A Weird Phone Call, A Custom Chopper And Shriners’ Hospitals

SHAWN BARKER. Owner/operator of Barker Gang Custom Restoration & Collision, Shawn Barker, has been mingling with stardom this year after being contacted for a special request by members of the legendary band Foreigner. (Sentinel photo by Nick Wilson)

RIDE FOR THE CHILDREN. Rockville native Shawn Barker (middle) stands tall with his new friends and fundraiser associates Mick Jones (left) and Kelly Hansen of the band Foreigner in Tampa, Florida, this past September; the trio proudly display a chopper custom-built by Barker that will join the band on its 2019 North American Tour, raising money for Shriners Hospital for Children all along the way. (photo submitted)

By Nick Wilson

Sentinel Reporter

When the legendary band Foreigner gives you a call … you answer.

That’s exactly what long-time local businessman Shawn Barker did earlier this year — answering a call (or email, rather) that has led to a custom-built chopper (with another in the works), a trip to Tampa, Florida, backstage passes to a concert in Louisville, and a seemingly unlikely friendship between the Rockville native and one of rock music’s leading frontmen, Kelly Hansen.

The result of these adventures?

A ruby red chopper, built by Barker at his business Barker Gang Custom Restoration & Collision in Rockville, will travel with the band during its 2019 North American Tour and be shown on stage, advertising a sort of “raffle” that will raise money and awareness for Shriners Hospitals for Children nationwide.

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