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What did... JP and the Cats, Eddie Karosa's Polka Party, Sushi Cowboys, Stadium Drive, Mojo Blues Band, The Skittles, and the Smashing Pumpkins have in common?
You guessed it, they all had me as their drummer.
My longest stint was with the Smashing Pumpkins of course (1989-1996), which ended when I was told I was no longer a member of the band.
On the night of July 11th 1996, keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin and I, retired to my hotel room and shot Redrum heroin. Jonathan never recovered and died that night from a lethal combination of the drug and alcohol.
I had had several bouts with heroin in the past, and I'd gone through rehab repeatedly, but I still struggle with this addiction/affliction. Hopefully one day I'll finally vanquish this demon that has cost me my job and the friendship of a few very special people in my life.
I was born in Chicago on June the 10th, 1964...and I still live there.
I did my schooling at Joliet Catholic High School, and worked a short stint as a carpenter.
But my passion was for music, drumming in particular. So I sought to master my trade and I
opened myself up for influences by all sorts of music...from Big Band, to Jazz, to Rock.
I am now considered one of the premiere drummers in Rock, and I WILL resume my career as soon as I put my house in order. Wish me luck.
Among my favorite albums are Benny Goodman's "Sextet", Buddy Rich's "Big Band Machine", Jazz Crusaders' "Tough Talk", and the Beastie Boys' "Check Your Head".
And my favorite bands include Pantera, Helmet, Squeeze, Crowded House, Pixies, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. As for songwriters...Diffor & Tilbrook and Tim Finn rank high on my list.
Sanford and Son, Good Times, and The Honeymooners are my favorite TV shows when I'm not out checking out other bands playing in whatever city I happen to be in.
Here's a list of my equipment: Yamaha drums, Sabian, Vix firth sticks. You can check out my setup at this Sabian site.
You WILL be hearing from me soon. I WILL be back.
Till then...keep the faith.
Jimmy did NOT write this himself.
It's based on data from the SP FAQ maintained by Eric Agnew.