Shadows Fall drummer Jason Bittner has joined Flotsam And Jetsam, stepping in for Kelly Smith, who is leaving to focus on his family. Bittner will be contributing to the band’s forthcoming record, scheduled for release this coming spring. Smith spoke of his replacement saying:
“In my opinion, Jason in one of only a couple of men on my short list for the job.
Jason’s an amazing all-around drummer, a true professional, good friend, and solid stand-up guy.
I was humbled to hear, after first meeting Jason in 1988 in Boston, that I had inspired him as a drummer.”
Bittner also commented on his gig offering:
“I have been a Flotsam And Jetsam fan for decades, following the band around the East Coast in the eighties and nineties. I’ve been lucky enough to be in the background of the Flotsam And Jetsam camp as a fan, supporter, and gear leader to my dear friend, Kelly David Smith.
I am hard at work relearning all the classic Flotz material and can’t wait to record and tour with the band in 2015. This will become my focus after the completion of the 2015 U.S. Shadows Fall hiatus tour, which will happen spring/summer 2015.
As they say… ‘Flotz ’till death!’ See you in Europe, in April.”