01-12-03

Drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has performed with John Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, Bob Seger and others

By Keith Lawrence
Messenger-Inquirer

Kenny Aronoff is returning to Owensboro in style.

Two decades ago, shortly after his graduation from Indiana University, Aronoff was playing drums in a Bloomington band called Streamwinner. And on weekends, they'd often head for Owensboro for a semi-steady gig at the B&B tavern.

In 1980, Aronoff left Streamwinner to join another Indiana rocker named John Mellencamp, then known as "John Cougar," in his new band.

And he rapidly became known as one of the top drummers in rock, touring with Mellencamp, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bob Seger, Melissa Etheridge and John Fogerty.

Wilcher said he and Aronoff have been friends since their B&B days and have stayed in touch through the years.

  From time to time, Aronoff would return to visit and conduct a clinic in Owensboro, Wilcher said. But then his career got too busy.

As a session drummer, he's worked with Belinda Carlisle, Jefferson Airplane, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Jon Bon Jovi, Neil Diamond, Lyle Lovett, Waylon Jennings, Billy Ray Cyrus, Stevie Nicks, Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, Celine Dion, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ricky Martin and a whole lot more.

Modern Drummer Magazine's readers poll named him top pop/rock drummer five years in a row. And from 1993 to 1997, Aronoff was an associate professor of music at IU.

Aronoff called this summer and said he had some time off, Wilcher said. So the two worked to set up a performance.

Wilcher said Aronoff asked if he and the Bombers would play some songs with him at Tuesday's show. "How could we say no to one of the world's greatest drummers?" he said. "This is truly an honor."

Kenny's Official Web Site :  www.kennyaronoff.com