Aaron Rossi, Former Ministry and Prong Drummer, Dead at 44

Aaron Rossi, who played drums in both Ministry and Prong, has died at the age of 44. He passed away on January 27th after suffering severe heart attack, but his death wasn’t announced until today (March 6th).

The drummer was a member of veteran heavy metal act Prong from 2005 through 2009, and again from 2018 to 2021. He appeared on the band’s 2007 album Power of the Damager.

His drumming caught the attention of Ministry mastermind Al Jourgensen, and he briefly joined the legendary industrial act in 2008 before their breakup that same year. When Ministry reunited in 2011, Rossi was part of the lineup, and remained with the band until 2016. He appeared on their 2009 live album Adios… Puta Madres and their 2013 studio album From Beer to Eternity.

A post on Rossi’s official Facebook page reads as follows:

“It is with overwhelming sadness to share that on January 27, 2025, Aaron John Rossi passed away from a sudden, severe heart attack. AAron was a force with his own gravitational pull. His powerful energy instantly captured you. If you saw him on stage, you were blown away by his immense power, speed and agility – and if you were lucky enough to know him in person, you were equally taken by his kindness, humor and humility. AAron leaving us so soon is beyond devastating, but we know that he would not want to be remembered that way. He made us laugh and told us stories like it was his job. We sincerely hope you will share some of your own stories of AAron in the comments. There will be a Celebration of Life in the future and details will be shared as soon as possible. AAron’s talent on the drums and his ear for music was incomparable – and his sound will live on forever. He will always be The Shredder, The Beast, The Big Dog. Rock In Peace, AAron! We love and miss you!!!”

Jourgensen paid tribute to his onetime Ministry bandmate on Facebook, writing, “Great drummer, Great human being, He will be missed. Keep pounding that snare in the great beyond.”

Prong frontman Tommy Victor also honored Rossi, writing, “Rest In Peace Aaron ‘The Beast’ Rossi. This terrible news wasn’t supposed to come out the way it did, but now it is and it’s just as terrible as when I found out weeks ago. We played together on and off for many years and he always came around with that BIG smile and that ferocious attack on the drums. We had so so many laughs together and crazy times. I’m glad we were on great terms until this untimely departure from this world. I hope to jam again with him in the afterlife. He was THE REAL DEAL!!!”

Rossi was also a member of the metal band Ankla from 2002 to 2006, and played on guitarist John 5’s 2005 solo album Songs for Sanity.

Our condolences go out to Aaron Rossi’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. See video of Rossi performing with Ministry and Prong, as well as a “Drum Sessions” clip, below.