Steve Priestly was drummer in Hellhammer, a metal band that disbanded in 1984. Celtic Frost was formed out of its ashes. This latter turned out to become one of the most influential bands ever within the occult/black metal scene. So Priestly was Celtic Frost's original drummer. He was replaced by Reed St. Mark in 1985, but returned to the band in 1988 and stayed until they broke up in 1992.



Priestly also drummed in Amberg, Apollyon Sun, and Schizo. He works at a record company and plays in a Kiss cover band.



When Celtic Frost reformed several years later, the recruited a new skinsman: Franco Sesa.