wade 'metal' Helm - drums :
Gear:
Drums: Pearl
World Series 5 piece drum kit,
Zildjian and Sabian cymbals |
personal story:
It all began in 1978. I was 10 years old, and I heard Kiss for the first time. I was instantly hooked. The passion, the power…the over the top imagery. From that point on, hard rock and heavy metal music would be the soundtrack of my life.
When I was in junior high, I got my first drum. Just a snare drum (and a hi-hat). I would sit on the edge of my bed and play along with all my Kiss records. The only thing I wanted to do from that point on was to be a ‘rock star'.
For years and years, music was the only thing that mattered to me. Throughout junior high and high school, I spent every dime and every waking moment engrossed in my metal music. But then, something happened…
I had a best friend who was always inviting me to church and to his youth group. I didn't really want to go. I thought it would be boring…and I didn't feel like being preached to. In October of 1984, this same friend invited me to go to church camp with him. So I made the 5 hour trek to Wisconsin. That turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
That weekend, the truth of Jesus Christ, and who He is was presented to me. I realized that I was a sinner who needed God's grace and forgiveness. I couldn't be good enough to earn salvation. Being a good person wasn't enough. Jesus died for me and paid the price for me. I didn't have to do anything, except believe and accept that fact.
I came home from camp that weekend as a new man! God had truly done something wonderful in my life. And I wanted to share that with others.
That is where my two worlds came together. What better way to share what has happened in my life than through my favorite music!
Over the years, I have had the immense privilege of playing in a few bands and sharing God's truth.
I don't have dreams of being a ‘rock star' anymore. But I consider it an honor to play the music I love and be able to share an eternal message through that music. Hopefully you will enjoy the music and give the message a listen as well.