Veteran rock drummer Thommy Price, best known for his nearly three-decade tenure with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, has died at age 68. The accomplished musician also performed with Scandal and Billy Idol‘s band, cementing his place as one of rock’s most beloved drummers.
Price’s death was announced on Friday, October 10, by his wife, Stefunny Price. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of beloved husband, friend, and legendary musician Thommy Price,” the tribute begins.
“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.”
The message continued, “He will be deeply missed by his wife Stefunny Price, his beloved daughter Brooklyn and a big beautiful Italian family, friends, and countless fans around the world.”
The family plans to announce details of a celebration of life soon, honoring Thommy’s legacy. “His music and spirit will live on forever — in every beat, every song, and every heart he touched. Service details to be announced in the next few days.”
Price became a member of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1986, taking over for the band’s original drummer, Lee Crystal. Over the following three decades, he recorded on eight studio albums. One of the band’s most memorable hits with Price on drums is the 1988 Top 10 single, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”
His drumming helped shape the distinctive sound that made Joan Jett a rock icon, and over the years, Price grew into a vital collaborator behind the scenes.
“Joan and I went through different incarnations of The Blackhearts; it was always her and I through all those years, but we always had different guitar players and bass players,” he once explained.
“So, I think she kind of leaned on me as far as being, if you wanna say, the musical director. We’d always talk about — when it became time to get another bass player, or she was getting tired of the guitar player — she would consult with me … I knew the locals, I knew a lot of the local bands throughout the years, so she kind of always leaned on me towards at least bringing them into a rehearsal or a record.”
Outside of The Blackhearts, Price’s skills made him a highly sought-after musician. He worked with a wide range of renowned artists, including Roger Daltrey, The Psychedelic Furs, Blue Öyster Cult, Debbie Harry, Ronnie Spector,Mink DeVille, The Waterboys and Marshall Crenshaw.