Drum Rundown with Scott Travis of Judas Priest

[@davidnissim589]

Scott is an example of achieving your dreams. He was a huge Judas Priest fan in high school (which was around the time that Stained Class came out), and his first band Racer X was influenced by Judas Priest. He did whatever he could to draw attention to Priest since he wanted to be their drummer, even going so far as to give Rob Halford a tape of his playing after a Priest show in Hampton, VA (where he grew up). When Dave Holland left the band, Racer X’s frontman Jeff Martin (a friend of Halford) called Scott and set up a drum audition with Judas Priest. He got it, and made his debut on Painkiller a year later. And now he’s been their drummer for 31 years. Dude’s living his dream.

[@AldoMetalDrums]

So you're saying that basically Jeff Martin threw him into the arms of success by letting him go and join Judas Priest?, Holly shit, if that is not true friendship I don't know what it is, RESPECT!

[@davidnissim589]

@@AldoMetalDrums Yep. Scott needed to be recognized and Judas Priest needed an upgrade from Dave Holland.

[@DrummerAndyTaiwan]

Sick story, legendary drummer!

[@efwfew]

Nice move by Jeff Martin. Racer X is amazing as well and the drum (and guitars ofc) kick absolute ass.

[@RockbertoRocks]

As good as Scott Travis is a a drummer, i think Jeff Martin is an even better "pure" drummer

[@YaoEspirito]

This guy single-handedly gave Priest their ticket into the next generation of metal.

[@poojockmcplop1038]

Definitely. As did Eric Carr for Kiss and Mickee Dee for Motörhead 🤘

[@davidnissim589]

Agreed. Priest is a lot heavier because of him

[@roneystapes]

The truth!

[@Max_Drunk]

He did!!!

[@DGinNC]

Legendary metal bands don't need tickets. They distribute influence, remain legends and are hailed till their dying days as such. Admittance is a given and something they can grant with a simple word of approval.

[@HonkyTonkBuffalo]

Scott is a BEAST behind the kit!! Huge respect.

[@muharremajdari5985]

Scott Travis is one of the best drummers of all time

[@bak-mariterry7386]

I went to elementary, JR high anh High School with him in Norfolk, VA. in the 70's. Great guy then and still is .

[@RobertSmith-sq1wg]

SO WHAT ? NAME DROPPER

[@danielevocals]

Really? Wow!

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

That "Painkiller" intro cemented his legend. \m/

[@Slears]

no it was Racer X - Scarified

[@paradigmshiftz7]

*legacy not legend

[@hellbentfordrums749]

No doubt!! He is AMAZING!!!

[@Palestina.non.grata86]

@@Slears you beat me to saying it first. Glad we're on the same page!

[@salvatoretotoriina9523]

YES

[@singaporeghostclub]

His work in Jugulator was the most badass thing I’ve heard. Period.

[@EyelessRaven]

I own that album and it makes me kill a workout and soothes my pain.

[@DangerousDrummerDado]

Yes! And it's almost never mentioned. Drumming is way over the Painkiller.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

Underrated album

[@davidnissim589]

The Ripper albums deserve more love

[@davidnissim589]

Painkiller is one of the greatest metal albums of all time, and Scott is largely responsible for that.

[@chriswilkinson7636]

They reinvented themselves with Painkiller and they couldn't have made that record with Dave Holland.

[@mooseknuckle9657]

He's been Preist's drummer for 30 years.I still see him as the drummer for Racer X.Geez!

[@HiVoltish]

moose knuckle96 LOL Getting old sucks and is definitely not for the faint of heart.

[@dcyphrz8532]

I was just about to Google it and see if it was the same guy. Love Racer X.

[@wildanS]

I still see him as the "new" drummer lol.

[@Plex45a]

Thank you for the great interview. Scott is a such a beast drummer!! I saw the FIREPOWER show in early April and Priest was fantastic - better than ever!! Everyone performed at an extremely high level of talent. And the FIREPOWER album?!! WOW!!! I listen to it everyday. It's not only Priest's best album to date, it has to be the BEST Metal album of not only 2018, but for the decade! I'm serious!! I'm sure Glenn and the band are extremely proud of this great album! Good luck and best wishes to Judas Priest!!

[@ClassofEighty2]

Was lucky enough to see him with Racer X in late 80s a few times. Very inspiring at the time. He was a huge injection of talent and energy for Priest.

[@jrnsyversen3902]

Close your eyes, and suddenly it's Tom Hanks talking

[@josteinv.jordet257]

Norsk?

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

Close

[@ll7868]

Jørn Syversen Tom could play him in a movie and win an Oscar.

[@markdemell3717]

Haha ,pretty close man.

[@GjergjMero]

It's actually Norm Macdonald

[@andrejpavlov407]

This guy is a LEGEND! He's taken Priest to another level! And I am dead proud I have shaken his hand...

[@davidstock2713]

His seat provision, also foot placement within double bass triplets, is very true. Double bass triplets, within symbol utilization is stellar. One within best closers modern day history, really closing a tract with variations. Never the repititious same closing.

[@arthurbania372]

One of my top favorite drummers ever!!! love to listen to him playing drums

[@richeichelberg2179]

I met Scott back in the 90's when he was on tour with Rob Halford's band FIGHT. We talked drums and PAiSTe cymbals. Great guy and a killer drummer!!

[@keepontruckin7135]

Lucky man to have met such a legend 💯 % badd ass 🔱

[@vedsrivastav3353]

You got that Paiste font right. You're a legend

[@Tx1113]

Just saw Scott at at the Rosemont theater 5/25.. WOW!! awesome!! best drummer ive seen live in long time. Great tone on that kit!!! Great job SCOTT!!!

[@dubenstein6347]

Was a big fan during my freshman year in high school when he was with Paul Gilbert in Racer X. Great

[@liampink8704]

He's sitting down and still the same height 😂

[@davidnissim589]

He’s 6’6. You should see how high his crash cymbals are.

[@chrispeterson73]

Seems like a very nice, sincere, down to earth guy. Preist rules! 👍🍻

[@RamonOchoaMusic]

I'm really liking this setup especially when the Unleashed in the East era songs are played. Scott has the higher pitched drums to match what Les Binks was playing back then.

[@abarragan2973]

Love this set up. He use to keep the 8 and 10 left of the hats. Glad he brought them out. Kit sounds so good live, can’t wait to see them in August!

[@Nissardpertugiu]

Shame he dropped the Ghost notes since 1991

[@willslaughterguitar]

Les Binks is the greatest name ever

[@davidmichaelsen9805]

He is one of my heros for sure

[@Ja_ist_gut]

Thank you for the insights! Great to see him talking about the gear

[@petetherock9900]

Mr. Travis is Legend. He made history with Painkiller & trough the years to toady playing unicat style.

[@HiVoltish]

What an amazing drummer. I only like a few Priest songs but I will watch entire concert just to watch Scott.

[@johndottori9033]

Used to go see scott in his local band days around norfolk. The band was HOOKER. 1985 ish

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Legend ever. Greatness

[@DWBubinga]

Great interview. Nice transitions into different topics. Good job.

[@felipemccrea335]

Nick D'Virgilio, one of the very finest and versatile drums in the world!

[@dmitryowens]

Never heard of him.

[@alexhicks5889]

He was in Spock's Beard.

[@dmitryowens]

@@alexhicks5889 Ah. Not into nerdy prog like that.

[@goosegutz]

I remember when he had his chrome Tama kit on Ebay. Would loved to have bought it but it wasn't cheap and freight woud have been killer. Would be great to own.

[@bertofski]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do more of these videos.

[@STARBREAKER71]

I wish he would do a drum solo live like he did during the Painkiller tour.

[@EyelessRaven]

You want the cosmos to explode again? We can't have another big bang.

[@seekanddestroy162]

I'm really loving this guy in JP

[@sweetwater]

🤘

[@salparadise4804]

*TALKING SCOTT TRAVIS & CYMBAL SET-UPS* I totally dig Scott's ambidextrous approach to the kit, and that sense of restrained power that emanates from him when he plays. He definitely gave JP a shot in the arm right when they needed it - post Turbo - and I don't think anybody can argue with that. Apart from the obvious skill factor, there's also some subtle showmanship involved in his stage presence. I've tried emulating some of those relaxed stick-tosses he does without missing a beat and more often than not I just end up either dropping the stick or the beat, or both and hitting myself in the face! I guess I'm just a head-down pounder at the end of the day, but it is fun trying.Going back to the ambidextrous approach, I don't know if you've noticed but his crash set up is symmetrical. I believe he's using Paiste Signature Reflector Full Heavy Crashes, and so he has two 18"s up front, then two 20"s just behind them - one on each side - and finally a 19" on each side at the back. Sometimes the 19" and 20" are switched, but that's his set up. It's a pretty cool idea mirroring your cymbals, it's not too complicated and you know exactly where everything is. I like four crashes myself, and generally use Paiste Rudes 17/19/18/20 (L-R), but have considered scaling down a bit and using Paiste Signature Fulls or Rudes 16/18/17/18 (again from L-R), as I also like an 18" as my go-to crash and would like to be able to access one on both sides of the kit, while retaining some musicality. So Scott's set-up has confirmed to me that there isn't an issue with doubling up on crashes, in fact it's OK. Another thing I've noticed is Scott's positioning of his X-hat. While most players, me included, would probably position their X-hat between the ride and the low-right-hand cymbal (often a China-type), and usually poking up slightly above and between those two cymbals, Scott's X-hat is given pride of place, bumping the ride back a space. Unusual, but it works. Also, he places the two pairs of hats very high, so he can hit them on the edge for a nice crunch. I remember having to buy two rod extensions for my old hi-hat pedal, so that when I was sitting down it was almost at eye-level. Hi-hats really sound great set up high, but it does take a toll on the edges and they get full of sawdust! As for my thoughts on cymbals in general? I do have one particular old Paiste 22" Rude Ride/Crash that I treasure, as it was the very first brand new cymbal I ever bought - back in 1983 - and somehow it has survived completely unscathed. That cymbal has sentimental value second only to my Dad's watch, but it is an exception to the rule. My cymbal philosophy is buy 'em, beat 'em, break 'em, bin 'em - especially crashes and hi-hats and I have a nice collection of bottoms to prove it*. Apologies for the essay, but I thought it might make interesting reading for all you equipment freaks out there, and let's face it, how many drummers have you met who aren't? P.S. * Paired-up bottom hi-hats can make a great set-up for heavy rock. I'm currently using an ancient 2002 Black Label Heavy Rock Bottom on top of a Rude Sound Edge as my main hat and it sounds fucking great! Live Well And Prosper.

[@sanchezju28]

Cool, great information but keep in mind that Scott is a 2 meter tall guy and that makes all the difference in general!

[@snappythingy]

Love these insight type videos, cool to hear from Scott

[@keepontruckin7135]

Scott Travis you are a legend my brother i strive to be the best like you love ya man!!!! Scott Travis💯%

[@klistarf]

Two incredible drummers! But, what a cool interview. Loved Scott and his playing for so many years. These two guys earned even more of my respect, tonight... \m/ (:o)

[@danwebd4481]

would have loved to see Nick hit that drum kit ! lol

[@maaaguz]

Hi from Germany...thanks for this cool interview and short insight into scotts 2018 JP tour kit....all the best for him and hopefully the Priest wont retire after this tour 18/19

[@chadhoward07]

i love how scott sitting is almost as tall as nick standing.

[@mediumstudio]

YES! MORE DRUM RUNDOWNS PLEASE!!

[@NilsHedstrom]

So true about the cymbals disappearing live. I have a Zildjian K dark thin 16" which I love recording with but live it's sadly too weak, might replace it live with an 18" A custom.

[@HiVoltish]

This guy is an amazing drummer!

[@just-in0287]

ROCK ON SCOTT!!!! YOUR AN AMAZING DRUMMER!!! KEEP ON ROCKIN!!!!!

[@YaoEspirito]

STAY IN SCHOOL, JUSTIN! LEARN HOW TO SPELL 'YOU'RE'!! AND WHERE TO PLACE COMMAS!!

[@RamonOchoaMusic]

Just noticed the lug locks on the snare as well at 4, 5 and 6 o'clock. Also no die-cast hoops on the snare.

[@ASDDrums]

An amazing drummer and a super nice guy! I met Scott back in 1997 on the Jugulator tour in Portland, OR after the show. We talked about drum manufacturers and he admitted that he was not happy with Tama drums at the time and I've always played and lived the sound of Pearl drums and tried to convince him to make the switch, looks like he finally got away from Tama drums.

[@ais6863]

cool... must've been 1998.

[@RobertSmith-sq1wg]

HE didnt think much of PEARL EITHER, EVIDENTLY

[@Assimilator702]

The Diabetic Drummer I’m sure he would be better off with Tama now. They’ve stepped up their game considerably since the late 90’s. Most definitely better than DW. When I look at those DW prices I laugh real hard. I respect what DW does as drum builders but all that vertical and horizontal ply hoopla is a bit too much marketing. In the end most of the drums sound like thin tubs with no strong fundamental.

[@GerryBlue]

Great interview!

[@Hungyball_]

I looked up Scott Travis and I found Travis Scott, why.

[@Steffentrommelt]

great video

[@RockbertoRocks]

Nick is such a great interviewer 👍

[@dmitryowens]

I grew up 20 miles from Oxnard - a few musicians I knew worked at DW.

[@bigrigJim]

I would like to know how often they put fresh drum heads on the kit.

[@kadek8827]

He’s my favourite rapper

[@BAJARACER43X]

Priest and Travis are a perfect match

[@stuckondrumsssss1968]

Super cool ! Thank you Sweetwater !

[@sweetwater]

😎👍

[@judaspriestunofficial5694]

He's so badass! I love him! ❤

[@keepontruckin7135]

💯% BADD ASS DUDE IS ON 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥

[@rocknrolloutlaw7261]

Hooooollyyy s@#%!!!!! Soooo lucky dude! Thanks for the upload!!!

[@MarcHorrorWhollerman]

pretty good interview. thank you so much!

[@sweetwater]

Thank you for checking it out, Marc!

[@Streetthoots]

I'm a Priest Fan since 75-76? Seen them 5 times between 77-82? But i guess im not familiar with Scott? I know i really loved the Jazz influenced drum technique of Holland.

[@ianmuessig]

I was really impressed with the overall ferocity of the Firepower album

[@totigerus]

I would of watched a hour long version of this it was too short man! But Nick did ask some good questions Bravo!

[@ProdromosPapadopoulos1914]

Best drummer ever.

[@juliocesar9443]

Best drummer ever!

[@lostinspace699]

such a cool guy on and off the skins and Thinn Lizzy Way cool ,,grin

[@tevhidozdemir203]

🙏🙏👍👍Great man.

[@aspookyknucklehead1309]

Scott seams so cool

[@kingjames6928]

His signature drumming for painkiller song is unimitable

[@julioocasioalbino551]

He is a god one the best of all time

[@davidknichal6629]

I love Scott talking without being interrupted or stopped by Rob. Ha ha sry Rob, but you know its true

[@FanaticDrummer]

Hes a cool dude. Hit me up on my photo page when they played in FL. Invited me to take some bts pics of him. Great show, guys can still rock out and for their age, metal is probably the hardest genre to keep up with.

[@marttinieminen8479]

Thin is cool dw drum double bass kit i like 👍

[@Ferklaus]

two masters !!!

[@elishahmartinez1452]

Thank youuuu

[@chromebull884]

Please do something with Rob Halford

[@zapp99]

Killer drummer. From Thin L.... Racer-X till now.

[@jorgepaul5049]

They do never rehearse say Travis so,they get together at the show and the rest it’s magic.

[@larrybrown7273]

There you have it folks Travis for of weren't born was the for the band Halford Excellent Drummer Period

[@fistoftulkas7335]

The human's metronome, super tight, and we need Racer X back!

[@GjergjMero]

Why is Norm Macdonald dubbing the voice for Scott Travis?

[@adalbertopagan7556]

He's a beast!!!!

[@MarcHorrorWhollerman]

cool travis.

[@jasperjenkins7729]

pAisTe Power.

[@docholliday6338]

Anyone know why he uses 2 high hats?

[@hisbloodband]

Cool

[@EcBaPr]

great metal drummer..

[@dazedhippie8198]

Nice

[@ll7868]

Paiste, best metal cymbals. Dave Lombardo and Nicko McBrain are why I chose them too.

[@dmitryowens]

And the best hard rock drummer of all time used Paiste - the mighty John Bonham, of course.

[@ll7868]

@@dmitryowens So does Aquiles Priester, a current favourite drummer of mine. Check out his drum cover of Through The Fire & The Flames on Paiste Cymbals' YT channel, it's bloody amazing. He was the drummer for DragonForce on their last tour in 2018.

[@dmitryowens]

@@ll7868 Right on. I think I've heard of him. Not a big DragonForce fan though - that band is goofy.

[@painkiller1968]

Who in the blue blazing fuck gave this thumbs down? What is wrong with you people? Scott is a badass drummer and awesome guy. Great interview too. Got a drumstick from him on the Redeemer's tour. We were front row!

[@keepontruckin7135]

I know right he is a legend in the drummers community love his style and skills just born with drumsticks in hands✌✌✌👍👍👍👍

[@kowboy83ra]

Nick didn't mention Racer X???? What the eff, man?

[@aparker507]

Do a run down with Carter Beauford on the upcoming Dave Matthews Band tour! Love these kit rundown videos!

[@RobertSmith-sq1wg]

its covered with rack bars...u cant see the color dude

[@andopedon]

alice cooper brother?

[@8xtime]

PRIEST !!!

[@jubankta1627]

Scott please let me build a proper drum rack for someone of ur caliber

[@zim1966]

the 8" tom is a diff color?

[@SONORSQ2guy]

zim1966 I just noticed that too.

[@misterfrugellhound]

Emads! Top kick skins!

[@mikeseymour5398]

It's 2019 now will you ever come to Columbus Ohio

[@bonsummers2657]

Scott's age 56 here, dang,… I wonder if he dye's his hair. Looking good for his age.

[@wildanS]

He looks like a healthy, full-haired version of Iggy Pop.

[@DaveSpinn]

Good eye, you're right!

[@lostinspace699]

and has a big bore-to

[@walker8476]

Do you think the fans are going "Gee that's a damn nice colour he chose for his drum kit"

[@Dakhaos-ou812]

He said 'longest'..he meant Tallest.