Shinedown's Barry Kerch almost ended his beloved career after facing an unexpected incident.
For decades, Kerch never missed any of Shinedown's shows. However, he needed to step down temporarily after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Dustin Steinke filled in during his absence in 2021.
He successfully came back and started touring with his band again. But before his return, things got worse that he almost ended his career because of his elbow injury.
On Southeast Orthopedic Specialist's YouTube channel, a video of the drummer's testimonial revealed the health issue he went through.
According to Kerch, he began suffering from elbow issues after touring without rest for a long time. He started experiencing soreness after he and his daughter had a dance party in their living room after his and the band's tour.
"The next morning I woke up and I was, like, 'Oh, this is not good. It kind of hurts.' And I ignored it," he said. "And then when it got bad, I got really nervous. That's when I knew it was time to take a knee and get some help, and I'm glad I did."
Kerch then went to Southeast Orthopedic Specialists' Dr. Murphy and underwent the Platelet-Rich Plasma procedure. It allowed his doctor to take his blood and spin it down to obtain the plasma. After doing so, the doctor reinjected it into his body.
Aside from this, he also underwent physical therapy three days a week while also doing it at home.
With the help of his medical team, Kerch was able to save his career and feel like new again while performing on stage.
Shinedown's Gigs With Barry Kerch Canceled
Kerch would have shown more of his "newly-improved" self in Shinedown's recent tours.
However, two months ago, the band canceled its 2022 tour dates in Europe due to the "economic and logistical side of touring." Among the canceled schedules included shows in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, and France.
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The European leg was supposed to start on Nov. 7 and end on Dec. 9.
Still, the drummer did well in Shinedown's UK shows with Asking Alexandria and Zero 9:36. The show started on Nov. 26 in Cardiff and ended in London on Dec. 1.
Shinedown also garnered praises and milestones with its latest album, "Planet Zero." It secured the No. 5 spot on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 1 on several other Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Rock, Hard Rock, and Alternative Albums.
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