I have been an Anthrax fan since I first discovered them around the release of "Among the Living," which still stands as one of their best releases. They were a force in speed metal throughout the 80's, standing with other metal luminaries Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. In the early 90's they underwent a transformation which saw the exit of longtime frontman Joey Belladonna, and the addition of his replacement, former Armored Saint singer John Bush. Since that change, they also suffered the loss of guitarist Danny Spitz. The band soldiered on, continuing to put out excellent music. But this really isn't about an Anthrax history lesson, it is about something else entirely.
The lineup the led the charge through the early years is reuniting. Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, Danny Spitz, and Joey Belladonna will be appearing publicly together for the first time since 1993. On April 1, 2005 they will be gathering at Sirius Satellite Radio in New York City for the ANTHRAX Global Press Conference and Luncheon.
At the conclusion of the ANTHRAX Global Press Conference and Luncheon, the band will make an important statement regarding the U.S. Government and the Anthrax Vaccine. Apparently an act was passed which allows the Department of Health to use untested vaccines for Anthrax and other diseases without any type of consent. To top it off, the soldiers in our military are the first line of defense for these uninformed tests. In addition to the band, medical experts will be on hand for the discussion.
My thoughts upon reading this were firstly, could this be a big prank pulled on metal fans? Come on, look at the date that the event is taking place. After that wore off, I have chosen to believe that it is the real deal, I would love for these guys to make some more music together. I have seen both the current lineup of Anthrax and Joey Belladonna live, and they both put on great shows. I even had the opportunity to meet Joey, and he is absolutely great guy, very approachable and great to his fans, not to mention he still has a great voice!
Beyond that, I am hoping that this is more han just a get together regarding the vaccine. I truly hope that they plan on recording new music and/or go on tour. Even better, Anthrax featuring Bush and Belladonna on vocals together would be great. And thinking even further down the line, I would like to see this lineup come through my town!
Article comments
1 - Triniman
I bought Fistful of Metal back in '84 , followed by Armed and Dangerous in '85, Spreading the Disease in '85, Among The Living in '87 and State of Euphroria in '88.
Persistance of Time in '90 was the last album I bought. I thought they lost it with the album.
I haven't followed them at all since the late '80s, what with there being so many other good groups out there to listen to.
I also interviewed Scott Ian back in '87.
Anthrax were surely among the most exciting new groups in metal, during the thrash/ speed metal revolution. But, like so many other bands, they ran out of gas. At least, to me.
Even the mightly Metallica are of little interest to me since they began to release crappy albums. I could not imagine not seeing Metallica when I was younger, but I have missed them during the last few times they played my city and I couldn't care less. I did meet and see them during they heyday.
2 - Tom Johnson
the band will make an important statement regarding the U.S. Government and the Anthrax Vaccine.
I seriously hope this part of the deal is a joke. I really, really do not care what Anthrax's take on this issue is, nor any band.
That said, I hope the reunion is true. As much as I like John Bush's voice, I have to admit I do enjoy the Belladonna years more. However, I'm very suspicious of this - the date, that out-of-character statement about this government policy, and the really odd issue of where John Bush fits in all this (notice he's not mentioned at all.) I'm very hesitant to believe this . . .
3 - mimi
What happened to Danny Spitz?