Barry Kerch of Shinedown Celebrates His Birthday [GALLERY]

Barry Kerch was born August 7, 1976, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He along with his family moved to Panama City, Florida at a young age.

Kerch began playing drums at the age of 7. He received his first snare drum as part of a deal that he made with his parents to perfect the basics of drumming before getting his first drum kit. Two years later, at the age of 9, Kerch got his first kit.

He played in the marching band in high school at Rutherford High School in Panama City and in college at the University of Central Florida where he earned a degree in anthropology. Barry also played in several local bands throughout that time.

Barry came to fame as the original drummer for Jacksonville, Florida based, high-octane rockers Shinedown. When the project came together in 2000, Barry was the seventh drummer who auditioned for the band. He ultimately filled the spot and became the new drummer of Shinedown.

Barry along with Brent Smith, Brad Steward & Jasin Todd began working on and creating demos for their record label Atlantic, eventually resulting in Shinedown’s debut album, Leave a Whisper released in May 2003. Since then, Shinedown has released seven full-length studio albums, including their latest, Planet Zero in 2022. Many of them have been certified gold or platinum by the RIAA.

In addition to his work with Shinedown, Kerch, known for his powerful and energetic drumming style, is a member of the Pearl Drum Company’s artist roster. He also endorses and uses Zildjian cymbals.

Outside of Shinedown, Kerch loves to cook, in particular BBQ. While out on tour, Barry helms full-on backyard BBQs backstage for both artists and crew.

I have had the opportunity to meet and interview Barry Kerch several times over the years. You can see those encounters in the photos below.

The first time I met Barry was at a show at the old Chameleon Club in Lancaster, PA, along with Silvertide & Tantric. In the photo of our first meeting, you’ll notice that Kerch was just starting to grow out his luscious and now well-known dreadlocks.

Shinedown makes their triumphant return to the Philadelphia area this September as part of the 2023 MMR*B*Q! Get your tickets now to see eight great bands rock the stage at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Joining Shinedown is Billy Idol, Larkin Poe, Ayron Jones, Dirty Honey, Finger Eleven, Tigercub & MMR’s Local Shots Artist Vixen77.

Get your MMR*B*Q tickets here!

Tune in to WMMR today between 3p-7p as we celebrate Barry’s Birthday!