In the midst of the Virginia mountains during a snowy January, the thrash metal band Traitor was en route to Harrisburg for a gig on their 10-day tour. The journey hit a snag when their U-Haul trailer, loaded with gear, had a wheel mishap just minutes away from their hotel. Despite the setback, Benny Glassman, a senior communication major and the band’s drummer, found the experience exhilarating, unloading gear in the snowy mountains at 4 a.m.
Glassman, who joined Traitor in the fall, embarked on his first tour, “Unrest Across The Midwest,” where he encountered challenges like the U-Haul incident. However, instead of being discouraged, Glassman found these hurdles as motivation to continue making memories with the band. Following his graduation, Glassman is set to hit the road again, touring the U.S. and Canada with Traitor, opening for heavy metal band Satan and performing at festivals like Blades of Steel in Madison, Wisconsin.
The upcoming tour, scheduled to kick off in Providence, Rhode Island, promises new experiences for Glassman, who is eager to explore parts of the country he has yet to visit. Glassman’s journey with Traitor began when he met the band’s guitarist, Brian Mikus, at a music venue in Philadelphia. Despite being younger than his bandmates, Glassman’s talent, dedication, and work ethic impressed Mikus during auditions, securing him the role of the band’s drummer.
On a self-booked tour in January, Traitor traveled through cities in the Midwest, marking Glassman’s first visit to many of these locations. The tour, which included stops in Chicago and St. Louis, presented unique challenges like navigating through a snowstorm. Faculty members like Jason Del Gandio, who taught Glassman, praised his ability to balance academic commitments with band responsibilities, acknowledging his perseverance and dedication.
Despite a busy schedule that included a community outreach internship with the City of Philadelphia, Glassman remains passionate about drumming and is determined to pursue a career in community outreach while continuing with Traitor. Reflecting on his upcoming tour, Glassman expressed his love for the lifestyle, emphasizing that touring is a dream come true for him. His experiences with Traitor have solidified his commitment to both his music and academic pursuits, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse responsibilities with dedication and enthusiasm.
