I reunited with John Sands, my junior high buddy from the 1970s, just before he took the stage with Grammy-winning Aimee Mann at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Brooklyn, N.Y. — June 13, 2025 Last night, the past strutted onto a Williamsburg stage, drumsticks in hand, with a lifetime of stories to tell.
Forty-eight years had passed since we last saw each other, but when we sat down to talk, time melted away.
It was like we were kids again, swapping stories over cafeteria trays.
That kid who got his first drum set for Christmas? He’s now a musical titan—touring globally, recording with icons like Aimee Mann and Lisa Loeb, and laying down grooves that pulse through America’s music scene. Same warm smile, though.
What I didn’t know until recently was how close we came to losing him.
A few years back, John battled a life-threatening heart condition. The Boston Herald chronicled how his musician friends rallied, their support a lifeline through the darkest days.
His comeback wasn’t just to life—it was to the stage, stronger than ever. Watching him
perform last night was electric. His drum kit, tucked stage-left, drove the night’s rhythm with
grace and precision. Every beat carried his quiet authority, his survival etched in each strike.
It hit me hard—this was a man who’d faced the abyss and returned, fully alive. Before the show, we reminisced. Junior high antics, old friends, wild dreams. Marietta High School class of 1977!
We laughed about Bill Bauer, high school swimming champion now disabilities author and VP of The J. Luce Foundation, shaping lives through philanthropy.
We marveled at Brian Moynihan, high school football champion and now CEO of Bank of America, and Mark Kelso, a high school loner now lost in the dreamy world of New Age music.
Our small class had grown up to reshape the world in our own ways. Then there is Cheryl Kaiser who went to work with the Feds in Washington after editing our high school year book. Kinda wild, right?
But last night belonged to John. His website (www.drummerjohnsands.com) brims with praise from musicians who call him not just a master drummer, but a musical empath—a rare gift.
Behind the kit, he wasn’t just keeping time; he was telling his story. We parted with a huge hug and a vow not to wait decades for the next catch-up. I’m already stoked for his Christmas show at City Winery, where I’ll introduce him to my partner, Bix.
It’ll be a moment—two lives, five decades apart, colliding in the best way. In Germany, my host father used to say, “One friend makes you lucky. Two, blessed. Three? You’re probably lying.” I’ve got dozens of friends, but only one from junior high. Reconnecting with John? That’s a rhythm I’ll never lose.
American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer Aimee Mann
Born in 1960 in Virginia, Aimee Mann is known for her introspective lyrics, melodic craftsmanship, and genre-spanning work in alternative rock, folk, and pop.
Mann developed an early passion for music, later attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she met John Sands and honed her skills before co-founding the new wave band ‘Til Tuesday.
Based in Los Angeles, Mann first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the 1980s new wave band ‘Til Tuesday, whose hit “Voices Carry” earned critical acclaim.
After the band’s dissolution, she embarked on a solo career, releasing albums such as Whatever (1993), I’m With Stupid (1995), and the Grammy-nominated Magnolia soundtrack (1999), which showcased her poignant songwriting.
Mann’s influence extends beyond music, as she has also explored acting and producing, cementing her status as a multifaceted artist in the music industry.
Reunion in Rhythm: Rediscovering John Sands, Drummer Extraordinaire (July 5, 2025)
Summary
In this captivating article, we rediscover John Sands, the extraordinary drummer whose rhythmic genius has left an indelible mark on music. From his early days to his iconic collaborations, Sands’ journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and the power of rhythm. Dive into his story and explore how his artistry continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, proving that great music transcends time.
