in memory of BARREN CROSS drummer Steve Whitaker

in memory of BARREN CROSS drummer Steve Whitaker

November 6, 2025: RIP Steve Whitaker (July 10, 1963 - November 6, 2025) (Barren Cross drums 1983-1990, 1994, 2008-2025)

"Barren Cross is an American Christian metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. It was formed by Michael 'Mike Lee' Drive (vocals), Ray Parris (guitar), Jim LaVerde (bass), and Steve Whitaker (drums). The band released six albums from 1986 to 1994, and reunited for a few shows in the 2010s with plans to record a new album." -Wikipedia

The following tribute was written by Paul Doty on November 7, 2025 on Facebook. I (Metal Bulletin Zine) also I am using the picture that Paul Doty used in his tribute. Therefore, I am sharing Paul Doty's entire statement and his picture. All credit to Paul Doty for writing this statement:

My friend and bandmate Steve Whitaker went home to be with the Lord yesterday. Steve brought me into Barren Cross on the album Atomic Arena. I served with Barren Cross as their front of house engineer through the remainder of Atomic Arena, all of State of Control & Hotter Than Hell Live as the band was at their peak, and scattered dates during the Rattle Your Cage era.

I’m contemplating Steve’s life today, what can I say about Steve? I think the greatest gift anyone can leave anyone is the absolute knowledge when they die that they are with the Lord in Heaven. Those are the people that inspire me, and those are the people I have tried to surround myself with in life. Individuals that are unwavering in their love for their Savior, and those with both a deep intellectual AND loving knowledge of their Creator. Steve was such a man. Today I have no doubt whatsoever that I will one day see Steve again. That comfort is priceless. That is the comfort I want to personally leave everyone when I leave this world. From a sound engineer’s standpoint, Steve Whitaker was a unique drummer. I put him in the same category as Stewart Copeland in the fact that he literally marched to his own beat. His style was unique, and I feel for anyone who ever tried to cover a Barren Cross song exactly. Some of the riffs he pulled off seemed simple until you started breaking them down in your head, or tried to copy them. Then you would realize that you were in way over your head, trying to figure out a master musician. More than once during soundcheck as my brain was focusing on his kick and snare patterns did a smile come up on my face, knowing that what I was listening to was nowhere close to traditional. It was a unique style. Unique to the individual who came up with it.

Steve, a chess master, was my chess mentor. The very first time I played him on tour with my first move of the game, he looked at me and said you are either an utter moron, or an utter genius. Then he sat, thought, and studied. Unfortunately, I was the moron. I have no idea over the years and how many games we played together, or how many times he beat me. I do, however know exactly how many times I beat him. Once. He will be known as the great drummer from Barron Cross, but another area that he totally shined in that he probably didn’t get as much recognition as he deserved was as a writer. Two of the greatest Barren Cross songs were written by Steve, King of Kings, and Out of Time. Of course he contributed to all of the Barren Cross songs and wrote others, but those lyrics are definitive Barren Cross.

Steve, you will be missed, but in the grand scheme of things we will see each other soon enough. Thank you for bringing me into your world and introducing me to the Barren Cross family. Lifelong friends and beyond.

Barren Cross - Imaginary Music * original music video *