Robbie Merrill
Robbie Merrill (born June 13, 1963) is an American bassist, best known as a founding member of Godsmack and Another Animal. He was featured in the "" interactive music video. Biography. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Merrill started playing bass at age fourteen, having traded in his train set for the instrument. Before joining Godsmack, Merrill worked as a self-employed carpenter, a trade likewise pursued by Tony Rombola. Merrill lives in St. Augustine, Florida, with his wife Heather and daughters Nianna, Nikiah, and Neven. Although he plays lefthanded, Merrill writes righthanded due to a birth defect that renders him  unable to move the middle finger of his left hand. Musical style. Merrill uses Dunlop Clear "D" plastic fingerpicks on his plucking-hand index and ring fingers, which contributes to his distinctive style of play. According to Merrill, when he is in the studio, he runs a Line 6 guitar POD direct for growly, midrangy distortion, and he blends that with miked cabinets."