Racer X

Hailing from Los Angeles, the group built its name on a signature style of melodic yet technically demanding rock performed at blistering tempos. Founding members comprised guitarist Paul Gilbert, vocalist Jeff Martin, bassist John Alderete, and drummer Harry Gschoesser. In 1986 Scott Travis stepped in for Gschoesser while Bruce Bouillet came aboard as second guitarist, an interval widely regarded as the band’s strongest. Gilbert departed in 1988 to join Mr. Big, after which the group dissolved and Bouillet launched a solo career; Martin later played drums in Badlands.