Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Veteran thrash metal band Anthrax will be embarking on a 28-date European tour to commemorate 40 years in the business later this year. Starting at the Birmingham NEC on 27 September and concluding at the Zurich Complex in Switzerland on 05 November, the tour takes in 16 countries. Finnish fans will have the opportunity to catch them on 21 and 22 October in Oulu and Turku.
The first thrash metal band to emerge from America’s East Coast, Anthrax has featured an ever changing line up since 1981, with founder and front man Scott Ian the only constant. Ian is quite a character in his own right – as well as being an accomplished guitarist, singer, lyricist and TV presenter, he also plays poker at a semi professional standard. It’s little wonder the band spends so much time in Vegas, and don’t be surprised if you catch shots of him playing live casino games backstage on his phone during the forthcoming tour!
Ian formed Anthrax in 1981 in partnership with bass guitarist Dan Lilker. Tensions within the band led to Liliker’s departure in 1984, but the arrival of replacement Frank Bello alongside vocalist and guitarist Joey Belladonna and drummer Charlie Benante heralded what many consider the band’s classic era in the late 1980s.
Fans will, no doubt, be delighted that Benate, Belladonna and Bello will be back in the lineup for the forthcoming tour, as each has spent periods of time away from the band on other projects over the past 30 years. The fifth member of the 2022 lineup is former Shadows Fall guitarist Jon Donais.
It’s been three long years since Anthrax last played in Europe, and Charlie Benante confirmed that the whole band is hungry to get out there on stage. He told MetalHammer the band is determined to bring a unique twist to every one of the 28 European shows. He also said that as well as playing crowd pleasers from their 40-year back catalogue, the band have some new material to share, too.
Joey Belladonna added that he enjoys performing live “more than anyone can imagine,” and that he relishes the special vibe of playing to European fans.
As if a chance to see the classic Anthrax lineup live wasn’t enough, every show will also feature special guests Municipal Waste. Coincidentally, the crossover thrash band from Richmond, Virginia is also celebrating, having been formed 20 years ago. Like Anthrax, there have been personnel changes along the way, but core members Tony Foresta and Ryan Waste have been a constant presence. Their new album, Electrified Brain, is due out in July.
Tickets for all 28 gigs go on sale from all the usual outlets on 20 August. They are likely to sell rapidly, so put the date in your diary if you don’t want to miss out on a slice of thrash metal history in the making.
