Steve Ferrone: The Legendary Drummer Behind Tom Petty, Average White Band, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran #89

The latest episode of Go With Elmo brings an epic, nearly three-hour conversation between host Elmo Lovano and one of the most revered drummers of modern music: Steve Ferrone. With a resume that includes Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Average White Band, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Duran Duran, and studio work on countless classics, Ferrone’s story is as remarkable as his immaculate sense of groove. Elmo and Steve take us on a deep dive into a career defined by timing, humility, and an unwavering commitment to “just play the dang song.”

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About the Guest: Steve Ferrone

Steve Ferrone is, simply put, a drummer’s drummer. Born in Brighton, UK in 1950, Ferrone’s early immersion in rhythm came through tap dancing before switching focus to drumming as a teen—a journey motivated in no small part by watching girls flock to musicians, sparking teenage dreams of being the next Ringo Starr. Over his decades-spanning career, Ferrone has become renowned for his perfect pocket, subtlety, and adaptability, cementing his place among the very best in the business.

From Brighton to Studio 54: The Early Years

Growing up in England in the 1950s and 60s, Ferrone recounts his early exposure to rhythm and performance via tap dancing before the Beatles’ rise and local club bands nudged him behind the kit. A pivotal gig with legendary UK entertainer Max Bygraves sparked his fascination with the intricacies of playing drums, as he closely observed and then practiced the motor skills needed to keep time.

Donning the nickname “Ringo” at school, Ferrone’s determination to become a professional drummer led to early gigs in Italy and France, jam sessions at Ronnie Scott’s, and, ultimately, a chance to join Brian Auger’s band. It was Auger who brought Ferrone to America for the first time—an adventure that cemented his path as a professional musician.

The Road to Average White Band

One of Ferrone’s landmark associations came when he joined Average White Band (AWB), stepping in after the untimely death of original drummer Robbie McIntosh. Ferrone shares the story of being at the right place—the famed Troubadour club in L.A.—at a tragic but pivotal moment, and being recommended for the gig by friends already in AWB.

It was with AWB that Ferrone played on “Cut The Cake” and, notably, “Schoolboy Crush”—one of the most sampled drum tracks in hip hop history. He recounts the session’s serendipity and the now-legendary addition of the “jingle bells” to the track. Ferrone reflects with humility on his unexpected impact, describing how musicians of color and white musicians alike found themselves navigating (and often transgressing) the racial divides of radio formats and audiences of the era.

Studio Stardom & The Art of the Pocket

Ferrone’s reputation as the “king of time” only grew as he became a sought-after session player. He emphasizes the importance of feel over technical flash, repeating the mantra, “just play the dang song.” His mastery of tempo was earned the hard way—by being literally kicked by a soccer-playing guitarist whenever he sped up. That discipline built the solid foundation and signature groove that made Ferrone indispensable across genres.

In the studio, Ferrone witnessed—and adapted to—the evolution from analog tape to digital, the introduction of the metronome and click tracks, and the constant threat of drum machines. His take? Technology changes, but musicianship endures. As he puts it: “People for years have been willing to spend fortunes so they don’t have to pay a musician. And here we are, not going anywhere.”

Playing With Legends: Clapton, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, and More

Ferrone’s session journey placed him in the orbit of giants. Through mingling with producers like Arif Mardin and record execs like Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic, Ferrone became a first-call studio drummer, playing with Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, and Shaka Khan, and joining the SNL band.

He then describes the surreal experience of moving from Beatles-inspired teenager to playing with George Harrison—recruited almost by chance for his legendary Japan tour. Ferrone’s stories unveil the humanity of these icons, like George’s simple joy in band camaraderie and understated spiritual depth, or Eric Clapton’s generosity and emotional vulnerability during personal tragedy.

His anecdote about recording “Earth Song” with Michael Jackson showcases both his musical instinct and his ability to push back (with a grin) even on the King of Pop—insisting that percussion on “Earth Song” should sound earthly, not synthetic, and winning Michael over with pure groove.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers: 25 Years in The Band

Perhaps Ferrone’s most beloved and extensive collaboration was with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Recruited for the “Wildflowers” album sessions, Ferrone recalls being flown out under mysterious, “top secret” circumstances—unaware he was essentially auditioning for the Heartbreakers. Within a day, his playing impressed Tom and producer Rick Rubin: “What a difference a drummer makes, huh?” Tom confided to Mike Campbell.

Ferrone stayed for a quarter-century, helping build the band’s legendary live and studio legacy, while maintaining the unique chemistry that comes from mutual respect without excessive socializing. He shares how Tom’s wisdom—“just because I made a lot of money doesn’t mean I have to stop being an artist”—remains a guiding principle.

Humility, Loss, and Legacy

The conversation moves unflinchingly into the pain of loss, as Ferrone recounts being with Clapton during the aftermath of his son Connor’s tragic death, and being on hand with his Heartbreaker brothers when Tom Petty suddenly passed in 2017. Ferrone’s answer to handling such loss is deeply moving: “The way you deal with it is by turning to your brothers and saying, ‘You OK? How are you?’ That’s the only way I think it’s possible to do it.”

Beyond The Music: Paying It Forward

Perhaps most inspiring is Ferrone’s philosophy on legacy. While proud that his groove will echo through sampled tracks and classic records for decades, he hopes to be remembered most for his kindness, support of fellow musicians (he even runs his own radio show promoting new talent), and his openness about recovery from addiction. As he says, “Most things I worry about never happen anyway”—a Tom Petty lyric he carries permanently inked on his arm, a testament to the grounding friendships and wisdom gained along the journey.

Steve Ferrone’s life in music is a lesson in professionalism, humility, and the lasting power of a great groove. Listen to this episode of Go With Elmo to be inspired by a drummer whose pocket is equaled only by the size of his heart.

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