LongtimeĀ Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero passed away today at the age of 55. Pero was the band's drummer during their glory years in 1982 – 1986, as well as all their reunion shows in recent years. Pero also recently began drumming for Adrenaline Mob, replacing Mike Portnoy.
No cause of death is known at this time. Twister Sister announced the tragedy on their Facebook earlier today:
Our thoughts go out to AJ's family, friends and fans.
Update: TMZ has new details surrounding the drummer's death:
Jay Jay French, a fellow member of Twisted Sister, tells TMZ … Pero was touring with the band Adrenaline Mob when he was found on the bus, but would not wake up. The band called 911 and paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital … but he didn't make it.
French tells TMZ, "A.J. Pero was a force, the likes of which I doubt I will ever have the chance to play in front of again. His drumming was legendary, but his heart, as a human being, was even greater. In our hearts he will always be the engine that drove the train. I loved him and today my heart has been ripped out. RIP."
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9AbeALNVkk[/youtube]