Rise Against is a punk band from Chicago that was formed in 1999. Recently they have experienced big success with their recent album, Appeal To Reason which was released on October 7th, 2008. Their single "Re-Education (Through Labor)" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Modern Rock tracks, and the album hit #3 on the Billboard top 200 in October, 2008. The band is made up of Tim McIlrath (vocals, guitar), Joe Principe (bass guitar), Brandon Barnes (drums), and Zach Blair (guitar). They recently finished up their US tour at the end of November, but I had an opportunity to talk with Barnes before their final show in Detroit to discuss the band.
Tell me about your childhood in Colorado and what got you started playing the drums?
My parents were musicians, my mother was a pianist, and got me a drum set when I was 9 or 10. I started playing in punk bands when I was like 13, 14, 15 and was in a band called Pinhead Circus, where I first met Joe.
How long were you with Pinhead Circus?
Ummm, lets see, probably a couple years. Not too long, until I was about 19-20. But it was a good experience, it was my first touring gig. So I got to go to Japan and tour all around the US.
How old were you when you went to Japan?
I was 18. We got on the NOFX/Swingin Udders tour, which was amazing at 18 years old. I never even dreamed of playing outside of the city of Denver!
Now, you said your family were musicians, what did your Dad do?
My Dad played guitar, but that wasn't his full time job.
So, your Dad played guitar and your Mom played piano, what made you just go to the drums?
I don't know, I was kinda drawn to the drums. I play guitar a little bit, as well. And my mom gave me piano lessons, I just ended up doing the drums - it was fun!
What other musicial influences do you have?
I guess when I was a kid, I listened to a lot of classic rock - Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath. As I got older I started getting some punk records, probably my first couple punk records were like Misfits, Black Flag, I got a Pennywise record when I was in seventh grade. So, started listening to some of the west coast/california stuff, and yeah from there started playing in punk bands. I also like the jazz stuff like Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, and those guys.
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