Johnny Kelly American rock musician Date of Birth: 09.03.1968 Country: USA

1. Biography of Johnny Kelly
2. Early Musical Inspiration
3. Type O Negative and Danzig
4. Success with Type O Negative
5. Joining Type O Negative
6. Continued Musical Career
7. Roadrunner United and Seventh Void

Biography of Johnny Kelly

Johnny Kelly, an American rock musician, is best known as the drummer for the gothic metal band "Type O Negative" and the hard rock band "Danzig." He was born on March 9, 1968, in Brooklyn, a suburb of New York City.

Early Musical Inspiration

Inspired by the drumming of Jay Jay French from the heavy metal band "Twisted Sister," Johnny Kelly started playing drums at the age of fifteen. He taught himself how to play without attending music school or taking private lessons, which he believes helps him play "honestly."

Type O Negative and Danzig

Johnny Kelly became the drummer for the gothic metal band "Type O Negative," known for their "slow, dark, and melancholic music with extremely depressing but black humor-infused lyrics," and the hard rock band "Danzig." Initially, he accompanied Type O Negative on tour as a drum technician.

Success with Type O Negative

In 1993, Type O Negative released their third album, "Bloody Kisses," which was enthusiastically received by both the public and critics. The album's success led to a two-year world tour. "Bloody Kisses" sold millions of copies worldwide, marking the first major success for an underground metal band.

Joining Type O Negative

At the peak of their popularity, Type O Negative faced the departure of their founder and drummer, Sal Abruscato, who joined another Brooklyn-based hard rock band, "Life of Agony." Johnny Kelly quickly replaced Abruscato, becoming a permanent member of Type O Negative in 1994.

Continued Musical Career

Johnny Kelly's first album with Type O Negative was "October Rust," released in 1996. He had already earned the nicknames "Little Suck" and "Sweet Boy" from his bandmates by then. Kelly prefers equipment from Pearl drums, Sabian cymbals, Easton Ahead drumsticks, and Attack drumheads.

Roadrunner United and Seventh Void

In 2005, Johnny Kelly showcased his talent and years of experience as a drummer by recording the song "Blood and Flames" for the "Roadrunner United" project, organized by the heavy metal label "Roadrunner Records." The result was the 2005 album "The All Star Sessions."

Currently, Johnny Kelly is also the drummer for the heavy metal band "Seventh Void," formed in 2003 by Kelly and another member of Type O Negative, Kenny Hickey. Additionally, he plays drums in "Earl's Court," a band formed as a tribute to "Led Zeppelin."