Who Are The Rusty Shackles?

Ed Locher IV

Ed Locher IV is the front-man of The Rusty Shackles. A multi-instrumentalist since childhood, Locher had long been inspired to form a group of his own, but struggled to find a group of like-minded people with his shared passion for music. All that changed when he met Chris Verbano at a retail store, and the two formed The Rusty Shackles while Ed was hosting open mic nights.

Ed's punk roots have been a catalyst for his unique songwriting style. Though he cherished country and folk music from a young age, the punk message of nihilism and social unrest still rings in Locher's head (and heart.) His lyrics tell the stories of the working class residents of his home town, both past and present, and their struggle to find dignity in a world they feel has left them behind. 

Adam Milkovich

The lead guitarist of The Rusty Shackles, Adam Milkovich discovered his love of music in the stacks of his aunt's record collection, which he found himself listening to as young as 3 years old- and everything he listens to, he remembers. The band's Human Encyclopedia, Adam is often quick to quell disputes with his knowledge, and even quicker on the fretboard of his guitar. He also provides the Shackles with their signature vocal harmonies.

A man of many talents, Milkovich was an easy choice to take up the mantle of lead guitar for The Rusty Shackles. His impressive leads provide a grimy, crunching drive on the Shackles' hard rocking songs and a haunting ether on their ballads. His skill as a musician, and as a friend, make Adam a valued member of the band.

Chris Verbano

A solid bass player is the backbone of every band- and Chris Verbano is as solid as a concrete wall. The co-founder of The Rusty Shackles, Chris discovered Ed working a dead-end retail job and took him under his wing. Chris has been a dedicated co-pilot ever since. He is without question the most outspoken member of the band, not afraid to make controversial decisions in the name of making sure that the music is as good as it can be.

Dependable as more than just a bass player, the Verbano home doubles as the practice headquarters for the Shackles. Many of the band's best works have been drafted right on Chris's dining room table. His uncanny vision and excellent ear have helped to shape The Rusty Shackles into the formidable entity that it is today.

Luke Harrison

Luke Harrison took an interesting turn in musical style when he joined The Rusty Shackles. The former hard rock and metal drummer might have had to slow down his beats to play with this Americana group, but he certainly hasn't mellowed out. His polyrhythms and bold style take the Shackles to a new level of complexity. Luke does what many Americana drummers are too afraid to do- he plays the drum kit the way it is supposed to be played.

Luke provides more than just his percussion skills to the band. During the Shackles' most intense practice sessions, Harrison can be heard throwing out ideas and breaking tension with comedic relief. He's also the life of the party at live performances. It might have been Luke's skill as a drummer that brought him to The Rusty Shackles, but it was his charming personality that kept him around.