ROB AFFUSO

Best known as the founding drummer for the heavy metal band Skid Row, Robert James Affuso started out idolizing Rush drummer Neil Peart and playing in his high school marching band. After high school, he attended New York University and obtained a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Public Relations.

Six months after hanging his degree on the wall, Affuso found himself working with the other members of Skid Row in a garage in Toms River, New Jersey, with Jon Bon Jovi. The band played shows in clubs throughout the Eastern United States and released their self-titled debut album in 1989. The debut was an immediate success and produced the hit singles “18 and Life,” “I Remember You,” and “Youth Gone Wild.” The release was certified platinum five times.

In 1991, Affuso formed a twelve-piece funk orchestra called SoulSystem. At the same time, Skid Row continued to gain fans, but tensions were growing within the band. They toured the globe and released more albums throughout the 1990s. But then, in 1996, the members decided to reorganize the band. Sebastian Bach was ousted, and Affuso followed shortly after.

Since then, Affuso has played with several acts, but he has dedicated most of his time to SoulSystem. The band mostly plays private events.