Near the age of twelve, John Mahon picked up a pair of drum sticks with the aspiration of becoming a drummer. As an adult, John has not only realized his dream by becoming a professional musician, but he has built a stellar performance resume that is filled with A-List names in the music industry.
Mahon, a percussionist and vocalist, has worked with artists such as Brian Adams, Sting, Phil Collins, Mary J. Blige, Ray Charles, Cher, Tina Turner, Bonnie Rait, and many, many more. For the last several years, John has accompanied music icon Sir Elton John on his journey down the Yellow Brick of Road of Rock and Roll, serving as a percussionist and background vocalist for the Rocket Man's legendary stage and studio band.
John was kind enough to take some time while on vacation from his heavy tour schedule with the EJ Band to talk with me about his life as a musician, his experience with Elton John and his band, his side projects as a songwriter and session musician, and the hobbies he enjoys when off the road.
I understand that you chose to become a drummer at around age twelve when your father took you to Canton Ohio Police Boys Club and you signed up for the Drum and Bugle Corp. I also understand that, throughout your young years, you were extremely active in the performing ensembles offered by your schools. How did these experiences shape you as a music fan and as a performer?
Participation in the school music programs broadened my musical experiences. I was exposed to many different genres of music that I would never have heard or played if not for the school bands. Of course, we played marches but there were classical pieces and even some contemporary compositions. Another part is the choir which was a good way to learn pitch and ensemble singing.
These programs teach a musician to play with an ensemble, take constructive criticism, and be motivated by your fellow band members.
Do you come from a musical family? If so, please tell us about it.
My father was the musical side. He sang and played trumpet. My Uncle was a big band singer, and my grandfather played guitar. Everyone in my family played an instrument of some sort, and most of us sing. That said, my younger brother was unexpectedly asked to leave a McCartney concert recently - it's likely they heard him singing!
When and how did you make the transition from amateur to professional musician?
Article comments
1 - Sir H., D. Andrew
My first time on blogcritic and I enjoyed your interview with John Mahon. I always thought of bands as whole entities, never realizing the individual characters immense talent. This interview portrayed a delightfully intelligent instrumentalist with a well-rounded background in the music business who, even with his present status advocates for practice and combining all types of musical genres. Blogcritic's Jason Spraggins introduces fans to a creative force within the ej band that you might never have seen so closely were it not for this intriquing interview. It is important to hear the story of John Mahon who shows that each individual band member brings something to the table. Whether it be their family history and influences, or their experience playing gigs over the past decade, John Mahon and other band members' singular talents and backgrounds in music open the door to playing right alongside some of the world's best entertainers. Excellent interview, and piece.