I started playing guitar in 1965 while in 5th grade (heavily influenced by the Beatles). My grandfather gave me a four string tenor guitar which I played until receiving my first electric six string guitar for Christmas in 1966.
I, along with Roger Little, Vaughn Coburn and Rick Cooke, formed the “Glass Menagerie” band in 1967. We played many “dances” around the Shelby area including the Girl Scout House and Central School Gym after the football games. I really enjoyed playing in that band and what a great time for music, with the Beatles, Cream, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix hits all over the radio.
I continued playing with various bands around the Mansfield, Willard and Shelby area, jamming with a lot of great musicians, and always striving to improve.
In 1971 we formed a band called “Cottonmather” with band members Ron Erdmann, Dick Johnston, Jerry Garn, Jack Sandel, me and my brother Kurt Barkdull (who was 15 at the time). Stan Simms later was a member. We played in night clubs all around the state including the Cellar in Sandusky and the Canterberry Inn in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Around 1973 the “Ratz Band” was formed with Mook Barnard, Karl Weber, Jerry Garn, Kurt Barkdull and myself. We were together until the fall of 1975.
The “Back On Earth Band” was originated sometime around 1978. Normally a lead guitar player, this was the first band in which I played keyboard. Even though we’ve been through many personnel changes (an upcoming band history will explain all this) we still rock on TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
Album credits include, Chuck Kaber`s "Gray Clouds Rolling", Jerry Garn`s solo album "When a Bridge Burns" and the Infernofest CD.
Eric's Gear
My main guitar is a late model Fender American Deluxe "Fat Strat" played through a 1970's Fender Super Reverb Amp. I modified the amp with the post pre-amp master volume and am really happy with this amp.
For keyboards I am using a Korg X-3 which I have had since the early '90's. I use a Roland Jazz Chorus 70 amp for my stage monitor.
I will also use anything that the equipment manufacturers will give me for endorsement. (like a new Gibson 1959 re-issue Les Paul or Matchless or Marshall amps.) Funny- no one has contacted me yet?
The harmonica's I use are Hohner Blues Harp's and a chromatic harmonica (on which Stevie Wonder is a master and I am a complete beginner.) I use a Shure "green bullet" microphone to give the harp it's distorted sound.
Cottonmather
- Stan Simms
- Jerry Garn
- Dick Johnston
- Eric Barkdull
- Kurt Barkdull
- Jack Sandel
Ratz Band
- Jerry Garn
- Karl Weber
- Eric Barkdull
- Kurt Barkdull
- Mook Barnard
Glass Menagerie Eric Barkdull-Vaughn Coburn-Rick Cooke-Roger Little
