RIP Byrds drummer Kevin Kelly

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 25 Apr 2002 11:07 am

I just got a call that drummer Kevin Kelly was found dead in his North Hollywood apartment a few days ago - he was 58.He had been dead for a couple of weeks.Sorry to say this but years of depression,careless living and too much fun had taken their toll on this once tough ex-Marine.Country rock/roots fans will remember his work with Phil Ochs,Tim Hardin,60s band The Rising Sons - featuring Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder,and The Byrds albums "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" and "The Notorious Byrd Brothers".He was a great drummer and a sweet guy who I'd known for 20 years.He had no family but a memorial get together of his friends and fans will occur at the Sportsman's Lodge on Ventura Blvd in North Hollywood this Firday night 4/26/02. -MJ-

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 25 Apr 2002 1:22 pm

This really saddens me, because Kevin (he spelled his last name "Kelley") was a good buddy of mine when I was in the Ronstadt band and he was in the Byrds, and we hung together at the old Ash Grove (where the Improv now sits) all the time. He was a cool hang, truly. I can still see his baby-face clearly.

I didn't know he had no family. Wasn't he Roger McGuinn's cousin?

Michael, it seems that when you moved to LA, right after I moved to Texas, we shared the same group of music pals. I guess we're at the age when this stuff is gonna happen more and more and more.

When you go to the Remembrance Service, will you please say that I'm with y'all in spirit, if not in person. Especially to David Jackson and Ry, if they're there.

------------------
Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Herb Steiner on 25 April 2002 at 02:22 PM.]</p></FONT>

Jason Odd · Post by **Jason Odd** » 25 Apr 2002 4:31 pm

Sorry to hear of his passing.
Herb, Kevin was Chris Hillman's cousin, and the story is that the reason he got fired from the Byrds is that Hillman found it a drag to work with a relative as McGuinn would badger Hillman about any hassles he had with Kelly's playing. (off-topic to be sure, but I don't think McGuinn really ever knew when he had a good drummer).
Having said that, there's a lot of theories and stories about the Byrds.... too many really.

Chris Forbes · Post by **Chris Forbes** » 26 Apr 2002 3:11 am

Bummer, the Sweethearts album has always been one of my favorites.

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 26 Apr 2002 3:56 am

I, too, am sorry to hear this sad news. I think most Byrd fans loved both those albums
quite well > 'Sweetheart' & 'Notorious'.

BTW... Mcguinn is playing at some Daffodil
Festival this Sat, 4/27, in Meriden, CT. Right near-by.

Harry Hess · Post by **Harry Hess** » 29 Apr 2002 12:52 am

A real bummer to hear that another nail has been driven in the coffin of the good days and times. God bless Kevin. Hope he's in the good groove now.

Regards,
HH