For close to 20 years I was privileged to call Mark Volman a friend. It started when I interviewed him for a feature. He was delighted, claiming I made him look smarter than he was – and he was very smart – and asked if I would write his life story. That led to hundreds of interviews, with him as well as hundreds of his friends, family and acquaintances. It took over a decade to write, and at every step along the way he was a joy to work with, never, ever asking for changes. Two years ago Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures With The Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, And More was published and we were both thrilled by the reaction. I’m honored to have called him a friend and played a part in sharing his wonderful story. RIP April 19, 1947 – September 5, 2025
New batch of sticks arrived just in time for our Ontario show with Night Ranger at Casino Rama on Friday. These are the “rock“ models, so expect much breakage.
She did it! Angella graduated yesterday, and already with multiple gigs into next year.
John Cody with wife Lee Aaron and daughter Angella at her university graduation June 12, 2025
After a whole lot of fun gigging in Switzerland, a day off in Munich enjoying the sights and suds… tomorrow we’re off to Cypress.
We had a day off in Toronto yesterday, enjoyed a fabulous evening out finishing off at the Writers Room at the top of of the Park Hyatt Hotel. Many thanks to our host with the most, Brian Samuel.
John Cody’s POV at Miramichi Rock N Roll Festival, Miramichi, New Brunswick, July 27, 20024 by Allan Zilkowsky
John Cody at Miramichi Rock N Roll Festival, Miramichi, New Brunswick, July 27, 20024 by Allan Zilkowsky
John Cody at FEQ – Festival d’Été de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, July 14, 2024 by Marie Demeire for CanadianBeats.ca
Celebrated two notable events last week. Jett had his Grad celebration and Angella turned 20. Time certainly flies – seems like yesterday they were both delighted by piggybacks and watching Rolie Polie Olie.
Sean Kelly, John Cody, Lee Aaron, and Dave Reimer at McBowl Concert Series at Classic Bowl, Mississauga, Ontario, May 24, 2024 by Andrew Clowater
John Cody at McBowl Concert Series at Classic Bowl, Mississauga, Ontario, May 24, 2024 by Andrew Clowater
Sean Kelly, Dave Reimer, Lee Aaron, and John Cody at McBowl Concert Series at Classic Bowl, Mississauga, Ontario, May 24, 2024 by Laurie Januska
John Cody at McBowl Concert Series at Classic Bowl, Mississauga, Ontario, May 24, 2024 by Andrew Clowater
Jett’s commencement ceremony last night – so proud!
With Darren Geppetto Moreash and the marionette he made of me! Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 27, 2024
With the marionette of me made by Darren Geppetto Moreash – thanks for the fabulous surprise! Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 27, 2024
With wife Lee Aaron and daughter Angella after her triumphant pop-rock showcase, November 7, 2023
John Cody at Fuck Cancer 2 Benefit Concert, Vancouver, BC, October 21, 2023 by Quinn Bender Photography
John Cody playing with Lee Aaron at Fuck Cancer 2 Benefit Concert, Vancouver, BC, October 21, 2023 by Keith Clark Photography
John Cody playing with Lee Aaron at Fuck Cancer 2 Benefit Concert, Vancouver, BC, October 21, 2023 by Keith Clark Photography
John Cody playing with Lee Aaron at Fuck Cancer 2 Benefit Concert, Vancouver, BC, October 21, 2023 by Keith Clark Photography
Rocket Norton and John Cody at Fuck Cancer 2 Benefit Concert, Vancouver, BC, October 21, 2023 by Keith Clark Photography
John Cody and Gene Champagne at Classic Bowl, Mississauga, Ontario, October 29, 2023
John Cody at Classic Bowl, Mississauga, Ontario, October 29, 2023 by My Rock & Roll Heaven
Lee Aaron with Sean Kelly, Dave Reimer, and John Cody at her induction into Canada’s Walk Of Fame, September 28, 2023
Lee Aaron being inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, with Jeanne Beker, September 28, 2023 by Cindi Keep
Shake The Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan, August 26, 2023 by Lisa Guliak
Shake The Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan, August 26, 2023 by Lisa Guliak
John Cody with Ronn Dunnett at Shake The Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan, August 26, 2023
The Milestone kit by Ronn Dunnett that I used at Shake The Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan, August 26, 2023
Taking in Niagara Falls with Lee Aaron and Dave Reimer, July 13, 2023
John Cody at Concerts At The Pier, White Rock, BC, July 6, 2023, by Tom Paillé
Thrilled to see living legend Rocket Norton honoured with a BC Entertainment Hall Of Fame StarWalk today. As a young pup, I was always inspired watching him play in Seeds Of Time, the Rocket Norton Band and Prism. I stole more from Rocket than any other west coast drummer… always steal from the best. June 22, 2023
Doni Underhill, Rocket Norton, John Cody, and Lee Aaron at Norton’s induction to the StarWalk of the BC Entertainment Hall Of Fame, June 22, 2023
John Cody at Sound Of Music Festival, Burlington, Ontario, June 16, 2023, by Allyson Wachsberg
Celebrating Angella with the family after her triumphant university Musical Theatre showcase. So proud!
Club Regent in Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 10, 2023 by Rik Roe
Sean Kelly, Lee Aaron, John Cody, and Dave Reimer at Casino Rama, January 28, 2023
Sean Kelly, Lee Aaron, and John Cody at Casino Rama, Ontario, January 28, 2023
Rock faces! Casino Rama, January 28, 2023
Sweaty, happy people! Casino Rama, January 28, 2023
Casino Rama, January 28, 2023: Ab Bryant (Headpins), Barry Connors (Toronto), Carmela Long (Toronto), Steve Shelski (Toronto), Jim Gilmour (Toronto), Rosa Larrichiuta (Headpins), Bernie Aubin (Headpins), Tony D (Headpins), Lee Aaron, John Cody (Lee Aaron), Michelle Truman (Toronto), Sean Kelly (Lee Aaron), Alfie Galpin (Headpins), Dave Reimer (Lee Aaron)
With my wife, and son Jett, who is 17 years old today, and already directing his first first (mini) feature! (January 7, 2023)
Nice action shot by Keith Clark from Rocket Norton’s F**k Cancer show. Not sure who I’m playing with here, but probably not a ballad…
John Cody at the drums, collage by Rtists Photography
Curtain call at Indoor Summer , Hamburg, Germany, September 4, 2022, by Stefanie Gadow
We’re playing a beautiful vintage hall in Hamburg tonight. Great sound check, fabulous restaurants and a sold out show with audience coming from 27 countries. All of which more than makes up for the insane amount of travel. September 4, 2022
Rock The River, August 21, 2022, by Lisa Guliak
Post-show smiles after Edmonton Rock Fest, August 20, 2022.
Edmonton Rock Fest August 20, 2022, by 1313 Photography
Soundcheck at El Mocambo July 22, 2022 by Andrew Clowater
Soundcheck at El Mocambo July 22, 2022 by Rik Roe
With my kids, Angella and Jett
Sean Kelly, John Cody, Lee Aaron, and Dave Reimer off stage at Sweden Rock Festival, June 9, 2022
Daughter Angella at her graduation, with her brother Jett.
Daughter Angella’s graduation photo
Recording at The Warehouse Studio today with my old pals Corsage (Phil Smith, Bill Napier-Hemy and Ron Allan) to record four new tracks for an upcoming anthology. After 33 years, I’m still the new guy in the band. Always a treat to record with that combo. (September 26, 2021)
Lee Aaron and John Cody … September 21, 2021
Happy Birthday to the best musical partner and mom anyone could ask for. Family bike ride by the sea today and Greek food for dinner!! (Angella, Lee, John, Jett … July 21, 2021)
Classic Stainless 12/14/16/22 w 6.5 x 14 Straight Wall 2N Stainless by Ronn Dunnett. It’s a joy to play, and sounds every bit as good as it looks. We’re back in the studio in August, with Mike Fraser on the board, so it’s going to sound like a million bucks. Can’t wait! (July 1, 2021)
John Cody with wife Lee Aaron and daughter Angella on her 17th birthday, June 7, 2021.
Twenty years today! Two decades together, and it keeps getting better. My best friend through countless adventures and always more to look forward to… May 3, 2021
John Cody and wife Lee Aaron on their daily hike, February 6, 2021
John Cody and son Jett on his 15th birthday, January 7, 2021.
Making the most of the summer with my favourite gal…can’t wait to share the stage again!! August 11, 2020
Last night in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Monday we’re in Quebec City on a massive bill that includes everyone from Imagine Dragons and Mariah Carey to Slipknot. After that a night off due to Roxodus being cancelled. July 6, 2019
Jett’s grade 7 grad tonight. As Valedictorian he amused the audience with stories of school days gone by. That’s our boy; a born entertainer. Here’s to a great summer and on to high school in the fall. June 21, 2019
Celebrating our anniversary tonight – 18 years together and still head over heels in love! May 3, 2019
John Cody at Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener, Ontario, August 11, 2018 by John Gelder
John Cody, Lee Aaron, and Jim Pons, bass player for Leaves, Turtles, Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention, Flo & Eddie in Orlando, Florida, 2015
With my son, Jett.
With my wife and kids.
Me and my wife, 2009
Family outing
My wife and me, August 2011
Karen, Angella, John, Jett at the PNE, September 2016
John Cody and Lee Aaron July 2017
Tail Creek Mudfest, Alix, AB with Lee Aaron, July 1, 2017
Lee Aaron, Daniel Sveinson, John Cody, Brice Tabish, Dave Reimer, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, BC, May 19, 2017
photo by Mal Roach
photo by Mal Roach
John Cody playing with Lee Aaron at the Yorkton Fair, Yorkton Saskatchewan, July 5, 2012.
My 1920s drum kit
circa 1973
circa 1973
