A.J. Pero, the lead drummer for rock band Twisted Sister, was found dead on Friday in Poughkeepsie, New York.
He was 55 years old.
According to multiple outlets, Pero was found unresponsive on the group’s tour bus and pronounced dead soon afterward at a nearby hospital.
It is believed he passed away from a heart attack.
“The members of Twisted Sister are profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of our brother, AJ Pero,” the group announced on Facebook this afternoon. “The band, crew and most importantly the family of AJ Pero thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time."
Pero joined Twisted Sister in 1982; departed the band in 1986; and returned in 1997.
He played on all but one of the beloved hair metal band’s studio albums.
Via statement, singer Dee Snider referred to Pero as “the final piece in a band that would become an international sensation, adding:
"His sledgehammer assault on the drums helped drive Twisted Sister and I to greatness, and inspired me to rock every single show. My heart breaks knowing I will never feel the power of his beat behind me, or turn to see his face smiling broadly from the sheer joy he got from doing what he loved.”
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