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Johnny Kelly (drums, percussion): Type O Negative @ Rockwave Festival in Athens, Greece in 2007.

Johnny Kelly replaced Sal Abruscato as the drummer for Type O Negative in 1994, following Abruscato's departure. He remained with the band until the death of Peter Steele in 2010, which led to the band's dissolution. During his tenure, Kelly played on the albums October Rust, World Coming Down, Life is Killing Me, and Dead Again. Beyond Type O Negative, Kelly has had a prolific career, playing with Danzig, Quiet Riot, Kill Devil Hill, A Pale Horse Named Death, and Silvertomb.
You can watch this video to hear Johnny Kelly talk about his experiences with Type O Negative:

LOADED RADIO
YouTube · Feb 19, 2025
Early Career & Type O Negative:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9VCqvEMAVg

Johnny Kelly was friends with the members of Type O Negative before joining the band.
He initially helped them as a drum tech, even driving them to shows, but admitted he wasn't very good at it.
His friendship with the band members, especially Kenny Hickey, and his prior experience working with them gave him an advantage during his audition to replace Sal Abruscato.
He officially joined Type O Negative in 1994, a year after the release of Bloody Kisses, and played on their subsequent albums.
Kelly also contributed percussion and backing vocals on some Type O Negative tracks.
He played on albums that showcased the band's unique blend of doom metal, gothic rock, and alternative metal.
Type O Negative's sound, with Peter Steele's distinctive vocals and the band's dark humor, resonated with a wide audience.
The band's influence extended beyond their initial success, with the album October Rust being particularly impactful.
This video shows Johnny Kelly discussing the early days of Type O Negative:

Waste Some Time with Jason Green
YouTube · Jan 20, 2021
Post Type O Negative:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vquScqVQeGs

After Peter Steele's death in 2010, Type O Negative disbanded, as the remaining members felt the band couldn't continue without him.
Kelly continued to be a sought-after drummer, working with various bands and projects.
He has been a longtime touring drummer for Danzig.
He joined Quiet Riot as a fill-in drummer for Frankie Banali.
He's involved with Kill Devil Hill (replacing Vinny Appice).
He also plays with A Pale Horse Named Death, a band formed by Type O Negative guitarist Kenny Hickey.
Additionally, he collaborates with Silvertomb, another project featuring Kenny Hickey.
You can watch this video to hear Johnny Kelly talk about his busy schedule after Type O Negative:

Talk Louder Podcast
YouTube · Apr 16, 2025
Other notable points:
https://www.facebook.com/Corpsepaintrecords/posts/talk-louder-podcast-johnny-kelly-sun-dont-shine-jason-mcmaster-david-glessnertyp/990981673191784

Kelly also played with Pist. as a fill-in drummer during an American tour while their regular drummer dealt with muscle pain.
He joined Black Label Society as a fill-in drummer for the remainder of their European tour.
In addition to drumming, Kelly also teaches music lessons.
He has a collection of Gretsch drums and snares.

https://typeonegative.net