In 1993 he recorded with Joe Lynn Turner and then joined Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. He joined BOC in September of 1995 and stayed on until August of 1996.

After BOC, John played and toured again with Richie Blackmore.
He is currently working in the band "Westworld" with former TNT member Tony Harnell and Riot's Mark Reale. John O.Reilly, currently Recording and Touring with Grammy Nominated,Multi-Platinum Trans-Siberian Ochestra (west coast)and 02'L is a drummer who possess a unique combination of the most sought after qualities in drumming. Impeccable meter, feel, style and innovativeness makes John the rare find that musicians often hope of finding.

John has recorded, performed live, and appeared on video with some of the best,O2'L ,Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Blackmore's Night,West World,Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joe Lynn Turner,Blue Oyster Cult, Al Pitrelli(Megadeth), Randy Coven(Yngwie Malmsteen), Zack Wylde (Ozzy Osborne), TM Stevens (Steve Vai's band), Steve Morse (Kansas/Dixie Dregs/Deep Purple), Alan Holdsworth, Stanley Jordan, Reb Beach, Jeff Watson(Night Ranger), Rod Price (Foghat ),Peter Noone, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Bobby Sherman, Yoko Ono, Richie Havens and more.

While being a bonified rock drummer O. Reilly enhances the dimensions of performances by subtly integrating the styles and early influences of R&B, Jazz and Motown, incorporating them with the underling swing of his own style.

John began playing drums on his 10th birthday, August 31st and turned pro on his 20th, when he recorded his first record with Jazz great Earl Fatha Hines.John started his career with as a member of legendary New York City cult band J.F. Murphy and Salt.

John began to Mentor other Drummers World Wide in 1998 til this day.