Thomas R. "Tommy" Ardolino

Tommy was a great drummer, not your average rhythm-its for he was They Guy in in this different band-N.B.R.Q.I listened and watch on a couple their first probably years. Maybe 1968. Tommy Ardolino was I’m sure were astute and wanted to be their drummer. I’m sure they were younger of NRBQ but somehow he landed the price of “drummer”. Later the whole combination was just fantastic-bass-Joey; Al Anderson (later replaced by Joey’s brother; leader-Terry. But Tommy was “non-replaced” from ‘when’ the late days of around 1977. NRBQ really want keep because Tommy-he was a great drummer! I saw those 4 guys at a Blues place in Dearborn, MI just close Detroit. Friends when there try to hang after the concert. That I did not about the ‘drummer’-but thought about of him ‘Tom’ (my name). I really enjoyed Tom Ardolino-he’s really a jazz drummer! That’s the highest compliment for!! He was more than that, as well. Thank you; my opportunity to say that I really thought how he handle that band and also worked & played. I really missed Tommy.

Dear Tommy, the past 3 nights you have been with us in spirit, while your wonderful pith helmet, shirt, tie and sneakers were on stage with Al, Joey, Johnny and the rest at the Iron Horse. Eric took a moment each evening, to point out these items to the crowd & to pay tribute to you. You are missed dearly. Love & peace, Betsy-Dawn Williams, Northampton, MA

We think of you so often Tommy, we miss and love you so much, all your cousins. Meow xxoo!

Loved by so many families...remember the smiles and meows. Almost one year past. I'm lucky too-for your life in my time-

My girlfriend of East Longmeadow, MA, then my wife, would wax nostalgic when she heard "Driving in My Car" on the Springfield radio in the 80's. R.I.P , drummer man

My absolute favorite band in the world. A great influence on me. I am an attorney and keyboardist who has both played music and practiced law. Largely due to the influence of NRBQ, I am once again at age 53 playing music for a living. Will the band be as good without Tom? I think not.

My favorite drummer and a kind soul............you will be missed Tommy.

" from the first day I met you at Truck Stop Records and we began talking about "rare, out there music" I knew you were supercool. You & your band brought smiles to all for years. I am grateful to have been one of your many friends. I will never forget you, your terrific musical ability, your record collection and your spirit. I will miss you old pal.

I'll miss you, pal. Thanks for all the times you put me on the guest list and shared your knowledge of out there music. I won't forget you.

Good-bye Tom. I will never forget you. You are living in my mind and many people's mind. Love you!

So long Tommy. Thank you for the magic.

Thanks for all the great times Tommy, sorry you had to leave so soon. I always thought I'd see the band together one more time...

R.I.P. Tommy, we will miss your smile and your drumming style.

Tommy Ardolino was the first drummer I ever became aware of - NRBQ had the killer rhythm section and Tom was such a sweet gentle soul. My condolences to his family.

Tommy, you were one of my very favorite drummers. Your talent has always been an inspiration to me and has brought me so much happiness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will miss you.

R.I.P. Tommy, your style was like none other, a true inspiration to all musicians out there. You will be greatly missed.

Humanitarian, comic, artist, entertainer and perhaps one of the best loved musicians we know. Safe travels dear friend and drop us a line now and then. You are so loved.

Tommy brought such great joy wherever he went. He was amazing to watch in action and so sweet if you had the pleasure to talk with him. RIP and rock on...

Tom,
It was great knowing you and hanging out with you at the store (Blue Note in North Miami, Fl. RIP) and backstage talking about records and such. I had alot of great times, gonna miss you.

Tommy was gentle and kind and would never refuse a "Meow". Tom was always gracious, always approachable and willing to spend a few minutes. I still have the sticks that he gave me after a show. I told him that they were for my son son but they were really for me. Rock on Tommy...you touched so many. God Bless Tommy and his family.

I will always miss your sensitivity and your sweetness Tommy. Thank you for always being so great to my kids. Fly with the angels, you just got your wings! Condolences to the family.

Rest in Peace Tom.Your legacy will live on!

RIP Tommy! We'll surely miss ya man!

Go with God Tom, you are missed by so many.

I have lived next store to Tom for fifteen years. I always felt he was such a sweet and caring person. He used to sit on the front steps of his house on Halloween with his bowl of candy waiting for the children to arrive. Heaven just received one precious gem. God Bless to all those out there in pain my heart is with you.
Sincerely, Mrs. Susan Styckiewicz & family.

We will miss you so much Tom. Meow! Thanks for the memories!
You were the best!
Love, Cousin Linda, Bobby and all the kids.

I remember Tommy at the High School of Commerce. We were there together. He was a very sweet person. If I recall, he was on the bowling team. Never a bad word from his mouth about any other person. I truly liked Tommy!

Some of the best times in my life were spent observing Tommy in his natural habitats -- on stage and in record stores. He was the greatest rock 'n' roll drummer and my favorite musicologist. Meow for now, Tom!

Deep condolences to the family. We loved Tommy. Tommy brought smiles to countless friends and fans and his music lifted our spirits. Rest in peace, Tommy. We were blessed to have shared our time here on earth with you.

The music world and the NRBQ family lost a great drummer! Many great memories of watching you and the boys over the past 30 years! The many great songs will be with us forever! My sympathies to your family!

I new Tommy in Jr. High. Great person and really knew his music. Wish that I had the opportunity to see him after that. Thought of him often.

my son played baseball with his son great man always shared a memory with a person who had a million questions about rock n roll . here lord is another great drummer to induct into rock n roll heaven (cuz we no we have a hell of a band ) R.I.P

what an awesome life he had being a drummer for NRBQ!..Ive seen them from the late 70's on an he was great....mike riley

Happy Trails Tommy, we miss you & will continue to miss you greatly. To the family, my deepest & heartfelt condolences. Love, Betsy-Dawn Williams

My sons and I had the great fortune to meet Tommy several times at NRBQ shows in Ohio. I'll never forget how he entertained the kids backstage after a show in Cleveland with an accordion. A real class act. We'll all miss him and the music he helped make.

Best drummer, nicest cat, ever. We love ya Tommy !

Rock on, Tommy!