Aaron Mathews


Location: Murray, KY

Challenge: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Website: facebook.com/arayaishere

Aaron Mathews was born in New Hartford, NY on March 6,1971. His dad was a self taught guitar, trombone, piano' trumpet, singer. Aaron's Grandad was a world reknown jazz band leader, The Bob Mathews Trio. His father's grandfather was a hollywood actor in many shows aand novies, including his recurring role as a keystone cop.

Aaron was born with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, leaving Aaron relying on a wheelchair. He says "In kindergarten I got my first record, KISS Alive II. I was a fan immediately and wanted to be Peter Criss when I grew up".

Aaron grew up in Phoenix AZ in the 80's when he got turned on to punk music. He adds "I began whacking boxes and furniture with a beat up pair of sricks I received from my uncle. Social Distortion, Dead Kennedy's, The Ramones became faves. I also became hooked on metal, mainly Ozzy, Metallica, Motorhead, Slayer, W.A.S.P."

Aaron's dad got sick, and in July 1990, he returned to New York to be reunited with his mom and finish high school. He adds "I got my first drum kit at 19, a Yamaha 5 piece electric kit. Five months later it was blistered, and I bought a Tama kit and a set of Zildjian cymbals".

Aaron formed his band Araya, and on december 24, 1991. He got his first gig on KROCK morning show with Bil Keeler, who would give Aaron live slots over a few year period. Aaron got offered a job with Battery, a Metallica tribute in '93. He adds "I playe a bit and return home to get back to gigging with Araya, which did a blend of originals and metal covers". Then, he got offered a job with classic rock band Black River Revival in 1995. The band had dates booked and lost their drummer. He adds "I toured with them for four years, during which I co-wrote and recorded with Shared Madness". During this time, Aaron was asked to join my band at church and was their full time drummer from '95-99. He then joined The Garbles, a band that did original material and cobers, in a Gimme Gimmes style. I was with them for almost 4 years.

In 2003 after idolizing Johnny Kelly (type o negative), Aaron regrouped Araya and began writing, gigging and uktimately recording a goth-metal album.

He got sick, for still unknown rasons, and lost his Right leg in June 2013. In 2014 Aaron moved to Murray KY. He was picked up by St. Louis doom metal band Blackdeth, and toured for much of 2015. He adds "We shared stages with The Dreaming (stabbing westward), Holy Grail, Mine Enemies Fall, and Death Division. Ira Black (formerly Lizzy Borden) hung with me backstage and we have been friends since". His band, Blackdeth went on hiatus, and ultimately disbanded.

Jeremy Philips (bass) and Aaron got a great review in a St. Louis magazine. He adds "We were praised for being a phenomenal rhythm section, the doom Blackdeth needed for years. Jeremy and I, along with Ethan O'Daniel (bass) and Heather Mathews (co-lead vocals) have begun work on the next, the second album by Araya. This is where I am now". Having limited endoraements with Tama and Zildjian, after 15 years Aaron began playing DDrum and Sabian. He plays Vic Firth Red Tip metal sticks. Hoping for endorsements sometime soon. Johnny Kelly still is one of my best friends, and Aaron has been digging his work in A Pale Horse Named Death. He also dug Jussi 69 (69 Eyes)style too.

Aaron's setup includes 18x22 bass, 5 1/2 x 14 snare, 13 x 10 tom, 14x14 and 16x16 floor toms. 14 hats, 16 and 18 crash, 20 Ride, all Sabian B8 and a 16 wuhan china. He has been featured in the Disabled Drummers Assn. newsletters over the years, and also on the old website Handidrummed.

Back in New York, Aaron was able to attend many drum clinics over 20 years, and got one on one time with some greats including Dom Famularo.


Aaron Mathews & Blackdeth - "Killing in the Name of God and Father of Lies"