Brandon Barnes
Brandon Barnes (born October 10, 1978) is an American musician and producer from Denver, Colorado. He is best known as the drummer for the punk rock band, Rise Against. Brandon is also a strict vegetarian, an animal rights advocate and actively promotes PETA with his band. He is the only member of Rise Against who does not identify as straight edge.
Biography
Brandon received his first drum set when he was nine years old from his grandfather, who was a jazz musician in Chicago. He started drum lessons when he was twelve until he was seventeen, he also joined a jazz band in high school. He studied music in college and played drums in the University of Colorado music program. He knew then he wanted to make music his career. By listening to his favorite drummers such as Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Terry Bozzio, Peter Erskine, and Dave Lombardo, Brandon developed the style of playing he has used in many bands over the last 10 years.
Music career
Pinhead Circus (1999)
Pinhead Circus formed in 1988 with Jimmy Pinhead, guitarist, Trevor, bassist, and Otis as the drummer. In 1997 the band caught their attention of BYO Records and released their first album, Detailed Instructions for the Self Involved in 1997. Brandon joined Pinhead Circus in 1999 after their drummer Otis left. Pinhead then released their second album, Everything Else Is Just a Far Gone Conclusion in 1999 through BYO Records. Soon after, Barnes split the band after joining Rise Against in 2000.