I’ve always been a huge NRBQ fan… Seeing them many times since 1970. I also remember purchasing their very first Columbia Records album in 1969 (which I still have). Recently, I had the opportunity to hear them once again in their featured performance titled ‘The Big Bang’ at The Academy Of Music in Northampton, Massachusetts. Opening the show was the legendary group FAT who has shared the stage with NRBQ on numerous occasions since 1970.

NRBQ are no strangers to the Pioneer Valley music scene enjoying a huge and dedicated following from all over New England. This was long before Springfield Massachusetts drummer Tom Ardolino and, Windsor, Connecticut guitarist Al Anderson joined up with the band… This move further expanded their nationwide fan base. I used to love it when NRBQ played at the Mt. View Frolics in Chicopee, Massachusetts since it was only a five minute walk from my house. Other local venues were I saw the band were The Center Of Town, Shea’s Grove, and the Hotel Monat.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of writing articles on original NRBQ drummers Tom Staley, and Tommy Ardolino… Staley played on NRBQ’s first four albums: NRBQ, Boppin’ the Blues (with Carl Perkins), Scraps, and Workshop… Importantly, all of these records are now considered to be American classics by numerous writers and criticWhen Tom Staley left the group in 1974 -- longtime NRBQ fan Tommy Ardolino was chosen as his successor. He remained with the group until his unfortunate passing from diabetes in 2012.

Chicago based drummer, John Perrin assumed the drum chair full-time in 2015. He had to memorize over 500 songs since the band never uses a set list. A few months ago, I was able to interview John, and add his story to the extensive history of NRBQ ((New Rhythm & Blues Quartet). In numerous music circles the band is considered to be the ‘American Beatles’ who should have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame many years ago.

With supportive parents, John has been playing drums since he could first hold the sticks. His bass player dad, Dave Perrin soon recognized his natural talent presenting him with his first drum set at the age of two.

At ten years old, John began playing gigs with his dad and brother Jeremy… It’s been non-stop ever since evolving into a full-time career. In 2017, He had a feature article in “DRUM” Magazine, and was featured on NRBQ’s EP - ‘Happy Talk’.

NRBQ released the album ‘Dragnet’ in 2021 featuring an original song written by John -- The first by a drummer in NRBQ history.

In 2013, George Harrison’s sister, Louise selected John to portray Ringo Starr as part of ‘Liverpool Legends’, a critically acclaimed international Beatles touring group. He performed at Carnegie Hall, and The Rose Bowl, and shows in India, Israel, Ecuador, the UK, and Ukraine.

John also performs with JD McPherson, Young Fresh Fellows, The Smoking Popes, Jake La Botz, Jim Boggia, and The Parasites.

John was also on The Late Show with David Letterman in a weeklong tribute to Elvis Presley in 2013. In addition to his many other responsibilities, he also works as a session musician, and is presently engineering both NRBQ studio and archival releases.

Presently, John Perrin is touring with JD McPherson in support of their latest album “Nite Owls” - JD’s first new record since 2018.

McPherson has created something unique and amazing with JD’s latest album, ‘Nite Owls’. his first album release since 2018’s critically acclaimed Christmas classic, ‘SOCKS’. McPherson has been busy writing new songs while at the same time touring with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. With ‘Nite Owls’, JD wanted to try something new and different. McPherson takes inspiration from multiple genres from the past and combining them to create a truly original sound.

John Perrin is preparing for yet "another tour with NRBQ in December… The ‘Q’ will also be recording more new music beginning in January of 2025.

Dragnet Review

“NRBQ, one of the greatest, most versatile American bands of the last 50 years, returns with their first full-length release since 2014! In addition to their version of the ‘Dragnet’ theme, the album contains 10 new, original songs, all of which were written or co-written by the band - including Terry Adams' "Sunflower," which was originally recorded for the 2018 film Change In The Air. Any release of NRBQ music is a cause for celebration, but after nearly a decade since their last full-length studio release, ‘Dragnet’ brings the band back to the turntables and live venues of America.”