While the Indians are tightening up their cleats and the Cleveland fan base is howling for some regular season baseball action, the drummer behind the infectious grooves of "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' for You," among other hits, will be jamming out at Progressive Field.
Though John Adams has been the Tribe drummer for years and has been present for the past 48 home openers with fans in attendance, he is recovering from offseason health issues, according to a press release from the team. In an effort to keep his presence in the minds of fans who attend the Monday, April 5 home opener, a special guest will replace him: Black Keys drummer and Akron native Patrick Carney.
Adams will still be a part of a special in-game video presentation, but Carney will take on his drumming duties and fill his bleacher seat for the day.
"When I found out that John Adams wouldn't be able to make Opening Day in Cleveland for the first time in almost fifty years, I reached out to the team," Carney, a lifelong Indians fan, said. "I share John's love of baseball and the Cleveland Indians franchise and drumming for him during the home opener when he can't physically be there feels like a meaningful way to show John the love and respect he deserves. I want to be there for John."
Carney attended Firestone High School (now the Firestone Community Learning Center) in Akron, as did Dan Auerbach, the guitarist and lead singer of the Black Keys. Both were added to the school's Hall of Fame in 2012, and Carney is still a diehard Cleveland sports fan.
Local heroes will also be celebrated as part of the home opener, with retired police sergeant Kennedy Jones performing the National Anthem and God Bless America, paraprofessional Bonita Horton throwing out the first pitch, and 10-year-old Emma Shishebor, who collects donations for Laura's Home Women's Crisis Center, acting as the Play Ball Kid.
Shane Bieber, Cesar Hernandez, Roberto Perez and Jose Ramirez will all be honored in a pregame ceremony for the 2020 season awards they took home. Joe Tait and Michael Stanley, both of whom passed away this March, will both be honored at different points as well.
Related
First pitch against the Kansas City Royals is at 4:10 p.m. ET.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram