STEEL KINGDOM Bios

TK was raised just outside Rochester, NY in a town called Byron. His love for music and drumming started at an early age when he joined the concert band in 4th grade along with the marching band and concert bands in high school. After graduation from Alfred State College in 1986 with a marketing degree, he came on the Rochester music scene joining the likes of TYR, Final Assault, and Atlantis and finally ended up in the perfect fit with Steel Kingdom. “I do not see me ever playing with another band; especially at my age!”

TK was an all-county athlete in soccer and basketball in high school and that compliments the type of drumming he plays today. "The type and style of drumming I play is without a doubt a full contact sport start to finish. You must be well conditioned, or you will not make it through the set. I'm soaked when I finish. You really have to push yourself."

His drumming influences were not too mainstream when he started playing. "Although I really liked a lot of the popular drummers and bands, I dug a little more underground and liked what I heard from the drummers of early Anvil, Raven, Saxon, and Motorhead. It was all this sick double bass stuff and massive top end that had not quite made its way into the states but done with taste. It seemed there were not many drummers here playing it, and no one is school was listening to it. Then the early thrash scene hit the U.S. and I got really into all those bands (you name them!). As I got older, progressive metal had challenged me along with eclectic, neo-classic symphonic power metal so I was able to combine that with the style of my all-time favorite, Neil Peart and presto!" His current favorite drummer (which changes every so often) is Mike Mangini (former Dream Theater). "Neil certainly is a legend; technical and tactical and will go down as one of the best in history, and even one of Mike’s early influences, but Mike took it all to an entire new level. He has revolutionized percussion and is regarded as one of the best on the planet today.”

TK lives in Rochester, NY with his German Shepherd dog Zildjian and has 3 adult sons Sam, Michael, and Daniel who he could not be prouder of or love anymore along with his parents, big sisters, and little brother who all have supported his drumming since he was a child. He is employed full-time at Westinghouse Electric Company for the last 23 years as a Lead Consultant, Customer Accounts as a Sales Manager selling products and services to the United States and Global Commercial Nuclear Power Industry along to the DoE and DoD. "Yup, we go right into the nuclear reactor! A great job with a solid, excellent company that has allowed me to have visited almost every US State and major city. This is what actually pays the bills!” He also volunteers at his church as the drummer and has coached youth soccer and basketball at different levels for several years and still enjoys playing soccer, chess, basketball, golf, pickleball, and fishing.

Discography:

TYR - Night of the Wolf (1987)

Final Assault - Judge of Time (1990)

Atlantis - Atlantis Will Rise (1992)

Atlantis - Surface of Pain (1994)

Steel Kingdom - Self Titled (2004)

Steel Kingdom - Reforged and Refined (2008)

Steel Kingdom - My Illusion (2014)

Media Quotes:

“Brilliant drum work... Steel Kingdom’s music is so grandiose that it seems better fitted for arenas and amphitheatres, not dives and local clubs. Brian Campbell; Rochesterathome.com NY on the 2004 CD.

“Moreover, the drummer, TK Kennedy is really a great drummer that you feel very involved in the construction of the securities... ” Raskal; MetalIntegral.com FRANCE on the 2008 CD.

“TK Kennedy's drum tactics to sound devastating (this guy is the owner of a real unique style of drumming, watch out for it!) ” Stefan; Metal t Infinity; BELGIUM on the 2008 CD.

“Machine-Gun like drumming” Poemmes; Kingdom of Steel; Switzerland; 2008 CD.

Equipment:

Drums: 1988 Pearl Export Series Drums; Smokey Chrome

2- 22" Bass Drums, 10", 12", 13", 14" rack toms, 16" Floor, 14" steel snare, 4", 6", 8" Roto Toms; Bell kit

Zildjian Avedias Cymbals: 18" Ride, 18" Medium thin crash, 18" China high, 8" Splash, 6" Zil-Bel, 16" Thick crash, 14" Medium thin crash, 14" Top Beat high hats

Pedals: 2- Drum Workshop DW5000TD3

Drum Heads: Aquarian Studio X w/ power dot, Aquarian Super Kick II Bass Drum Heads

Sticks: Pro Mark 747 Neil Peart 30th Anniversary

Personal Info:

Full name: Thomas Kennedy

Birthday: August 18

Height: 5" 10"

Weight: 155 lbs.

Eye & Hair color: Brown

Favorites:

Sports: Football, Basketball, and Soccer

Athlete: Allen Iverson & Dallas Cowboys

Food: My mom’s sauce & meatballs

Drink: Mountain Dew

Religion: Christian; John 14:6

TV Show: Law & Order Criminal Intent