Check Out Bobby Mertz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Mertz. 

Hi Bobby, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Grew up in Southwestern PA and began drumming in elementary school. Played in Jr High / High School concerts & Marching bands… No formal music schooling… Just my band teacher. Graduated high school and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Spent 4 years in the USMC and was fortunate enough to be stationed in Washington DC as part of the USMC Silent Drill Team. We traveled with the USMC Drum & Bugle Corps consistently. At the end of that enlistment, I then enlisted in the PA State Police. I played drums in local bar bands throughout that enlistment period… I took early retirement and moved to Nashville to pursue music as a full-time career. Shortly after moving to Nashville, I began playing with several artists both in and out of town. I then had an opportunity to become the backline tech/production asst/personal asst to Kenny G. 

Throughout my 8 years here, I have continued to play for and build relationships with many players/artists… I am still with Kenny G to the present day, and I also tour playing drums for Jess Kellie Adams, Molly Lovette, and several other Nashville-based artists. I reside in Hendersonville with my wife, Laurie, and our dog, Sarge… 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This business is NEVER a smooth road… BUT you learn to become a chameleon and make those you work for and with as happy as you can along the way… Money is always a struggle for someone in a player’s position… you have to spread yourself thin by working/learning several gigs at one time and showing up to each one at %100. I love everything about it though… I wouldn’t change a thing… This town DEFINITELY helps you grow… It’s also tough to juggle home and being away on the road… 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I play drums… I try to be OVERPREPARED for any job I accept. I am known for my organization and wittiness above all else… I am proud to be known in this town by all of my peers… regardless of the level they are at… Anyone who knows me knows that I shoot straight as I speak, and I mean what I say… If I tell you I’m going to do something, you can count on it being done right! 

What sets me apart from other drummers, is I don’t worry too much about “fluff” I mean I am a rock-solid player who doesn’t need the attention from spotlights. An artist can rest assured knowing that I am going to be on my A-Game all the time…

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Like everyone else… you cannot put all of your eggs in one basket… have several things you can do and stay proficient on them… just in case…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bobbymertz.com
• Instagram: @bobbymertzdrumz
• Facebook: @bobbymertz
• Twitter: @bobby_mertz