Scott Travis is the American drummer who pushed Judas Priest into another gear. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he built his reputation in the 1980s with Racer X, alongside guitarist Paul Gilbert, playing a fast, technical hard rock that demanded command of double bass drumming — exactly what the English band lacked. He joined in 1989 and made his debut on Painkiller (1990). The drum intro to the title track alone changed the perception of what the group could do: a burst of double kick and cymbals that opens the record before any other instrument, and which became one of the most recognisable openings in metal. He was also the first American to join Judas Priest, a band until then drawn entirely from the English Midlands. He stayed through Rob Halford's absence, recording Jugulator (1997) and Demolition (2001) with Tim "Ripper" Owens, and carried on after the original singer's return, from Angel of Retribution (2005) to Invincible Shield (2024). That is more than thirty-five years as the band's drummer — the second longest tenure of any member, behind only Ian Hill.
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