JUDAS PRIEST's SCOTT TRAVIS Joins VATER Artist Family

Vater has welcomed metal icon Scott Travis to its artist family.

Travis is the drummer for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band JUDAS PRIEST. Scott's long and very influential drumming career has also included acclaimed work with FIGHT and RACER X.

Scott is about to begin rehearsals with JUDAS PRIEST in England for what will become a very extensive, worldwide arena tour in 2011.

"Scott Travis and JUDAS PRIEST have had such a massive influence on heavy metal music and musicians over the course of their 40-year career," said Chad Brandolini, Vater artist relations director. "Whether with JUDAS PRIEST, FIGHT or RACER X, Scott's licks and drum parts have been analyzed and awed by millions of drumming fanatics around the world. Speaking on behalf of everyone at Vater, we're honored that Scott has chosen Vater sticks and I'm very excited to welcome him into our artist family."

Scott's influence on his peers:

"Scott Travis...the king of the feet! I first heard him with RACER X and thought to myself, 'You have to be kidding me!?!?' The minute he joined JUDAS PRIEST, they became a freight train! He's a bad man....period!!" - Morgan Rose (SEVENDUST)

"It's an honor for me to welcome the legendary Scott Travis to the Vater family. I have been a huge fan of his starting all the way back to his days in RACER X and following him throughout the years to his current position as the foundation of one the most iconic and influential metal bands of all time — JUDAS PRIEST. Scott has been a big influence on my playing. I have incorporated parts of 'Scarified' from RACER X in my live solos and I used the drum intro from 'Painkiller' from JUDAS PRIEST in the beginning of DISTURBED's cover of 'Livin After Midnight' from JUDAS PRIEST. Scott, I'm looking forward to seeing you out on tour with your new wood!" - Mike Wengren (DISTURBED)

"I'll never forget the first time hearing the intro to 'Painkiller'. I was in high school and completely blown away by the amazing footwork. Now, many years later, getting to watch him in person at some of these European festivals within the past couple of years, it really has come full circle for me. It's nice to watch and hear what he does so well throughout the years. Scott is a phenomenal player." - Chris Pennie (COHEED AND CAMBRIA)

"Scott Travis has played for some greeeaaat metal bands. JUDAS PRIEST, RACER X...I mean, come on! When 'Painkiller' came out, what drummer wasn't locked in his/her room trying to nail that opening drum lick of the title track?! I'm excited that I can tell people he uses the same drumsticks as me." - Matt Byrne (HATEBREED)

"Scott Travis is a huge influence on my drumming and seeing him with JUDAS PRIEST on the 'Painkiller' tour when I was in high school was a life-changing experience for me as a drummer. I'm psyched that he's using the greatest sticks in the world — Vater!" - Richard Christy (CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED)

"Many years ago, I remember hearing a band called RACER X and was immediately blown away by the power and precision of the drummer.... especially his double-bass drumming on a song called 'Scarified'. That drummer was Scott Travis. He went on to play with JUDAS PRIEST and to this day is one of metal's most solid and influential double bass drummers!" - Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE)

"Having Scott Travis on the Vater team is killer! He is a big influence and one of the first 'true masters' of double-bass playing. Thanks for all the years of inspiration, Scott!" - Derek Roddy (SERPENT'S RISE)

"Scott Travis is one the true double-bass pioneers! His combination of chops and groove are unparalleled." - Jeremy Spencer (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH)