Heavy metal icon and drummer for bands Ministry and Prong, Aaron Rossi, has died at the age of 44. His death occurred on January 27, but the announcement of his passing was not announced until March 6.
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The announcement came from Rossi’s official Facebook page.
“It is with overwhelming sadness to share that on January 27, 2025, Aaron John Rossi passed away from a sudden, severe heart attack,” the statement reads. “Aaron was a force with his own gravitational pull. His powerful energy instantly captured you. If you saw him on stage, you were blown away by his immense power, speed and agility – and if you were lucky enough to know him in person, you were equally taken by his kindness, humor and humility.”
The post went on to honor Rossi by his many nicknames: “He will always be The Shredder, The Beast, The Big Dog.”
Al Jourgensen of Ministry took to Facebook to pay tribute to his fallen bandmate as well: “Great drummer, Great human being, He will be missed. Keep pounding that snare in the great beyond.”
Prong’s frontman Tommy Victor also paid tribute to Rossi on Facebook: “Rest In Peace Aaron ‘The Beast’ Rossi. […] I’m glad we were on great terms until this untimely departure from this world. I hope to jam again with him in the afterlife. He was THE REAL DEAL!!!”
Remembering Aaron Rossi’s Legacy in Heavy Metal
Grammy-nominated drummer Aaron Rossi was a member of the heavy metal band Prong between 2005 and 2009, and returned to the band in 2018 through 2021. He’s best known for his contributions to their 2007 album Power Of The Damager.
Rossi’s drumming talents caught the attention of Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen back in the early 2000s. Rossi joined Ministry in 2008, shortly before the band unfortunately broke up later that year. However, Ministry reunited a few years later in 2011 and Rossi became their drummer again until 2016. He contributed to their live album Adios… Puta Madres and their 2013 studio record From Beer To Eternity.
Rossi was also a member of the metal outfit Ankla from 2002 to 2006. He contributed to John 5’s solo record Songs For Sanity from 2005 as well.
We wish Aaron Rossi’s family, loved ones, fans, and bandmates nothing but the best during this difficult time.
Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage
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