 |
Jack IronsAmerican rock musician, drummer
Date of Birth: 18.07.1962
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Jack Irons
- Early Life and Musical Influences
- Red Hot Chili Peppers and Departure
- Eleven and Pearl Jam
- Solo Career and Later Projects
- Personal Life
Biography of Jack Irons
Jack Steven Irons, an American rock musician and drummer, is best known for his work with the band 'The Red Hot Chili Peppers'. He is also recognized for his involvement with the groups 'Pearl Jam' and 'Eleven'.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Born in 1962 in Los Angeles, California, Jack Irons grew up in a family with Jewish roots. From a young age, he was fascinated with drums and would tap rhythms with utensils, pleading with his parents to buy him a real drum set. During his time at Bancroft Jr. High School in Hollywood, he became friends with his future colleagues, Michael 'Flea' Balzary and Hillel Slovak. The group of friends later transferred to Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, where they crossed paths with Anthony Kiedis and Alain Johannes, who would become future members of the legendary 'Red Hot Chili Peppers'. By that time, Irons was already playing drums in the school orchestra and drew inspiration from artists such as Kiss, Jack DeJohnette, Stewart Copeland, and Keith Moon.
Red Hot Chili Peppers and Departure
Irons became one of the founding members and drummer of the original lineup of 'Red Hot Chili Peppers'. His drumming can be heard on their first demo cassette as well as their third album, 'The Uplift Mofo Party Plan' (1987). However, on June 25, 1988, Irons left the band due to the tragic deaths of his friends. The death of Hillel Slovak, who passed away from a heroin overdose, deeply impacted Irons and he never fully recovered from the shock. Nevertheless, Irons made occasional appearances with 'RHCP' and reunited with them for a performance in Los Angeles on August 12, 2012. After leaving the band in 1988, he sought treatment at a psychiatric hospital.
Eleven and Pearl Jam
In 1990, Irons co-founded the group 'Eleven'. With this band, he recorded the album 'Awake in a Dream' in 1991 and the self-titled album 'Eleven' in 1993. However, during the recording sessions for their third album, 'Thunk', Irons left the band to join 'Pearl Jam' and did not complete his drum parts. Irons had been invited to join 'Pearl Jam' since 1990 when the band was still known as 'Mookie Blaylock'. He introduced Eddie Vedder to the group, whom he had played basketball with in California. Irons officially became the drummer of 'Pearl Jam' in late 1994, during the production of their album 'Vitalogy'. He remained with the band until 1998, contributing to the albums 'Merkin Ball' (1995), 'No Code' (1996), 'Yield' (1998), and others. Irons departed the band after an unsuccessful tour in 1998.
Solo Career and Later Projects
Following his departure from 'Pearl Jam', Jack Irons embarked on a solo career. In 2004, he released the album 'Attention Dimension', which featured several of his former colleagues. He also collaborated with other musicians, including Joe Strummer and the band 'Redd Kross'. His second solo project, 'No Heads Are Better Than One', was released in 2010, followed by 'Blue Manatee' in 2011. In April 2012, Irons became the first member of 'Red Hot Chili Peppers' to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
