Cross Town Band

Bob Herder

Interview

When and where were you born?: February 25th in Columbus, Ohio

When and where was your first public performance?: Phoenix, Arizona, jamming with Dave and some other friends at a wedding party for Dave's brother Breck. We did Pink Floyd, Rush and I don't remember what else... the pay was food and drink and the gig lasted for hours! Caught the bug real bad that night and haven't ever regretted that!

What is your favorite performance memory?: There are too many, every time I play it is such a RUSH! There have been some very memorable moments, most of them have to do with the various bands I've been in with Dave, but there have been others. I don't think I can choose just one! Well, maybe I'd have to say being the drummer for 4 of the songs on this new album! That's a performance that, like the Energizer bunny, just keeps going and going and going! I get such a kick out of hearing our stuff on the radio or blasting out of a stereo at parties! Dave and I have created allot of music over the years but nothing matches what we've got for the first two albums for Cross Town. Dave and I have almost the entire second album written already!

What is your main instrument?: Drums. I play around on the guitar a bit and I tend to hum Bass lines while drumming if it's just Dave and I jamming, writing or practicing. Tends to make for some interesting mix problems as I can't seem to stop when we're rolling tape for a take.

I understand you are also a professional driver?: Yes, for over 15 years now. I drive for Upstaging, which does most of the Major Label tours. I love the road, and I've met some of the most interesting people over the years. I am ready for a change now, though, really want to get off the road as a driver and spend some serious time creating new music with Dave.

What made you decide to pursue music?: It's just what I had to do. I have only one regret about the years I've spent driving for other bands; it has kept me from staying in performance shape and keeping my chops tight. Usually, when I have a break in my schedule, Dave and I spend the first week with me working the rust out of my joints and head, practicing rudiments and chops and resetting the kit exactly the way I want it. After that, we plug in and have a go at it and things just fall into place. 

What have you accomplished so far in your career, or is this a hobby?: I've had to admit that anything you don't do daily to earn your bread is basically a hobby. However, it's a serious one for me. I've spent my life listening to all styles of music and learning from some of the "names" in the biz every chance I got. The driving gig was a means to an end, a way to pay the bills and get to know some of what goes on behind the scenes and how a tour really works. Now, I'm ready to put it all into practice and make this my daily gig!

Are you married?: Was, long ago. No serious relationships at present and not really looking for one. As I said, it's time to prioritize my life towards a new goal and dig in and get it done.

Any children?: No, but I do love kids! Actually, the answer is I have allot of kids, just none of them are mine. Every place I go, family and friends have kids and "Uncle Trogg" is the featured guest of honor, I suppose. 

Well, that about wraps it up for me, anything else you'd like to say?: Just thanks for taking the time for this interview and I hope we see you in the audience soon!

You can count on it!