Drew Shirley
Full Name: Andrew Philip Shirley
Nickname: Drew
Date of Birth: April 3, 1974
Birthplace: San Diego, California
Height: about 183 cm (6’0)
Immediate Family: Jerry (Dad) & Mom, younger brother, Jenna (wife), Lauren (daughter), Violet (daughter), Lila (daughter)
Hobbies: Producing, music, outdoors, reading, thrift stores
Position in band: Guitar
Favorite food: Nachos (any nachos is okay).
Favorite books: “The Giving Tree” Shel Silverstein
Influenced by artists/albums: “Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) is my favorite guitar player/rock musician/producer. After that a local guitarist, Shawn Tubbs, influenced me greatly. He currently plays in the band of Carrie Underwood and used to play for The Violet Burning.”
First bought record: Bob Marley “Legends”
First concert: Rush
My hero: “There are several. A Scottish teacher: Robert Elliot, an old friend, family advisor: Mark Eatten, Jesus Christ”
Hobbies beside music: “Collect vintage guitars. Searching charity recycle stores for clothes and accessories.”
What I’d be if I hadn’t become a musician: “I probably would have become a school teacher. I like being around kids, because they give me a lot of energy!”
Motto in life: “Love God, love your neighbor.”
Drew was born in Puerto Rico and his walk with the Lord began at the age of 8, when his father, a Navy Chaplain, led him to Jesus and baptized him at the beach. Drew spent most of his childhood in Puerto Rico, but eventually his family moved to California, when his Dad was stationed in San Diego. Music has always been a major part of his life, as his mother was a high school choir teacher. “Growing up, my mom, a high school choir teacher, made me take piano lessons for ten years… and I never thought I would say this… but thanks, Mom!” laughs Drew. In order to lead worship for his church youth group, he learned to play the guitar when he was a senior in high school. Even though Drew played music a lot, it was never something he wanted to do for a career. “I didn’t want to do anything. All I really wanted to do was hang out!” he says.
Drew attended California Baptist College, studying for a Philosophy Major and working for a Fine Arts degree with a Music Minor. While at Cal Baptist, Drew started the Chapel Worship Team and the Thursday Night Live Bible Study. He was also involved in three traveling ensemble groups. “College was a huge time of learning, and the classes were alright too!”
While at college, Drew met future band mates, Charles, Dex and Ben, at a small bible study, and the foursome started the alt-rock band All Together Separate. After graduating from college, Drew began working with Youth for Christ as the Riverside area Campus Life director. All Together Separate released their first CD in 1999. Drew continued playing with All Together Separate, and while the band was fairly successful, they eventually called it quits in 2002.
Drew then began touring and playing guitar for Switchfoot. He toured with them for 2 years before becoming an official member on May 4th, 2005.
In 2001, Drew married his wife, Jenna. In 2004, they had a little girl named Lauren. In fall of 2008, they had a little girl named Violet. Drew and his family currently live in Riverside (a suburb of San Diego), California.
Drew’s musical influences include U2, Miles Davis, Led Zepplin, Jimmy Page, Band of Hourses, My Morning Jacket, Death Cab for Cutie, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Tommy Walker, Phil Keaggy, Michael Jackson, Dave Matthews band and The Brand New Heavies. “As far as musical styles go, I just love music. You can really find something good in anything that has life and groove”, Drew says.
Not only is a Drew a talented musician (the guys say that out of all the guys in the band, Drew is the most skilled at his instrument), he is also an aspiring producer, and has produced albums for several indie bands and artists.
Tim Foreman (bassist) on Drew: “Of the five of us, Drew is the most skilled on his instrument, and we all have a lot of respect for that. Adding a fifth guy to the band is, I think, a really tricky thing to do. How you get along with each other and live together is more important than how you make music together, ultimately – because you spend a lot more time living together than you do making music. I can’t think of a better fit. I’m amazed at how, without sounding too ‘Tom Cruise’, Drew completes us. Drew is one of the funnier guys in the band, always cracking jokes. He has an extravagant supply of shoes. Everyday, you really await what pair of shoes he’ll don that day. He’s a classy fellow. You want him as your wingman if you are going to be rubbing shoulders with classy folks. We played a show early on with Sheryl Crow, for example. We were ready to leave, couldn’t find Drew – ‘Where’s Drew?’ – which is a common question in the band. We thought about making a shirt that says, “Where’s Drew?” Turns out, he’s in Sheryl Crow’s dressing room, talking about guitars, eating her food. He’s that type of guy, he can rub shoulders with anyone.”
Tim Foreman (bassist) on Drew: “The funny thing about a band, it’s like a family where you kind of trade roles depending on what role needs to be filled. Generally speaking, Drew’s the one that keeps us laughing. But you know, like anyone, he can have his down days, where he’s just kind of mellow and not feeling like being funny… and someone else will take the rise…”