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!

His energy for 71 is insane.

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.

oh geez, Kenny is 71, I am 53...he has so much energy that I now feel 153.

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.

This is another example of why the top session musicians are the absolute best musicians in the world

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.

Kenny Aronoff and Gregg Bissonette should have a "speed talk-off".

Kenny is the perfect example how to serve the music. what a great musician

His autobio is a must read for any drummer. All about discipline, dedication, hard work and being prepared. Nothing but respect for this guy.

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 🙏🏻

Kenny is 100% committed to excellence. Imagine if we all had this attitude.

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.

Rick, you continue to book the best guests that have terrific skills, and provide superb communication of their craft. Well done Kenny!

Man his passion for being a great performer is infectious 👍

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.

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.

Seventy frickin one years old. Goals.

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.

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.

Didn't realize he was so studied ! That's amazing !

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.

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:

When Kenny talks, you listen… Personality goes a long way. High achiever!🎯

I have been following him for 40 years. I also went to Indiana University for trumpet.

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.

Rick's ability to listen, and let the quality flow and build is unparamounted .

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.

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!

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!

We heard of him, come on! A beast of a drummer!

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!

Kenny’s the easiest interview ever: ask a single question and watch him run 😅 Such an awesome person, love his energy 💪

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 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!!!❤

That drum part in "Rain On The Scarecrow". I will never forget what I felt when heard that muscular drum track.

Kenny can fit in anywhere. Hes that good

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.

I love that whenever he's giving any spec for his drums there is a whole story behind it.

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!

"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)

He's simply a legend among other awesome drummer legends...but he's in the UPPER level of those legends. He's just incredible! 🥁❤️

Kenny is the man! Finally saw him live on the Satch-Vai tour.

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!

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.

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!

This interview was like attending a drum clinic on technique! I LOVE how Kenny plays, and he does it the right way!!!

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.

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!

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!

His energy, enthusiasm and work ethic seem to be undiminished over a nearly 50 year career. Awesome interview as always Rick!

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!

Your drummer interviews are always my favorite!

Kenny was so vital to mellencamp’s sound/success. That they never released a live album is a crime

Best Kenny quote of the interview. "my brain is the 4th of July". Great stuff Rick.

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 👏👏👏

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 KZfaqr of music stuff, your gifts through this channel travels around earth. Top classes every episode! Thank you very much! Greetings from Rio.

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.

I just watched Kenny play with victor Wooten and Steve Bailey twice this week at berklee college of music, it was great

Kenny is still in amazing shape to be in his early 70s ..still beating the hell out of life...🔥🔥🔥❤️👍🏽💯........THANX FOR SHARING RICK!!

His layers of expertise, education, business and social skills are just mind bending.

Kenny’s autobiography is a really good book. I listened on Audible and he reads the book.

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

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!

Kenny and Greg B have been heroes of mine (as a bass player) for 30+ years now. The song always comes first for them.

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.

One of my Drumming influences since 1993. ‘The Lonesome Jubilee’ is what started it all for me. Brilliant album, fantastic playing and timeless sound! Kenny is awesome!

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!

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).

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.

The absolute best interviewee EVER!! So many kids want to know exactly how to get there. The B E ST

This guy on the Adore Tour with Pumpkins in that 98 show in Hamburg, Germany… magical.

Kenny.... one of my favourites drummers!!! Energetic as hell!!! Great interview Rick!!!

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.

Great interview ! Kenny looks great for being 71 He's an amazing drummer

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.

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!

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.

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 kind of meat and potatoes that make a damn good real-deal meal. Thank you to Kenny and Rick for a killer interview.

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!

this man approaches playing drums like it's a martial art, that is why he is as good as he is. Such respect!

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 saw Kenny with John Fogerty on the Blue Moon Swamp Tour. He definitely made an impression. You had to notice him his drumming was SO good. Btw, this video is why I like this channel. I get a lesson on something I don't know.

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.

Met Kenny Aronoff Twice & Saw Him Play With The Smashing Pumpkins. Great Drummer & A One Of The Nicest Down To Earth Guy!

Another legendary drummer?! Thank you, Rick. I love your LOVE for drummers.

Kenny is a true talent that is eccentric and just crazy enough to be truly great.

Saw Kenny with Joe Satriani on The Elephants of Mars September 2022 in Stockton, CA. Kenny is so precise, tight, and consistent - he's the atomic clock of drumming. Can't wait to see him tour again...

This guy is a genius and an incredible drummer too, of course. And so articulate too.

This guy is possibly the most motivated enthusiastic and dedicated musician I have seen period. Great interview, including all the right health tips at the end.

Oh man!! This is great, Rick! I ADORE Aronoff...dude is an absolute beast. He played with BoDeans for many years too and I always admired his amazing style and how he could adapt and yet have a very distinctive sound of his own. How he keeps going as hard as he does is beyond me!

Saw him play with Satriani a few months ago, and his energy is so infectious

One of the best drummers ever. I have never met him but played drums on one of our tracks. Amazing

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!!

Thank you for highlighting this amazing drummer!

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!

My favorite drummer. His work on "Scarecrow" album is my favorite. His drums on Its a lonely ol' night is amazing

Maravilloso. Gracias. From ARG🇦🇷 Peace & Love!!! 🎸🎸🎸💕