Drummer and founding member of Barren Cross, Steve Whitaker died on Thursday. The Christian metal pioneer had been struggling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), a rare neurodegenerative disease. He was dedicated family member and brother in Christ, who not only kept time for the band, but also wrote some of their most recognizable songs, including such standards as “Give Your Life,” “King of Kings,” and “Out of Time.”
Forming in 1983, Barren Cross was seen as one of the most prominent Christian metal bands of the early era, signing to the influential mainstream label Enigma Records, while never compromising their Christian faith to reach a larger audience. The band’s music was strong enough to stand on its own, even with their blatant lyrics about their faith in the Lord. The band released a total of 5 studio albums, a live album, and a plethora of singles and compilations.
A crowdfunding effort has been organized by friends of the band in order to support family members who have been left behind by Steve’s untimely death, and to assist with costs incurred by medical treatments in his final years.
