Abby Travis took part in Spinal Tap's performance in Phoenix, playing bass alongside Adrian Belew on "Big Bottom". This remarkable opportunity marked a significant humor-infused moment in her musical career.
Abby Travis is a renowned American bassist and musician, known for her versatility in filling in for prominent acts such as Beck, Elastica, The Bangles, and The Go-Go's [1][2]. This career began in the 1990s, and since then, she has also collaborated with The Eagles of Death Metal, Masters of Reality, and KMFDM, among others [1].
A Career of Collaborations
Travis' notable work with bands includes:
- Beck: She toured and recorded with Beck, bringing her versatile bass playing to his alternative and eclectic sound [1][2].
- Elastica: As the touring bassist for the Britpop band, she contributed to their live performances during their key period [1][2].
- The Bangles: Abby joined The Bangles as bassist, contributing to their reunion touring and performances [1][2].
- The Go-Go's: She played bass for this iconic all-female new wave band, which achieved mainstream success and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Abby was one of several bassists to play with them, including Paula Jean Brown and Kathy Valentine [1][5].
From Punk Rocker to Versatile Bassist
Travis' early music journey began when she was asked to join a band, The Lovedolls, by the guitarist, Kim Pilkington, when she was just 15. The focus on bass came naturally to her, a choice that she describes as being made by the instrument itself rather than her [2].
Travis emphasizes feel and groove over technical virtuosity, a philosophy that was likely influenced by her punk rock roots [2][4]. She studied at the Dick Grove School of Music when she was 21, further honing her skills.
A Solo Career Beyond the Bass
Travis has released four solo albums mostly under her own name, plus the first one as The Abby Travis Foundation. These albums are The Abby Travis Foundation (1998), Cutthroat Standards & Black Pop (2000), GlitterMouth (2006), and IV (2012) [1]. Additionally, she has released music under the name Sumo Princess, showcasing her individual artistic style beyond her work as a supporting bassist [2].
In 2024, Travis released a split album with Anubian Lights called Europa/Asteroid Transformation. She also has a track coming out on a Spinal Tap tribute album [1]. Furthermore, she has a record she made in the past few years that she is considering mixing herself.
A Rich Musical Background
Travis grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, in a household influenced by prominent figures in politics and cinematography, which likely contributed to her artistic environment [1].
In summary, Abby Travis is a highly skilled and versatile bassist, known for stepping in with major bands across different genres, while maintaining a solo career under her own name and the moniker Sumo Princess [1][2][5].
[1] Bio, Abby Travis [2] AllMusic, Abby Travis [3] IMDb, Abby Travis [4] Guitar World, Abby Travis [5] Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Go-Go's
Abby Travis is known for her diverse musical career, playing the bass for various bands such as Beck, Elastica, The Bangles, The Go-Go's, The Eagles of Death Metal, Masters of Reality, and KMFDM.
In addition to her work as a bassist, she has also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums under her own name and the moniker Sumo Princess.
During her career, Travis has expanded her musical horizons by experimenting with different instruments, including guitars, and has used various effects and amps to enhance her sound.
Beyond her music, Travis continues to contribute to the entertainment industry, with upcoming collaborations and projects in the pipeline, demonstrating her enduring love for music and her versatile talent as a musician.
