Many of you know I have been playing with Merchant Band for 5 years. It has been a blast! I’m leaving the team on good terms with no motives other than the Lord is shifting things for all of us. It’s a good time for me and the band.
In celebration of the legacy that we’ve built up I’ve decided to write a post of some unknown facts, inside jokes, shoutouts and memories.
If you have any of your own memories of Merchant Band or you would just like to say something please feel free to post it in the comments.
You may not know
- When I first joined the team 5 years ago, our schedule at IHOP was two 6am sets and one 4am set.
- Corey Russell used to be our prayer leader
- Tim Reimherr is 30 years old
- Josh Motlong came up with the name for the band
- Marcus has the worst coffee breath ever
- We could fit all our gear and all of us in Ben’s old Jetta
- There was a sweet electric guitar line that went with the song Just Beyond the Veil off our first album but it never made it to the final track
- Just Beyond The Veil was almost the name of our first album
I Remember
- The first time we played with loops. They were on a CD and we used a CD player. The tracks were only 20 minutes long and one time we forgot the loop was going and then after 20 minutes the next one started but we were still in a song. Everyone immediately looked at me as if I was wrecking everything. “It’s not my fault. tell ben to stop the CD player.”
- The day after Marcus and I re-tracked some drums in Indiana, we went to a local pub and had reubens with Black and Tans
- Our first trip to Ichthus Music Festival. 12″ deep mud. Massive mud boots. Free Chick-Fil-A.
- Mandy not coming to our early morning set because she didn’t get to bed until 9:30 the night before
- Ben and I doing a devo in the prayer room. He played keys and I just read the Bible
- REALM
Inside Jokes
- “Yeah, No, Yeah. Totally.”
- Ben and Josh, I wish I could just put the MP3 on but instead I’ll try to quote it: “woah ooh, ohohoh”
- “In the name of Jesus, we have liberty…”
- Marcus, remember this? - “Rise up women of the truth…”
- Ryan being late every day but wednesday, and then asking us to make sure we’re all on time on Wednesdays
- Snoring in the Spirit
Shoutouts
- Ben, Josh, Josh, Isaac, Evan, Steven, Seth, Ryan
- Pat and Debbie Boon
- Two Tacos
- All the others that have been a part of this band and team over the past years
Going out in Style
New Year’s Eve Merchant Band will get to bring in 2007 with 12,000 young adults. It will be my last time playing with the band; so I will be drumming in a shirt and tie to celebrate.
To read more on this site about Merchant Band, click here.
Ben Cunnington said:
Well of course I have to be the first one to post! What a ride huh? What a list of great memories. I will definately be thinking of some to add soon. Merchant Band was an amazing thing. It’s funny though because I always thought about the band as just a few guys that loved to worship and play great music together and not “Merchant Band” I will definately be writing some “inside jokes” and great times from the Merchant Band history book. I’ll leave you for now with this: “Hey let’s all not do so many drum fills!”
More to come from me…
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 8:26 pm
Abby said:
No lies Shawn, this saddens me greatly but I understand and agree with the Lord’s shifting you guys around. I’m excited to get a copy of the new album at OneThing and see you guys rock in the new year.
Blessings!
~Abby
P.S. I don’t believe some of your “you may not have knowns”
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Shawn said:
@Ben - I totally forgot about that one! That’s one of the classics too. “Hey, let’s all try to play the right notes on the bass.”
@Abby - Thanks.
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 10:19 pm
Elise e. Biesee said:
Shawn if you caught the train to Marrow yesterday, you would have been to Marrow today.
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 10:41 pm
Ryan Rizal Fizal Moku Nui said:
HA! That’s awesome! My favorite was Ben, Kirk, Luke, and myself setting all the alarms in Shawn’s house to say “5:50am” at 10:30pm and then telling Shawn he’s late the set! Good times man! Thanks for the shout out! Aloha
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 12:01 am
Josh said:
As a self-proclaimed wannabe groupie, I just have to say you’ve done an awesome job, Shawn. You’ve grown so much over the past few years (especially this past year, I believe) in drumming, in spiritual maturity, and with the blossoming authority I see beginning to form in you. It seems your heart is settling into something bigger than, “I play drums in cool band” … it’s called identity and blessed are those who find it.
Without recognizing the extent of your influence, you have helped shape the world of drummers at IHOP. Specifically, you have helped them see the necessity of forming the entire band into “one voice, one sound” as it comes from the platform. It’s not every musician and singer for themselves, and let’s show off a little bit since we’ll be up there for a while; it’s a higher vision of functioning as one unit in order to join the congregation in giving an astounding God the praise He is due. This is your example.
You’ve broken new ground and set standards we are all now expected to achieve. Yes, I do believe your team was the first to talk about that silly thing called a, uh … a slap, no … a chock, no … oh yeah, a click. Now, that ubiquitous digitally equalized metronomic indicator is “an ever-present help in times of rhythmic flubble”. (On a side note, if a worship leader ever says in the middle of a set, “Let’s all try to stick with a simple beat,” he ain’t talking to the keyboardist—even if you both have the same name. Just wanted to clarify. Cuz then he moves on to, “Okay, that’s not working either, so why don’t you just drop out and we’ll do a selah,” which roughly translates to, “Shut up uncoordinated rhythm boy!” If I had a nickel for every time…)
A word picture in a Shakespearean accent, if I may. (*Ehem*) In the sea of drumming, I feel the pressure of your titanic wake bearing against my tugboat putterings.
Thank you for giving these and many more gifts to the drummers of IHOP. We are bitt—better … that’s what I meant … stupid spell-checker—for it.
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 12:19 am
John Hendrickson said:
BUDDY BOY!!
You’ll be missed!, But… What’s needed, is needed! Love seein’ ya around! Crank it with that tie! Oh, Are you doing a fish net shirt to match it?
Blessings,
-John Hendrickson
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 1:09 am
Mandy Roe said:
Shawn,
Give me a little credit–I HAD MONO!!! And from then on I needed to get AT LEAST 8 wonderful hours of sleep. Okay maybe I was pushing it. Still you guys loved me.
I loved our team and will ALWAYS cherish every single one of you and every memory.
God Bless!
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 8:14 am
isaac bennett said:
Dude that was a sick electric guitar line for just beyond the veil. Rememeber when Ben and I would play it every time and Marcus would get mad at us?
“Hey, let’s all try to play the right notes on the bass.”
…it still rings in my tone deaf ears…
Remember when we used to talk in English “Spinal tap” accepts for the whole debriefing and briefing. Man, those were the days. It was definately the Lord that I left, all I did was goof around. Now you guys are good!
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:42 am
isaac bennett said:
Oh I forgot one more thing. Do you remember: “We love you, in the name of Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, in the name of Jesus…”?
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:43 am
Shawn said:
@ isaac - Remember that 3 note melody line from Matt Redman’s “Beatuy of Your Holiness”?
Are you referring to that Asian lady who crawled accross the floor and stuck her hand up on the podium and groped around for the mic and then read her prayer?
Remember when Marcus and Tim got a sub-worship leader (who will remain nameless) and he did that key change without telling us…. Then he goes, “Let’s just stop. Stop. Keep playing Ben. Yes, Lord. You are good…”
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:53 am
isaac bennett said:
Yes that’s her! She crawled on the floor in front of the stage so that the prayer leader (I think it was Rick Rupp) wouldn’t see her.
-Yes I remember the key change break down. That was so funny.
That brings up an important message for any worship leader. Tip #37 - If you want to confuse and anger your team, randomly switch keys without telling them.
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 11:02 am
Jo said:
Too many memories!
I have had the priviledge of travel with you all for the past two years. So most of mine are found in the wee hours of the morning, hurridly packing the shuttles at 5am…. or 4!
–Trying to plan ahead and pre-packing a shuttle, only to find it dead and have to unload it and reload another one at 4:15am!
–Getting to the airport only to discover that Marcus does NOT have his ID. (Of course he won’t forget it anymore because we ask him EVERY time “Everyone have everything? Marcus you have your id?”
– Remember when you guys were in “keyboard player” transition and a guy from the church played with you in Atlanta? Definitely not Josh or Ben!
– Another awkward moment …. “harp & bowl” at a recent regional that shall remain nameless. One by one all the guys “dissapper” off stage and into the green room…. Shawn comes in last : “Thanks for leaving me guys!”
– Last year at onething I was watching from backstage (one of the few moments I got to stand still for a momemnt) and you guys were playing. There was this surreal view with you on your drum platform… the lights creating this cool silhouette…. you guys reached a climax — had a pause of silence and Shawn you pumped your arms in the air three times and then ROCKED out! I loved it!!! Got goosebumps! Hydraulic throne!
Good times friend…. I’m excited for this next phase that we’ve talked about!
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 11:13 am
Ruth said:
aawww…
..it sounds like you had a great time together as a team!
I just remember last year at the OT conference I really enjoyed the worship, you know..the blow out..everyone was just jumping and shouting and it looked like you were just jumping behind the drums..anyways.. i’m excited as well to see a copy of your new sophomore release really soon. Bless you!
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 11:42 am
Hollie said:
Well… You always wonder what might happen while you’re out of town. Y’all always ask about it when I pick you up at the airport after a onething, and I almost always report back that you didn’t miss a thing. Now, I’m in GA, and a big one’s going down. It doesn’t so much have anything to do with me, but things already feel a little different. Even here.
Grace to you and the guys during the transition; and I’m excited to see what kind of new adventures will be coming your way!
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 12:36 pm
Skim said:
Oh no…sad day. What’s up with transitions these days?
You feel my pain huh?!? It will tear you to pieces, but He remains faithful!!!
Just for the record, you have done such an amazing job well done. I have to agree with Josh watching you grow in the Lord has provoked me in many ways!
I too was blessed to travel with you on onething trips! You always made me feel appreciated and never took the little things for granted.
You are a treasure and only those that seek for quality and honor will find you.
I’ll be praying for your hearts… Love well, -Skimmer
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Ben Cunnington said:
@ Jo - Hey speaking of traveling, you weren’t around at the first Atlanta Onething when Shawn, your man Tyler, and I decided to play a “trick” on the rest of the team. This is back when we drove to Atlanta with the Ihop/Laurie Stead’s beast of a truck and a big cargo trailer. We were all meeting at the Church to hit the road home and we decided it would be funny to move the trailer with all our stuff in it and put it across the street so people would think it got stolen. Ha! sounds pretty funny right? Dwayne and Jesika were kinda freaking out and dwayne gets in his van to go look for it. Then he comes back like 2 minutes later and wants to call the cops. By this time i think it’s time to interject and tell him what really happened. Although this didn’t go over nearly as good as we thought it would. Let’s just say Shawn, Tyler and I all road togetehr the whole way home by ourselves. I don’t know why they didn’t think it was funny. It’s not like they just finished a 3 day conference and it was 5:30am and we had a 14 hour drive ahead of us or anything… They of course got over it pretty quickly and can laugh about it now.
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Ben Cunnington said:
Shawn - Ah yes the loops on cd! What an incredible technological advance huh? And that was only like 4 years ago right? I just remember trying to use that one cd with our 3 loops on it and discman at the first “big” Onething in December. We were doing the sound check and becasue the sound system was way beefier than Ihop and had tons of bass it made the cd skip. Ahhh noooo! Not our loops! What are we going to do now? So like any normal person trying to use loops with a discman we just got a big piece of foam and set the discman on it to absorb the vibration. And it worked. Wow! Look how far things have come. It’s like cassete tapes vs. mp3s or something…
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Jo said:
@Ben — I’ve heard the story! I love it! Actually I was around for that trip. That was my first onething. But I was shy and “the new girl”.
I ran registration…. however Laura Hackett and I flew home that morning so we missed the excitement.
You jokers!
Don’t know why Jes and D are such party poopers. You need to start traveling with us again Ben! Bring your little mama and the baby along!
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 2:31 pm
The other Andy said:
The “in the name of Jesus lady” has to be the funniest story. Last summer when I travled with Bound4LifeKC we made Isaac tell that story over and over again
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Jerry James said:
Photos would be fun.
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 8:21 pm
Shawn said:
@ Jerry - After the new year I’ll put up some pics from the onething and some others from my archives.
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:05 pm
Zack Hensley said:
My favorite memory of Merchant Band, was when I lived in your basement, and you guys were practicing for the “REALM” CD in our living room. I was in the night watch so I never got home until 7am, then at 11am…a;sljkdhfuiowhekjsaNKLFHSANFLKSDHAFNKLSADHNF… It was madness!! your drumset was pushed against the wall I laid my head by, and I just remember thinking, “Wow, I like these guys, but right now I’ll I want to do is light Shawns drums on fire! Then I came out and Marcus was like “oh sorry man did we wake you?” I believe I mumbled somthing completely inadudible, and went back into my room, and put in my earplugs. Though I don’t think I ever fell back asleep.
There were many memories that I have for the Merchant Band, but I love and respect of you not because your songs are good, or the worship touches me, though I love all that, it’s fruit of something else, your faithfulness. For your faithfulness day in and day out I commend you, and deeply respect you. Every morning the past 5 years as I’m leaving to go to bed, there you guys are, taking the tourch as we on the nightwatch pass it. I remember one time watching you guys get in late from a onething conference somewhere at 3am, going home to bed, only to be back at 5:30am for your set in the prayer room that same morning. I pray that God increases grace in your life as you step into this next phase of life! love you man! bless you
Posted on December 16, 2006 at 4:54 am
Mom said:
Shawn, my eyes are full of tears as I write this, I keep blinking them so I can see to type. I was sad when Josh M left Merchant Band, I was sad when Ben moved away, and now I must give myself time to grieve this transition. Marcus, Tim, Sarah, Rose - some of our beloved friends at IHOP. I know this fits in the “for everything there is a season” category, so for those of us who loved what you, Marcus and Tim created, there will be a season of sadness.
One of my favorite memories of witnessing your band playing was during onething KC 2003. My first time to see you play drums on a big stage. I was so proud. During one of the sessions, I was standing next to Anna. At that time, you had moved on from “friends” stage to boyfriend/girlfriend! Because I was so proud of you, and kept watching you drum, and getting in a little worship on the side. During the song “I can’t wait for our wedding day to come”, I took a sidelong glance at Anna to see if her eyes were also on you. No. Her eyes were closed, her face turned heavenward, she was worshipping intently. I was humbled and impressed.
Posted on December 16, 2006 at 10:55 pm
Shawn said:
Wow, mom thanks for the note. It is unique season of change for all of us. It is hard and exciting at the same time.
Posted on December 16, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Rose said:
Shawn, every month when we would take a week to sing about the Cross you so LOVED it and wanted to do it every week. Everyday you could have done a set about Jesus dying for us. You sit down in the shade of the cross with great delight and feast at the banqueting house with His banner of love over you….beautiful.
So many memories…..laughing, crying, praying for healing, praying for one another, praying against abortion, singing through the Song of Solomon, singing the drama of the Cross, your journey with Anna and talking about desire, your wedding and the man taking communion for the first time, the spirit of prophecy that rests on you, Passover in your living room, you and Anna cooking breakfast for everyone the day I moved to Israel……
I love you and am so proud of the man you have become.
Rose
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Moleskining » Fighting to Stay Awake said:
[...] Getting to bring in 2007 was amazing. It was my last night playing with Merchant Band. I’ve been with Marcus and Tim for 5 years now. What an amazing ride. Dwayne introduced us at 11pm and told the whole crowd it was my last set, and I received a round of applause. Thank-you everyone. Last night really felt like I was playing and worshipping with 10,000 of my closest friends… [...]
Posted on January 1, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Life after Merchant Band » Fighting to Stay Awake said:
[...] Now that I am no longer with Merchant Band there are questions I find myself facing. [...]
Posted on January 14, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Steve Atwood said:
Hi Everyone!
I have totaly been blessed by the amazing gift’s God has given to you all, and how you share it with the world. I have been the drummer at the Michigan IHOP for about three years now and totaly love the spontaneous worship and allowing God to play thru me. I’m excited and sad that the band is changing but, God directs are steps and the next chapter will be even more inspiring. Blessings to all of you. If your ever in Michigan or need a drummer or percussionist Give me a call. Peace.
Posted on March 14, 2007 at 9:04 am
August, and Everything After | The Fight Spot said:
[...] was January 1st that I officially became Merchant Band’s ex-drummer. A few weeks later I joined the natorious Justin Rizzo team and got to rock for 6 months. All the [...]
Posted on August 1, 2007 at 9:51 am
Brett wade said:
I am not married yet but when Iget married Iwang to have the song wedding day playing I heard that playing at one thing and I got the podcast,but I lost it. Hoping I could learn it or buy somehow any recommendations.
Posted on November 4, 2007 at 11:12 am
caleb finley said:
wow, I have been so out of the loop with ihop i can’t believe it has been a year since you have not been playing.
I just want to say thank you so much because if it wasn’t for you, Tim and Marcus I would not have become the drummer I am today. I have had many enjoyable times along side of you my friend.
Go With God.
Posted on January 14, 2008 at 10:10 am
Martha said:
hi there
i just met merchand band here in Morelia
Mexico where i live
i met them at vida abundante when we had
ONETHING this activity for the youth
i loved it
God Bless you
Posted on May 2, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Angela said:
Do you mind I type chinese?
?????????!??????????
????^^
Posted on August 29, 2009 at 1:35 am