Biography
Born on May 17, 1961, Rat Skates emerged from the vibrant music scene of New Jersey, where he initially honed his craft as a drummer. With a passion for heavy music from a young age, Skates became intricately connected to the burgeoning New York thrash scene in the early 1980s. His dedication and talent would soon set him apart, leading him to join one of the leading bands in the genre, Overkill. This marked a significant milestone in his career, as he sought to channel his unique energy and creativity into a band that would resonate with fans around the world. During the early years, Skates developed his skills not only as a musician but also as an innovator eager to explore new sounds and techniques that would shape the future of heavy metal.
Roles
Drummer, Songwriter
Band History
Signature Gear
Drums: 1980s Pearl Export Series
Cymbals: Zildjian A Series 16 inch crash
Microphones: Shure SM57
Bandmates & Collaborators
Lemmy Kilmister, Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, D.D. Verni, Dave Linsk, Derek Tailer, Ron Lipnicki, Dan Spitz, Bobby Gustafson