NEW YORK (AP) — Thommy Price, the longtime drummer for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and a sought-after session musician, has died at age 68.
Price’s death was confirmed by his wife in a Facebook post. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of beloved husband, friend, and legendary musician Thommy Price,” she wrote. “A devoted husband and proud father, and powerhouse drummer and songwriter, Thommy’s extraordinary career spanned decades, performing and recording with some of rock’s most iconic artists. His energy, kindness, humor and unmatched rhythm left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him and every stage he graced. His music and spirit will live on forever—in every beat, every song, and every heart he touched.”
Price joined the Blackhearts in 1986 and remained with the band for eight albums before stepping away in 2016. He also worked with Billy Idol, playing on Idol’s 1983 album “Rebel Yell.”
“We lost a member of the Blackheart family—the one-of-a-kind Thommy Price,” Joan Jett & the Blackhearts said in a statement. “Thommy was a legendary drummer who was a Blackheart for four decades. He was a drummer’s drummer and admired by so many. Our hearts are heavy. Sending love to his beautiful family. We love you, Thommy.”
Billy Idol also paid tribute, saying, “Very sad to hear of Thommy Price’s passing yesterday. Thommy was a fantastic musician and drummer who, in 1983, came in at the last minute and put his definitive stamp on my ‘Rebel Yell’ album. He helped us bring it to an incredible finish and toured with us on the ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘Whiplash Smile’ tours. Thommy was a friend as well as a musical compatriot who brought immense talent and heart to everything he did. And I will miss him.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1956, Price became a prolific session drummer, working with artists including Debbie Harry, Blue Oyster Cult, Steve Lukather, Ronnie Wood and Roger Daltrey over the course of his career.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.