most iconic drum breaks recorded. Rock on.

[@SergioSabinoMusicOfficial]

I love this guy. His drums turn every song into a master piece.

[@kevinkress7156]

One of the best Game Changer interviews I've ever heard. Total Respect for Kenny Aronoff !! Hard work & effort paid off. Mixing Gadd & Collins for the solo, Great Stuff !!

[@bradbaird6526]

Really appreciate this! Kenny is a great guy! Just goes to show how much work goes into this! These great songs last!

[@martinlawrence8427]

One of my favourite songs, and so brilliant to hear the drama about how the drums were recorded. Kenny is a legend!

[@georgesawtooth]

Great drummer! Definitely one of my favorites.

[@counterpuncher01]

I always loved mellencamp's drummer he had such a cool look... What an inspiring story about the drum machine.

[@SteveVT412]

Great story , Great song , great job !! Love it !!! Keep ROCKIN Kenny !!

[@comvoice]

This is truly a lesson regarding life in general. Thank you, Kenny! PS: You MADE that song!😊

[@e.scottdaugherty8291]

Well said sir, thank you for this.

[@e.scottdaugherty8291]

Outstanding philosophy.

[@bcancun123]

Drums on Jack and Diane and In the air tonight have those great standout drum tracks that make those iconic songs.

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

I just read a biography of John Mellencamp earlier in the year so this is fascinating to hear Kenny's perspective. I can believe that John would have been difficult to work for. He is a gifted song writer but he has a lot of insecurity when recording. He took this out on his band, especially down in Miami. He might have been a little nicer on his own turf. I love that Kenny admits that both Phi Collins and Steve Gadd were direct inspirations for his standout solo!

[@Jonathanstockwell]

You must not know any musicians, I have two one 20 and one 22. Even in middle school they were impossible to deal with and worked hours on just one song or technique, if it’s not perfect or someone is off, they will re-record the part after they leave. Trust me they can get very rude.

[@spikesguitarcamp]

Dedication, talent, and the ability to adapt...recipe for success.

[@jimmy5634]

Fascinating story from a fascinating guy. The drum parts in the Mellencamp records were as important as any other parts including the melodies, lyrics, vocals and everything else.

[@pitpride1220]

This interview is invaluable to drummers! Really all musicians

[@stevehesse4172]

Mick Ronson the unsung hero of 70’s rock and now I am learning Mick once again lent his helping hand ; this time to jcm in the 80’s Extreme talent and humble Arranger supreme and not a bad guitarist for Mr. Bowie How lucky we all are that Mick assisted these two to produce such memorable music

[@thaismatsumoto]

Yep..and he did the stringe arrangements on a few Pure Prairie League songs too. That was a surprise to me.

[@ReturnofBojangles-zt4vo]

I was lucky enough to meet Kenny at a drum clinic in the late 90’s right after touring with the Smashing Pumpkins. He is exactly the same in person as this interview- very friendly guy. At the time he was writing a book adapting stick control for double bass drums. Kenny was trained as a classical percussionist at University of Indiana. He had a job in the Jerusalem Symphony that he turned down bc of his work with Mellencamp. He is a very schooled musician and can play orchestral percussion- his success as a rock drummer took him down a different path.

[@jherrm7]

Some of the best advice I’ve heard. Outstanding!

[@manuseal5983]

Very happy for him with his success. Inspirational to listen to

[@RideAmerica]

awesome story.

[@TMoody]

Man, this guy is a great story teller. Uh-Huh and Scarecrow are great albums.

[@montycotw]

Fantastic interview. I've been a fan of Kenny's for 40 years and now I understand why.

[@Filmpilot]

Kenny told me this story in person.

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

Jack and Diane is the quintessential small town America song. You can almost smell the potato wedges under the heat lamp , It’s so perfect

[@scottyahney8565]

GREAT DRUMMER & GREAT INTERVIEW !!!!

[@thesunshinemanmusic]

Great video. Kenny A is the best. He’s supercharged. Always spreading good vibes. 🎸😎👍

[@carlweiss9325]

Kenny is the man, man- Cheers!

[@Kevin-kr5ok]

Kenny playing every tribute concert ! Good stuff right there my son !

[@dcarlisle123]

You want to hear this guy wail... 11:07 check out the opening drum riff on Justice and Independence... WOW!

[@carlupthegrove262]

What an incredible inspiration for us all.

[@simpleagain1]

Kenny Aronoff is an outstanding drummer with an outstanding NEW YUALK accent who left his mark on a lot of outstanding music and not just the mellencamp songs he recorded. My man is a giant in the industry

[@GeminiOneFive]

New York?

[@doovie101]

He's from Massachusetts.

[@maxmoon2254]

I remember reading an interview of Kenny’s about him not being able to play to a click track his first time in the studio with John. He was in danger of being replaced. He woodshedded hard with a metronome to bring his timing to the professional level required. His professionalism, work ethic, dedication to his instrument, loyalty to his band and also sounding the warning. This inspired and convinced me to hit the practice room and solidify my timing too.

[@BusyAir]

He threw down on Satriani's last recording and I was fortunate enough to see the Mars tour in Boston. Definitely good stuff.

[@rondittyjr6868]

Kenny has always been a great drummer. Electronic drums weren't all that new at the time. Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues had been using them as early as 1970/71 on the Every Good Boy Deserves Favour album and I'm sure others had been trying their hand on them.

[@LucasPenido]

Not only great music stories but also, great LIFE tips!

[@terryf5131]

I like this guy...saw him at a clinic.. he's the real deal..thanks Kenny!😎

[@kanelitwiniec]

Great story❤️❤️

[@nmjazz09]

Great insight!! Thank you Kenny! We are all quite the same aren't we?

[@manonbassguitar]

One of the greatest drummers of all time. Interview him about his work on JR Richards (singer of Dishwalla) album Ghost of Sorrow which is really some of his best work ever & is super dynamic. Incredible album. 👍🤘🏼

[@tillross4078]

I heard John was hard to work and get along with , Kenny you the Man you are the best at your Job a Master of Music ,, I Thank You 🙏

[@rick3747]

I have always liked Kenny. Great guy, great drummer......

[@shawnbruce6934]

Great Interview and Great Drummer! Thanks!

[@michelepfaff5363]

Kenny is pure class!!❤

[@cazgerald9471]

Fantastic story of how Kenny scored a touchdown during the world series 8-P

[@VRPRocks]

😂