During the 1970s, the Pitt Drumline was known as "The Chrome Wall" for its large size and chrome percussion equipment. In those days, the line often had more than eight snare drums and eight bass drums, which was the norm. This version of the Pitt Drumline was instructed by Lorry Yednak and the band director at this time was Don Hower.

In 1985 a new Pitt Drumline tradition was forged. This rebirth coincided with the arrival of new band director O'Neal Sanford and Percussion Caption head David Moy and instructor, Dan "Dann-o" Yadesky. During this period the drumline began to more closely resemble a drum corps style percussion section. Gone were the unison bass drum parts and the new arrangements reflected a drum corps orientation. Cadences completed a fresh new sound and direction for the Pitt drumline. In that year, new gold Slingerland drums were purchased. The drums were used with special order gold Remo heads. Paired with Pitt Band's new uniforms, and the newer muiscal style, the drum line began to grow into a credible modern marching percussion ensemble. While the 1985 drumline was not technically proficient, it was extremely intense. The focus of this first "crew" would be part of the tradition handed down to generations of Pitt drummers.

The Pitt drumline became the Crew in 1985 and began several social traditions. The name "Crew" came from a local HS drumline taught by Lee who referred to themselves as "Crew" or "drum mob" and had preferred rapping to drumming. Members of the Pitt Drumline thought this example humorous and they adopted the "Crew" nickname for their section. During this formative period, the Crew began to perform solo engagements at local band festivals (sometimes accompanied by the Pitt Golden Girls and/or Color Guard) where their intricate cadence routines entertained audiences.

During the 1985 band camp, the percussion section hosted the first "OctoberFest" which featured low-cost beverages from Pittsburgh Brewing Company, including "Old German" a cut-rate beer. Another tradition started in this pivotal first year was that of giving nicknames to Crew members such as. In 1986 the first Crew House was established.

By the late 1980s, the "crew" was very large, featuring as many as 12 snares in 1988. A new entrance drill was developed, including intricate dance moves and new cadences. Upon conclusion, another drum cadence then invited the rest of the Pitt Band, Golden Girls, and Colorguard onto the field. This feature has continued and been enhanced by each successive unit.

In the early 1990s the Crew encouraged alumni to bring fire extinguishers for the entrance to add smoke to the performance mix. After the success of the drumline's smoke-filled entrance, the entire band soon adopted the smokey entrance. During the 1990s, and 2000s, the Pitt Drumline would continue to become more refined. In 2006 the line received brand new Pearl Drums.