Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!

The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business

By: Kenny Aronoff, Neil Peart - Foreword by

Narrated by: Kenny Aronoff

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Talent, energy, dedication, discipline, passion, innovation, education, drive, mind, body, spirit, vision, honor, truth, and drums make the man: 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, Forgerty, 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. His tale of what is possible with unrelenting dedication to one's bliss is an inspiration to all.

Contains mature themes.

©2016 Kenny Aronoff (P)2021 Tantor

drum porn at it's best!

Kenny yells his story the only way it should be told, by Kenny. I really enjoyed hearing him talk about the details of recording, his gear and playing on stage. most rock autobiographies are simple anecdotes but this is indepth and entertaining as hell.

So good!

There were so many interesting stories in this book. I loved it especially because I’m a drummer, but there is something for everyone.
.

One of the greatest drummers I ever heard.

Growing up a huge John Mellencamp fan, I came to appreciate Kenny Aronoff’s talent at an early age. However, in later years, though disappointed that Kenny and John parted ways, I was constantly seeing Kenny popping up in video clips of so many of my favorite artists.

I am no musician, but as a fan, I can recognize that different drummers have different styles. But until I heard Kenny explain the never ending subtle differences that even switching from right to left hand can make, I never fully appreciated his craft.

Kenny’s endless enthusiasm and continued awe of the rock legends he has played with is incredible. He epitomizes the adage; if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. It’s refreshing to hear.

Like I mentioned, loving Mellencamp’s music, I find it a little disheartening to hear John in interviews saying how much he disliked performing. It almost made me feel cheated somehow. But hearing it from Kenny’s perspective was comforting. Kenny may not be the most gifted narrator, but I always enjoy hearing an author’s first hand account of their story. It’s so much more genuine, which is very befitting Kenny’s story.

Keep Rockin’ Kenny, I’ll never grow tired of your hard-hitting drum-lines!

Outstanding

Awesome account of a rock stars life through many years and the impact he had on a generation but keeping the beat and staying engaged. Hidden messages of how we should never ourselves and those around us by remaining motivated and focused on our goals.

Great book and great narration by the author

Great story with great narration by the author you're going to o listen how he started and a lot of details about his time with Mellencamp band

Totally Kenny! No holds barred!

Super fun & inspirational book! Kenny is a totally unique musician with insane amounts of talent and overflowing passion. Highly recommended for anyone that loves music!

Just Awesome

What a fantastic story. I also love it when the writer actually reads the book. There’s no chance you misread the intent of something. I am a musician right out of the era Kenny’s successful history began. I knew he was in the mix a lot but had no idea just how much. The book is an amazing journey of up’s and downs but most of all ethics and an unrelenting determination and will to earn every single thing. I can’t wait to listen again. There wasn’t a second I was board or lost my attention. One of my favorite book purchases ever.

In depth and personal

Irreverent and reverent at the same time. A perfect mix of personal experiences and detailed chronology with an attitude that will keep you pumped up through the entire listen.

Unpretentious Badass

I have over a hundred titles with Audible since the pandemic.
I truly enjoyed many stories, authors, and renditions of characters, but I haven’t written a review … until now.

Kenny Aronoff’s “Sex, Drums, and Rock & Roll” is a very likable and truly humble account of one of the most prolific drummers of our time.

To be honest, I didn’t think I would enjoy the book as much as I did until I got the gist of his renderings. This took a few chapters, but he convinced me to keep listening. I’m glad I did.

Many Rock & Rollers come off as pretentious assholes after a few successful records or tours.
The Rock and Roll bosses we work for are often transformed into egotistical puddles of diarrhea, … that’s my kindest reflection.

Kenny’s brilliant playing years with Mellencamp seemed accomplished in a toxic, harmful environment, especially as a player working for the “Cougar.”
As I contemplated my attitude and actions at that age and time in my playing career, Kenny showed me a path of tolerance, understanding, and grace.

His humility and strength of character have calmed the sometimes-turbulent musical business waters throughout his extraordinary and dazzling career.

And so, congratulations, Kenny, and thank you for a very entertaining and down-to-earth account of a life well played. A life still playing intensely at break-neck speed!

Eddie Tuduri

Favorite musician bio

I was shocked to learn that Kenny is a fully trained badass classical player who almost became a symphony player!

But then he got the Mellencamp gig.

So the first part of the book is about his classical training, really, really interesting! And then a lot about the Mellencamp albums plus other stuff in between.

My two favorite things about this book: it's nearly 100% about music. And that leads me to the second favorite thing:
Kenny has so much energy that he just keeps on taking gigs....so I guess that's why he can fill such a long book with INTERESTING gig stuff. Just amazing.

He is so energetic, I got more energy out of reading the book! I literally felt my blood running.....

It's also very well written.

Thanks Kenny, a really terrific experience....highly, highly recommended.