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AJ created the drum phrase for one of the most played songs in the world, 'We're Not Gonna Take It'. Everyone who chooses the drums as an instrument will play the famous, simple and effective phrase created by AJ, which in itself makes him a legend in the music world.

by Gabriel Souza

Sadly, today, March 20th, the world of Rock'N'Roll received the sad news that the man who played drums for one of the greatest and most influential bands in history was no longer with us.

A. J. Pero, the drummer for Twisted Sister, suffered a massive heart attack in the early hours of the morning, and for the first time his enormous heart… failed.

A.J. never received the recognition he deserved for his work, never appearing on lists like "the 50 best heavy metal drummers," despite being infinitely superior to most of those who do. However, what he achieved is much greater than a number on a ranking. A.J. created the drum phrase for one of the most played songs in the world, " We're Not Gonna Take It ." Everyone who chooses the drums as an instrument will play the famous, simple, and effective "phrase" created by A.J., which in itself makes him a legend in the music world. So let's talk about the heart of A.J. Pero.

When a fan thanked him for his attention, he would reply with a smile on his face: "No, thank you for your support over the years."

AJ was a native of New York, a man with a huge heart, passionate about his city, and always willing to help the fire department (one of Twisted Sister's roadies even works there when the band isn't on tour), in addition to contributing in various ways to orphanages and hospitals. However, he never sought media attention for his good deeds; he did them simply because it made him feel good.

On Twisted Sister's last visit to the country, my friend Bruno Miguel, my late friend/brother Felipe Godoy, and I had the honor of meeting A. J. Pero's son, and this consequently brought us closer to A. J. than to the other members of Twisted Sister.

Always in good spirits, A.J. treated his fans with great respect, offering food and drinks to those in front of the hotel, taking as many photos as needed with each person present, signing everything placed before him, and when a fan thanked him for his attention, he would reply with a smile: "No, thank you for your support over the years."

Unfortunately, last year Felipe had a serious health problem that ultimately led to his death. While he was in the hospital, A.J. Pero was the first to send him a message wishing him a speedy recovery, and soon after, all the other members of Twisted Sister did the same, including during a performance in NY, filmed by FOX.

Unfortunately, Felipe had a serious health problem that ultimately led to his death. While he was in the hospital, A. J Pero was the first to send him a message.

This week, my friend Bruno and I were reminiscing about all of this and planning to meet up again with A.J. and Tony (his son and roadie), since they were both coming to Brazil with Adrenaline Mob. A.J. was a band where he could show those who considered him "limited" all his versatility, such as his powerful cymbal attack and his furious, fast double bass drumming.

No, for me and for many fans around the world, A.J. wasn't "just another drummer," he was someone we greatly admired, the first Twisted Sister member I met, whose music was a part of many moments in my life, and for whom I am deeply grateful.

Thank you for everything, Master AJ, my condolences to the Pero family. Heroes are hard to find.

*Gabriel Souza is a contributor to Roadie Crew magazine.

*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.