As Anthrax took a short break in preparation for the launch of the "Jagermeister Fall Music Tour," set to follow the "Carnage" and "Big Four" tours, I had a chance to speak with lead singer, Joey Belladonna, who talked to me about his recent reunion with Anthrax, his side projects Night of Journey, Chief Big Way and, of course, Belladonna, whom Joey says is currently working on a new album.
I started our interview by thanking Joey, as a Dio fan, for the acoustic version of "Man on the Silver Mountain" that he performed at Ronnie James Dio's memorial. He responded, "It was a tough couple of days out there, you know. We became friends, his wife and everybody, the whole staff, the whole crew...his people, all the band mates. It's just...whole interesting steps to go through, you know? But I'm very honored to be able to have done that and I'm glad it worked out."
I mentioned to Joey my interview with Dave Lombardo from Slayer and I asked him what it was like coming back on-board just as Anthrax was kicking off the "Big Four" tour with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. Who did he hang out with during that tour?
Audio Interview: Joey Belladonna of Anthrax
"Well, God, Metallica, they run such a great show, everything is top-notch. To be around all that—just to be a part of it is a great honor. It's just a nice opportunity to be anywhere near that, to be on those shows.
"We're pretty close, everybody knows each other in and around the way, throughout the years, and so it's just one big family. Just being able to sing with them, play with them on stage, and every day to have the camaraderie of talking together, you know? We're so close. The tents are so close. People hanging out together, that's awesome.
Article comments
1 - the real bob
Great interview! Awesome! I love your angles--not just some boilerplate questions.
2 - Glen Boyd
Nice job on this AGG...you Iron Maiden, you...
-Glen
3 - AGG
Wonder who thought that one up? Hmmmm
I read your review. You're a tough act to follow, but I don't get a choice. I love these guys. And Joey reminds me of my mom, reminding everyone to do their chores before they hit the road. Too cute!
Should be an interesting time backstage.
Wish you could be there...
4 - Glen Boyd
I have to confess my taste in metal is pretty "selective' (remember, I'm the resident Neil Young guy 'round here). But I enjoyed reading this anyway...you asked some good questions. As for who came up with the Iron Maiden moniker, I'll never tell...
-Glen
5 - AGG
You know, I was raised in such a weird music environment--I never really learned to be genre specific. Dad was a country music Deejay, Mom worked with such a diverse mix, uncles who played in bands. My first favorite bands, when I was really little, were Lynn Anderson, Elvis, Grand Funk Railroad, Tammy Wynette, BTO and the first album I ever owned--by way of begging my aunt, was Slade's Slayed?, an album I was forbidden to play by my dad, but mom let me listen to in my room. Still one of my faves.
Later on I liked Springsteen and Renaissance, got turned onto CSN&Y, owned the entire Windham Hill collection.
My first concert *without parents* was Judas Priest, with Iron Maiden opening, (ironical, no?) and I fake I.D'ed to get into a club see the Dead Kennedys.
Probably why I'm not a music snob... like some people, ahem.
But you have to admit, even if you aren't a fan, they've added so much to the musical mix over the years, from speed metal to getting the mosh out of the punk clubs and into the metal scene. And where would VH1 be without Scott Ian?
I can't say anything about going from major "big hair" to those god-awful shorts though. Now, that's a question for the interview--what the hell were you thinking? Now all the metal are wearing shorts at the fests. I want my leather and studs back.
6 - Glen Boyd
Music snobs don't usually like ABBA...and I like ABBA...LOL...
-Glen
7 - AGG
My dad loved Abba. Used to dance with me in the living room when I was little to Abba, he made me a mixed Abba cassette when I left for the Army, he knew I'd get homesick. And he used to turn up Neil Diamond songs full blast and sing along with them.
I still put on Hot August Night when I miss him. Man, he could shake the room with Brother Love.
Being an Abba fan doesn't remove your snob label--everybody loves Abba, even if they won't admit it.
But I think we've had this conversation before...
8 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
You should have asked him what Anthrax was going to do about that new album they recorded with Dan Nelson? It's not really a Belladonna record, so, I wonder what it would sound like...
As for the "shorts", Clam-diggers (I think Vision made some)were freaking thrash along with a hat with the brim bent upwards so you can read the bottom [affix "NOT!" here]. I think it was influenced by the skate community. Well, considering that Anthrax was considered NYHC back in the late 80's, it would only make sense that they got inspired by skaters on fashion. Though, I think the hat "style" was ripped from pro "cyclers".
I need to get me some vintage hi-tops...
9 - AGG
Brian, thanks dude :P
I asked Joey and drummer Charlie Benante about clam-diggers when I video interviewed them backstage and they looked at each other, and then me, like I was a moron.
You'll see it for yourself soon enough.
sheesh!