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Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business
Foreword by Neil Peart.��Talent energy dedication discipline passion innovation education drive mind body spirit vision honor truth and �drums� make the Kenny Aronoff. Voted by �Rolling Stone� magazine as one of the greatest drummers of all time Aronoff is arguably the most sought-after recording and touring beat master ever. Ignited by the Beatles' appearance on �The Ed Sullivan Show� in 1964 Aronoff's passion for drumming fervently grew and carried him from the kit in his childhood living room in the Berkshires to Bernstein at Tanglewood to Mellencamp Etheridge Fogerty Smashing Pumpkins the Rolling Stones the Beatles � his heroes � and beyond.�But none of this would have been possible without his fierce work ethic and unique approach to drumming � an integration of all parts of his being along with meticulous attention to note-for-note detail feel and �what the song needs�. Both a leader and a team player in the mission to realize a greater good � an unforgettable recording a riveting show � Aronoff brings it every time. Through any setbacks � heartaches failures injuries or plain fatigue from the rigors of the biz � Aronoff has stayed the arduous and wild rock 'n' roll course. His tale of what is possible with unrelenting dedication to one's bliss is an inspiration to all.��Sex Drums Rock 'n' Roll!� details Aronoff's youth in the Berkshires and the Midwest from his early inspirations to his serious classical and jazz study which gave him the foundation to be able to play � anything. The failure of a first rock band in his early twenties had a silver it freed him up for an audition that would change his life � John Mellencamp. His work with Mellencamp catapulted Aronoff to the top of the charts with such hits as Hurt So Good Little Pink Houses and Jack and Diane and paved the way for session and recording work with droves of remarkable Melissa Etheridge John Fogerty Bon Jovi Stevie Nicks Smashing Pumpkins the BoDeans Paul Westerberg Celine Dion Iggy Pop Elton John Bob Dylan Alice Cooper Brian Wilson Meat Loaf Joe Cocker and countless others.�In addition to his work as a world-famous recording and touring drummer Aronoff finds time to be a dedicated teacher and has shared his expertise with students all over the world teaching clinics for Tama and Zildjian. Heading into his fourth decade of rocking hard Aronoff shows no signs of slowing down. Featuring rare photos testimonials from major artists and from those who know him best a chronology of live performances a discography and a foreword by Neil Peart this book is the story of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2016
22 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 9, 2017
An absolutely awesome autobiography about Kenny Aronoff by Kenny Aronoff! The stories that Kenny tells about his days with John Mellencamp and the making albums with Mellencamp, that are truly a part of my life's soundtrack are amazing. The stories help to put context to Mellencamp's songs that I never knew about. To be honest before reading this book I never realized the time and considerable effort that went into song writing and arrangements. I always assumed that the whole band got together went into the studio and played the song over and over till they got it. But that is wrong. Sometimes they would just spend months working out lyrics or the "hook" for one song. Kenny then went on to play with John Fogerty and till this day is still part of his band too! (Side note saw John Fogerty's band play about a year ago, AMAZING, one of my top five concerts of all time.) Just a few stats to show that he is the world's greatest drummer: has played on over 60 Grammy-nominated recordings, 1,300 gold, platinum and diamond certified records, and has performed on more than 300 million records sold worldwide.
November 4, 2020
There's no doubt about it, Kenny Aronoff is one of the most hard working, in-demand and most prolific studio and touring drummers around today. If you're a fan of John Mellencamp, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, John Fogerty, Melissa Etheridge, Michelle Branch, Bob Dylan, Smashing Pumpkins, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Jon Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, or Belinda Carlisle, you probably have seen and heard Kenny Aronoff's percussion work. "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" is Aronoff's story through (mostly) his own words.
It's clear in "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" that Kenny Aronoff rose to success through an enormous amount of hard work, dedication. resilience, and an absolute love for all things percussion. From an early age, Aronoff did whatever he could to become the best he could possibly be, and still strive for more. Classically trained, and able to both read and write music, Aronoff's ambition lead him to performing in orchestras conducted by Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Fiedler. Yet Arnoff's heart was dedicated to rock and roll, and that's where he found his fame and fortune playing for over fifteen years with John Mellencamp.
Restless, and not okay with downtime, Kenny Aronoff yearned to work every hour, every day, every week, every year. When Mellencamp announced a break from recording and touring in the late 80's, Kenny Aronoff took it upon himself to contact every musician, producer, manager, and label contact in order to offer himself up as a drummer for hire in Indiana, New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, or anywhere else in the world. No matter the location, nor the level of success, Aronoff would say yes to every session, concert or tour he could get. He hated saying no. On top of all that, Kenny Aronoff filled in any gaps in his busy schedule doing drum clinics around the world.
Course, a man who prefers to travel all year around the globe playing drums has limited time to spend with his family. Marriages suffered, and fatherhood may not have been as it should, yet from the start Kenny Aronoff's number one priority was playing the drums and working on sessions, clinics or live gigs all year round. Aronoff's transient lifestyle may not be for everyone, yet it certainly works for him. He gets to play with the biggest stars in music, perform at the biggest venues, work with movie stars, and play on television shows with millions of viewers, and gets to hobnob with the best of the best at the White House. Kenny Aronoff is a star through and through, and "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" never lets the reader forget it.
On the plus side, I very much enjoyed reading Kenny Aronoff's inside look at the trials and tribulations he faced while playing for brilliant yet very challenging-to-work-for music superstars like John Mellencamp, Billy Corgan, John Fogerty, Brian Wilson and more. The Mellencamp stories are particularly interesting to read about. Not sure who or how he is now, yet back in the 1980's John Mellencamp was a violent tyrant, a bully who also happened to be a great singer-songwriter. Thankfully, Kenny Aronoff grew up as a competitive athlete, and viewed Mellencamp no differently than one of his lacrosse coaches at school.
Kenny Aronoff was blessed with talent and an unstoppable drive and energy that allowed him to work harder than most musicians in order to appease and please the talent he drums for. Sure, he could play drums for any musical style, and will make intricate charts for every song he is hired to record on. Yet most important of all is the fact that Kenny Aronoff has a winning, optimistic personality, making a point to serve the artist and the music, and get along with everyone.
Now, on the negative side, "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" takes a nosedive around halfway into the book or so. Already at a deficit, for my money, is the fact that the author, the editor, or someone decided to pepper the book with half-page and full-page commentary from people who are NOT the author. Yes, "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" IS an autobiography, yet it contains writings from Kenny Aronoff's mother, brother, sister and son, as well as writing from John Mellencamp, Billy Corgan, John Fogerty, producer Don Waas, Melissa Etheridge and more.
Keith Richards did the same thing with his autobiography, choosing to expand his telling of his own story by allowing others to chime in with their own perspective. For a number of reasons, I am not a fan of presenting an autobiography that way. In my opinion, these outside party intrusions cheapen the book, and interrupt the flow of the author. The point of reading an autobiography is to read a person's story through their eyes exclusively. As soon as Kenny Aronoff allowed his family and his bosses to chime in with tales and perspectives of their own, the book stops, the story stops, and I no longer feel invested in the author's tale.
Another problem is that once Kenny Aronoff sets himself up as a drummer-for-hire session and touring musician, the stories get less interesting. In between detailed challenges with music superstars, the book just becomes a long-winded resume of Kenny Aronoff's many accomplishments. Aronoff played with...Aronoff traveled to...and on and on. Worse, Arnonoff spends a lot time mentioning how many millions of this or that record sold, and how many television appearances he has made. The book goes from character-based autobiography to a dull listing of the many great gigs and the many great ways Kenny Aronoff is great, and has a great life, and great this and that. A deep and introspective autobiography, this is not.
Nonetheless, it was still a pleasure to get to know and read about Kenny Aronoff's life and times. His work, and his work ethic is indeed very impressive, even if "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" is sometimes less than impressive. The fun rock and roll tales, and Aronoff's dedication and enthusiasm at least made the book worth reading all the same.
It's clear in "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" that Kenny Aronoff rose to success through an enormous amount of hard work, dedication. resilience, and an absolute love for all things percussion. From an early age, Aronoff did whatever he could to become the best he could possibly be, and still strive for more. Classically trained, and able to both read and write music, Aronoff's ambition lead him to performing in orchestras conducted by Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Fiedler. Yet Arnoff's heart was dedicated to rock and roll, and that's where he found his fame and fortune playing for over fifteen years with John Mellencamp.
Restless, and not okay with downtime, Kenny Aronoff yearned to work every hour, every day, every week, every year. When Mellencamp announced a break from recording and touring in the late 80's, Kenny Aronoff took it upon himself to contact every musician, producer, manager, and label contact in order to offer himself up as a drummer for hire in Indiana, New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, or anywhere else in the world. No matter the location, nor the level of success, Aronoff would say yes to every session, concert or tour he could get. He hated saying no. On top of all that, Kenny Aronoff filled in any gaps in his busy schedule doing drum clinics around the world.
Course, a man who prefers to travel all year around the globe playing drums has limited time to spend with his family. Marriages suffered, and fatherhood may not have been as it should, yet from the start Kenny Aronoff's number one priority was playing the drums and working on sessions, clinics or live gigs all year round. Aronoff's transient lifestyle may not be for everyone, yet it certainly works for him. He gets to play with the biggest stars in music, perform at the biggest venues, work with movie stars, and play on television shows with millions of viewers, and gets to hobnob with the best of the best at the White House. Kenny Aronoff is a star through and through, and "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" never lets the reader forget it.
On the plus side, I very much enjoyed reading Kenny Aronoff's inside look at the trials and tribulations he faced while playing for brilliant yet very challenging-to-work-for music superstars like John Mellencamp, Billy Corgan, John Fogerty, Brian Wilson and more. The Mellencamp stories are particularly interesting to read about. Not sure who or how he is now, yet back in the 1980's John Mellencamp was a violent tyrant, a bully who also happened to be a great singer-songwriter. Thankfully, Kenny Aronoff grew up as a competitive athlete, and viewed Mellencamp no differently than one of his lacrosse coaches at school.
Kenny Aronoff was blessed with talent and an unstoppable drive and energy that allowed him to work harder than most musicians in order to appease and please the talent he drums for. Sure, he could play drums for any musical style, and will make intricate charts for every song he is hired to record on. Yet most important of all is the fact that Kenny Aronoff has a winning, optimistic personality, making a point to serve the artist and the music, and get along with everyone.
Now, on the negative side, "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" takes a nosedive around halfway into the book or so. Already at a deficit, for my money, is the fact that the author, the editor, or someone decided to pepper the book with half-page and full-page commentary from people who are NOT the author. Yes, "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" IS an autobiography, yet it contains writings from Kenny Aronoff's mother, brother, sister and son, as well as writing from John Mellencamp, Billy Corgan, John Fogerty, producer Don Waas, Melissa Etheridge and more.
Keith Richards did the same thing with his autobiography, choosing to expand his telling of his own story by allowing others to chime in with their own perspective. For a number of reasons, I am not a fan of presenting an autobiography that way. In my opinion, these outside party intrusions cheapen the book, and interrupt the flow of the author. The point of reading an autobiography is to read a person's story through their eyes exclusively. As soon as Kenny Aronoff allowed his family and his bosses to chime in with tales and perspectives of their own, the book stops, the story stops, and I no longer feel invested in the author's tale.
Another problem is that once Kenny Aronoff sets himself up as a drummer-for-hire session and touring musician, the stories get less interesting. In between detailed challenges with music superstars, the book just becomes a long-winded resume of Kenny Aronoff's many accomplishments. Aronoff played with...Aronoff traveled to...and on and on. Worse, Arnonoff spends a lot time mentioning how many millions of this or that record sold, and how many television appearances he has made. The book goes from character-based autobiography to a dull listing of the many great gigs and the many great ways Kenny Aronoff is great, and has a great life, and great this and that. A deep and introspective autobiography, this is not.
Nonetheless, it was still a pleasure to get to know and read about Kenny Aronoff's life and times. His work, and his work ethic is indeed very impressive, even if "Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business" is sometimes less than impressive. The fun rock and roll tales, and Aronoff's dedication and enthusiasm at least made the book worth reading all the same.
January 6, 2018
An Excellent read. Kenny didn’t use a ghost writer, so it’s raw, rough-around-the-edges text. The stories about all of the different artists that he has played with are amazing, including Mellencamp, Fogerty, the Stones, the Beatles, etc. I learned a lot about his tactical approach to his craft, very interesting and captivating.
February 23, 2017
Highly enjoyable.. a fun read by one of the best drummers you didn't realize you herd of.
July 7, 2021
Kenny Aronoff is the legend you never knew you knew. Having gotten his start as the drummer for John Mellencamp at the start of the 1980s into the mid-1990s, he has also worked with John Fogerty, Melissa Etheridge, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Bon Jovi, Chickenfoot, The BoDeans, Belinda Carlisle, and sooooo many more. He is also a touring drummer, session player, associate professor of music at two major universities, and just an all-around accomplished dude.
So how has he become this superhuman of a guy without you knowing who he is? That’s what this book is all about. His rise, his struggles, his achievements, his failures. Part autobiography and part motivational novel, Kenny released this audiobook version in 2020, four years after the book’s original release, because he wanted to be the voice. He wanted to, as posts on his Instagram account state, make it sound like he was talking right to the listener. It’s a solid listen. Give it a shot.
So how has he become this superhuman of a guy without you knowing who he is? That’s what this book is all about. His rise, his struggles, his achievements, his failures. Part autobiography and part motivational novel, Kenny released this audiobook version in 2020, four years after the book’s original release, because he wanted to be the voice. He wanted to, as posts on his Instagram account state, make it sound like he was talking right to the listener. It’s a solid listen. Give it a shot.
April 21, 2024
Do you want a fun book about rock and roll with lots of favors names being dropped and what it takes to succeed in life? This is your book.
Kenny breaks it down for any drummer, musician, writer, accountant, lawyer, or whatever you do in life: do it with everything you got, with lots of tenacity, and not only be the best at it, improve yourself daily.
The energy this guy brings to any song, any stage, and every page of this book can be tiring, but it is contagious; it is invigorating; and it is inspirational.
Be well aware that there is a lot of geek out drum talk about equipment and musical rudimentary structures. However, Kenny's exuberance comes through in every word, and the ride never slows until you've read (or heard) the very last acknowledgement.
Please consult with your doctor before choosing the audiobook - especially anyone that gets easily excited or palpitates about drummers, drum gear, or music.
Kenny breaks it down for any drummer, musician, writer, accountant, lawyer, or whatever you do in life: do it with everything you got, with lots of tenacity, and not only be the best at it, improve yourself daily.
The energy this guy brings to any song, any stage, and every page of this book can be tiring, but it is contagious; it is invigorating; and it is inspirational.
Be well aware that there is a lot of geek out drum talk about equipment and musical rudimentary structures. However, Kenny's exuberance comes through in every word, and the ride never slows until you've read (or heard) the very last acknowledgement.
Please consult with your doctor before choosing the audiobook - especially anyone that gets easily excited or palpitates about drummers, drum gear, or music.
July 5, 2017
Kenny Aronoff has written a memoir of his life as a musician, starting with seeing The Beatles on television, his early years learning his craft, his days as a member of John Cougar Mellencamp's band, and on to his career as one of the most sought-after session musicians both in the studio and on tours, his desire to stay relevant as the years go by and his philosophy of life. A must-read for any musician or music fan. - BH.
April 12, 2025
Drummer? READ IT!!
I’ve been a Kenny fan since he first hit the scene with John “Cougar” in the 80’s. His power and drive is truly an inspiration. He’s helped my drumming immensely and I continue to see where his next adventure will take him.
In the meantime, I’ll keep using his example of power, drive & dedication to do what’s right in my bands. Thank you, Kenny…you do more for people than you’ll ever know.
I’ve been a Kenny fan since he first hit the scene with John “Cougar” in the 80’s. His power and drive is truly an inspiration. He’s helped my drumming immensely and I continue to see where his next adventure will take him.
In the meantime, I’ll keep using his example of power, drive & dedication to do what’s right in my bands. Thank you, Kenny…you do more for people than you’ll ever know.
July 29, 2018
Kenny is one of my all time favorite drummers. Truly one of the hardest working session players out there. I thoroughly enjoyed getting insight into his method, especially all of the prep work he would do charting out the music. Preparation is the key and I’m glad he shone a light on this lesser known ingredient to great session work.
September 22, 2025
Ashamed to say I didn't even know who KA was! I have quite a lot of albums he is on as well!! Now I know and what a ride it was and I smashed this in a day. This is a never ending roller coaster ride just like Kenny himself. Also great to read a book that's not full of sex & drugs. Great story what a guy.
July 28, 2017
Kenny goes into a lot of descriptive detail about working with artists in the studio describing how great music is created. I wish other rock bios that I have read when into such detail. He is definitely living out his dream.
February 1, 2018
This is a fantastic book. As a musician, I appreciate the way the author shares his skill without having to be the smartest guy in the room. The stories and shared experiences are fantastic. This is well worth the read.
July 15, 2023
Amazing Read for Music Friends
Kenny Arnoff’s book should be on every music fan’s list. His writing is as energetic as his drumming. He focuses on the music and the epic journey, rather than the party.
Kenny Arnoff’s book should be on every music fan’s list. His writing is as energetic as his drumming. He focuses on the music and the epic journey, rather than the party.
January 28, 2025
As a drummer and big music fan.. I thought this was great. Inspiring actually. I can tell Kenny is probably a big personality, but he also seems to have a great willingness to serve the artist's songs. Great book.
March 25, 2025
A great autobiography from one of the greatest musicians plying the most important, & most under appreciated, instruments in a rock band. Kenny name drops with the best of them, without it seeming like he's name dropping.
September 6, 2025
Chronicles of a rock 'n roll drummer! This book is a nice overview of the life of one of the greats. Kenny Aronoff is exceptionally talented and hard working, and has a lot to show for it. An enjoyable read for music fans.
August 22, 2017
Simply Awesome!
This book was great, hearing about all the people and rock star stuff was amazing. If you are a fan of rock music, then you need to read this book.
This book was great, hearing about all the people and rock star stuff was amazing. If you are a fan of rock music, then you need to read this book.
April 17, 2018
It read like a calendar. Then I went here and played with and then I went here. He got all the names and dates correctly but I need more stories
December 31, 2018
Kenny ROCKS. Quite literally. His tales of working with everyone who's anyone in the rock and roll world evoke envy and a sense of wanderlust. Hoosiers will appreciate the John Mellencamp tales.
February 23, 2020
Not a great writer, but what a great life!
January 4, 2022
Inspiring. (Just the right way to start off the new year!)
May 3, 2023
As thundering, crude and relentless as his drumming style; gets the job done in a similar way. He’s a beast. And he’s got the tarns from a work-hard/play-hard life. This was a lot of drum/dumb fun!
September 15, 2024
A very well written book about music, musicians, recording, touring and drumming. Drummers will also learn a lot from it. Well done.
March 31, 2025
Mr. Energy.... a fun listen...read by Kenny...
October 5, 2025
audiobook
February 19, 2021
I like Kenny Aronoff as a musician and now that I read this book, I really like him as a person and a writer. He always indicated the positives he took from any negative event or situation. It seems that he is a very dedicated and upbeat person and that comes through in the book.
He appears to be telling the truth, but does not "bad mouth" anyone - and he is open about his relationship with John Melloncamp who echoes Kenny's feelings about John.
I am totally impressed and loved this book, loved Kenny and his respect for music, his equipment and for the people he worked with.
Good Reading!
He appears to be telling the truth, but does not "bad mouth" anyone - and he is open about his relationship with John Melloncamp who echoes Kenny's feelings about John.
I am totally impressed and loved this book, loved Kenny and his respect for music, his equipment and for the people he worked with.
Good Reading!
August 2, 2020
I bumped into Kenny Aronoff’s memoir in Bob Lefsezt’s newsletter, a newsletter I highly recommend for anybody interested in the music industry. After reading the positive words from Bob, and also finding out that Kenny Aronoff lived many years in Bloomington, Indiana, the town where I was born and lived until I was nine…..I decided to download his memoir on January 20, 2017, the day we Americans switched presidents. Initially, I had plans to go to a stand-up comedy show in Berlin on that day, but after reading the first pages of Kenny’s book, I couldn’t let go and finished reading it over the weekend. I now feel a boost of energy, and a clear path on how to stay focused on my own dream, and how to get to my goal faster. Something clicked. Kenny’s memoir is very inspirational for anybody with a dream and especially a great book for anybody who is interested in drumming and/or the music industry. He’s a badass pro…as they say…and a great storyteller.
For example, Kenny worked many years for John Mellencamp. Normally talent flocks to the major music centers in North America located in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, and Toronto. The largest record companies are headquartered in these cities, and recording studios, personal managers, booking agencies, music publishers, advertising agencies, film studios, television networks are also for the most part in these towns. So it makes sense if you want to be successful as a musician to also position yourself in one of these cities.
John Mellencamp recognized early on his strength was being a boy from Indiana, deep in the Midwest. Is there any better way of staying authentic to your roots, then if your business operates out of the area of the people you write your songs about, in this case, Indiana? I’d say no. This way John was able to hear, feel, see and breathe the same air as did the people he wrote his songs about.
John Mellencamp’s carrier is the best example of someone, who didn’t follow the paths of his heroes, hoping to be as successful as they are, but recognizing his own strengths early on, he found his own path……and created his success out of Bloomington, Indiana of all places. The adorable laid back small university town, where I lived for the first 9 years of my life.
A HUGE thank you to Kenny…for entertaining me over the emotional days of saying goodbye to President Barack Obama as our president and our lovely Michelle Obama as our First Lady. I couldn’t picture a better book I could have read, considering Kenny played so often for them, and Michelle and Barack are tremendous music lovers.
For example, Kenny worked many years for John Mellencamp. Normally talent flocks to the major music centers in North America located in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, and Toronto. The largest record companies are headquartered in these cities, and recording studios, personal managers, booking agencies, music publishers, advertising agencies, film studios, television networks are also for the most part in these towns. So it makes sense if you want to be successful as a musician to also position yourself in one of these cities.
John Mellencamp recognized early on his strength was being a boy from Indiana, deep in the Midwest. Is there any better way of staying authentic to your roots, then if your business operates out of the area of the people you write your songs about, in this case, Indiana? I’d say no. This way John was able to hear, feel, see and breathe the same air as did the people he wrote his songs about.
John Mellencamp’s carrier is the best example of someone, who didn’t follow the paths of his heroes, hoping to be as successful as they are, but recognizing his own strengths early on, he found his own path……and created his success out of Bloomington, Indiana of all places. The adorable laid back small university town, where I lived for the first 9 years of my life.
A HUGE thank you to Kenny…for entertaining me over the emotional days of saying goodbye to President Barack Obama as our president and our lovely Michelle Obama as our First Lady. I couldn’t picture a better book I could have read, considering Kenny played so often for them, and Michelle and Barack are tremendous music lovers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews