Brad Butler (Drums)
Brad Butler - Drums
Jon Torley (Bass Guitar)
Jon Torley - Bass Guitar
"For as long as I can remember I was always searching for the right music. When I was 4 or 5 my dad gave me a small pocket-sized transistor radio and I would tune up and down the dial trying to find the fast, heavy music I imagined. What I did not know at the time was that the radio was only AM and there sure was not anything heavy on AM! A few years later I discovered KISS through a family friend, but when my mom saw the band she refused to let me buy any of their albums.
I was 11 years old when MTV made its debut and they played a video from Judas Priest. I was blown away by the music – the dual guitars, the insanely heavy bass and drums. The next day I bought the Screaming for Vengeance album. That led to Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Quiet Riot, and in 1983 Motley Crue happened. The Shout at the Devil album influenced me more than any band to that point. I saved up and bought my first guitar at 14.
My plan was simple – practice, practice and practice. Then when I turned 18, buy a bus ticket to Hollywood and hit it big on the Sunset Strip like my idols. Luckily I didn’t do that, the Hollywood scene dies a few years later and the grunge took over. I’m not a grunge guy.
Over the years I made sure to pick up the guitar often enough that I didn’t get to rusty. I raised a wonderful son and got to teach him about the music that influenced me so much. I’m proud to say he carries on the metal tradition in our family! By the time he graduated and moved into his own place a great friend of mine was hosting a jam night at a local venue. By now I was playing bass and I learned a few cover songs he had suggested. From the first time I stepped on that stage I was hooked. That jam band grew into an actual band with a few originals, a local following and some great live shows. We were the White Trash Superstars and good friends as well.
In March of 2018 Brad Butler approached me about auditioning for Sabbatar, and honestly I never thought I’d ever get the job. But I figured what the Hell, I’d give it my best shot. Best move I ever made – Sabbatar has not only been a great group of people that I’m proud to be a part of, bet we’ve achieved more musically and gone farther in the music industry than I ever thought possible. Life Is Good!"
My gear consists of:
2 B.C. Rich Warlock bass guitars
Ibanez Gio bass guitar
Kramer Focus guitar
GHS guitar and bass strings
Hartke 2500 amp head
1 Peavey 115 bass cabinet
1 Ampeg classic 410 bass cabinet
1 Fender Rumble bass combo amp
Boss ME-506 bass effects pedal
I also use a Galaxy Audio AS-1100 In Ear Monitoring System for all our shows and live streaming broadcast.