Died On This Date (January 6, 2012) Tom Ardolino / Long Time Drummer For NRBQ
themusicsover Tom Ardolino
January 12, 1955 – January 6, 2012
Tom Ardolino is best remembered as the long time drummer for influential rock outfit, NRBQ. Formed in 1967, the band has built a legion of loyal fans thanks to its ability to marry elements of jazz, rock, and blues, and for its raucous live shows. NRBQ loyalists include Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Costello. In 1974, Ardolino was asked to join the band as a replacement original drummer, Tom Staley. He had first been a dedicated fan and swapped live concert tapes with band co-founder, Terry Adams. Ardolino continued on with the group until they took a break in 2004. He participated in occasional band reunions in later years. Ardolino can be heard playing on such NRBQ classics as Scraps, All Hopped Up, and Grooves In Orbit. Outside of NRBQ, he played on albums by the likes of Marshall Crenshaw, Jerry Lee Lewis, and NRBQ band mate, Al Anderson. On his own, Ardolino released Unknown Brain in 2004. Tom Ardolino passed away from health related issues on January 6, 2012. He was 56.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.