Scott Travis Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Judas Priest Drummer | MetalForge
Scott Travis (born September 6, 1961, in Norfolk, Virginia) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for British heavy metal legends Judas Priest since 1989. He is the only American member in Judas Priest's history and brought a new level of technical prowess and double bass drumming to the band. Before joining Judas Priest, Travis was a founding member of neo-classical metal band Racer X, where he established his reputation as a technically gifted drummer. His powerful double bass technique and precise playing reinvigorated Judas Priest's sound, particularly evident on albums like "Painkiller" (1990), which is considered one of the greatest metal drumming performances ever recorded.
Complete biography of Scott Travis, Judas Priest's drummer since 1989. Explore his revolutionary double bass technique, career with Racer X, and influence on heavy metal drumming.
Scott Travis Biography
Scott Travis (born September 6, 1961, in Norfolk, Virginia) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for British heavy metal legends Judas Priest since 1989. He is the only American member in Judas Priest's history and brought a new level of technical prowess and double bass drumming to the band.
Before joining Judas Priest, Travis was a founding member of neo-classical metal band Racer X, where he established his reputation as a technically gifted drummer. His powerful double bass technique and precise playing reinvigorated Judas Priest's sound, particularly evident on albums like "Painkiller" (1990), which is considered one of the greatest metal drumming performances ever recorded.
Career Highlights
- 1985: Founded Racer X with Paul Gilbert; recorded "Street Lethal"
- 1987: Released "Second Heat" with Racer X
- 1989: Joined Judas Priest, replacing Dave Holland
- 1990: Recorded "Painkiller," a landmark of metal drumming
- 1991: Toured extensively on Painkiller World Tour
- 1996: Continued with Judas Priest through Tim "Ripper" Owens era
- 2003: Reunited with Rob Halford for "Angel of Retribution"
- 2008: Released "Nostradamus" concept album
- 2014: Released "Redeemer of Souls" to critical acclaim
- 2018: Released "Firepower," achieving highest chart positions in band history
- 2024: Released "Invincible Shield," continuing Judas Priest's legacy
Style & Influences
Scott Travis's drumming style combines powerful double bass technique with precision and musicality. His playing on "Painkiller" set a new standard for metal drumming, demonstrating that speed could coexist with groove and dynamics.
Key Influences:
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive precision and composition
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal intensity
- Terry Bozzio: Technical innovation
- Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake): Hard rock power
Signature Techniques:
- Relentless double bass patterns with machine-like precision
- Powerful, commanding snare sound
- Creative use of china cymbals and accents
- Dynamic control across extreme tempos
- Ability to play fast while maintaining groove
Gear Highlights
Scott Travis has been a long-time endorser of ddrum, Paiste Cymbals, DW Pedals, and Vic Firth Drumsticks. His setup emphasizes power and projection for arena-level performances.
Current Setup:
- Drums: ddrum Dominion Series shell pack
- Snare: ddrum Scott Travis Signature 14"x6.5"
- Cymbals: Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series (14" RUDE Hi-Hats, 18"/19" RUDE Crashes, 22" RUDE Power Ride, 18" RUDE China)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series Double Pedal on a Gibraltar rack
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Remo
Setup Philosophy:
- ddrum shell pack built for cut through Judas Priest's dual-guitar attack
- Signature snare designed to his own specifications
- Paiste RUDE cymbals for aggressive, arena-cutting projection
- DW 9000 Series double pedal for speed and control on world tours