JBT Drummer Turns Hero

13 August 2007

John Butler Trio drummer Michael Barker has been named a hero after attempting to save a drowning man last week.

Barker was apparently riding his bike to a Townsville pool when he stopped to help pull a man out of the Ross River.

Despite Barker's and another man's attempt to revive him, 22-year-old Shane Solomon tragically died at the scene by the time paramedics had arrived. "I was just on my way to the pool to go for a swim," Barker said. "I just heard a bit of ruckus and there was a lady calling for help so myself and another gentleman went down to assist."

The John Butler Trio are currently on the road for their Grand National tour, with their next show scheduled for tomorrow night in Launceston.