Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Robbie Merrill started to play bass at the age of 14, trading a train set for a bass, and using his dad's sound equipment to do so. He has played in country, blues, reggae, progressive, and '50s/'60s cover bands, before co-founding Godsmack. Merrill currently lives in Auburn, New Hampshire, where he lives with his wife and children. He is an avid hockey and motocross fan. He is currently in the process of starting a motocross shop.