DANZIG Drummer JOHNNY KELLY Pays Tribute To A.J. PERO – "If You Knew Him, You Know How Big Of A Loss This Truly Is"

The rock and metal world is still reeling from the news that Twisted Sister / Adrenaline Mob drummer A.J. Pero has passed away at the age of 55. Drummer Johnny Kelly (Danzig, ex-Type O Negative) has posted the following tribute to Pero:

“I’m absolutely crushed about A.J. Pero passing away. So many things come to mind thinking about this.

I first met A.J. when I was 18 years old. He was always great to me. He would help us younger players out with anything he could. Letting us use his Vistalite kit, giving us sticks and cymbals. I still have the Zildjian Earth Ride I got from him! I was even able to tech for him a few times. I was also able to convince him into giving me lessons! He taught me things that I still carry with me even now.

To see him play in a rehearsal room or a small club was nothing short of amazing! They were drum lessons themselves! He had the perfect blend of grace and power. Lots of power! He really was such an accomplished player. His mother’s house was like a shrine to him. There were tons of trophies, awards and other accomplishments of his all over the place! He was doing things as a child that most won’t ever accomplish!

The people that had the opportunity to play with him will tell you how he was the real deal. Whatever band he was playing with, he made them a million times better. Until they saw him play, I know my friends grew tired of me telling them how good he was.

When I first joined Type O, he helped me out with contacts and pointers on how to handle situations professionally. He also helped me out years later with Sabian.

Just recently, he was telling me how proud he was of me and I made him accept the fact he played a big part in who I am as a drummer. He didn’t have to say that. It’s just who he was. He was always the same great guy wherever he was or whoever he was with.

I’m trying to wrap my head around what has happened. A bunch of memories are swirling around right now. My condolences to his bandmates. My heart is truly broken for his wife and his children.

If you knew him, you know how big of a loss this truly is. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Adrenaline Mob performed in Baltimore, MD at Fish Head Cantina on March 19th which, sadly, was drummer A.J. Pero’s last show ever. He passed away on March 20th from what is being reported as a massive heart attack, although this has not been confirmed. Pero, who was best known as Twisted Sister’s drummer, was 55 years old.

The clip below – shot by Randy Gill – is Pero’s last song, covering the Black Sabbath classic “Mob Rules” with Adrenaline Mob.

Pero was a member of Twisted Sister from 1982-1986, from 1997-1998, and again from 2003-present. Pero performed on Adrenaline Mob latest albums, and was recently confirmed to be working with Four By Fate, featuring former Frehley’s Comet bandmates, Tod Howarth and John Regan.

The members of Twisted Sister have posted comments about Pero:

Guitarist Jay Jay French: “A.J. Pero was a force, the likes of which I doubt I will ever have the chance to play in front of again. His drumming was legendary but his heart, as a human being, was even greater.

“This April 1st would have been his 33rd year as a member. In the Twisted Sister world he was always affectionately known as ‘the new guy’. That is how long and deep our history was/is. In our hearts he will always be the engine that drove the train. I loved him and today my heart has been ripped out. RIP”

Singer Dee Snider: “Today I lost a brother. Anthony Jude Pero passed away. A.J. was the final piece in a band that would become an international sensation and one of the greatest live rock acts to ever hit the stage. His sledgehammer assault on the drums helped drive Twisted Sister and I to greatness and inspired me to rock every single show. My heart breaks knowing I will never feel the power of his beat behind me, or turn to see his face smiling broadly from the sheer joy he got from doing what he loved. I will always remember that smile. RIP my friend.”

Bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza: “This morning I received the tragic news about AJ’s passing. As anyone would be, I am devastated. With such a loss, even I broke down and cried, allegedly the tough guy in the band. One statement says it all, ‘AJ was my band mate, my friend and my brother and I will miss him forever’.”

Guitarist Eddie Ojeda: “My family, extended Twisted Sister family and I are heartbroken and devastated to hear the news of Anthony Jude Pero’s passing. A.J. was a dear friend and brother to me, and in my opinion, one of the most talented drummers of all time. I will always remember the amazing experiences and great laughs we shared. A.J. always had an amazing sense of humor and did his best to please everyone he came in contact with.

“Back in the day, when the band first started touring, we were often room-mates and he never failed to keep me smiling. It’s very difficult for me to talk about this right now. However, I feel that out of respect for his legacy, it’s important for us to let the world know how we all felt and will always feel about him. I know I will dearly miss him, but I’m grateful to have been his friend and musical partner for thirty three years.

“At this time, my sincerest sympathies go out to his family. Heaven just got a great drummer, one that will live forever in our hearts.

“The Ojeda Family”

The Artisan News Service has uploaded an interview with Pero and he talked about his drumming style, Twisted Sister, and what he was doing for a side-project, Tred, that never made it off the ground:

Tod Howarth states: “The news of course is out. A.J. Pero has passed away… I learned of it this morning and had just spoken with him yesterday pertaining to the Four By Fate recording schedule for May. Twisted Sister’s solid drummer was a great guy in the short time that John Regan and I got to know him….. Thoughts, prayers out to his family first, friends and fans – perhaps all in the same.”

Says Jeff Scott Soto: “I’m not believing this… just got info that brother A.J. Pero, drummer for Twisted Sister and Adrenaline Mob, has passed away!!! No other info or details but I am in shock… I just met the man a few months ago, we were instant bros, I am so sad for his family and bandmates… damn!”

Sean Kelly (Crash Kelly, Gilby Clarke, Helix, Four By Fate) states: “Deeply shocked and saddened to hear this news… RIP A.J., you were an inspiration.”

Says Slash bassist Todd Kerns: “So sad to hear of the passing of A.J. Pero. He was a good man and a monster drummer. So happy I got to share the stage with him. Big love.”

Back in February, A.J. performed a Twisted Sister medley with The Foundry (featuring Blaze Bayley) at Rippers Rock House in Akron, Ohio. Video can be seen below.

Stay tuned for more details on this shocking news.