Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Anthrax frontman Joey Belladonna has sparked a heated online discussion after performing the United States national anthem ahead of an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears.
The 66-year-old vocalist delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, November 2, in front of approximately 69,000 spectators. The performance took place before ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast and quickly attracted attention on social media.
While some viewers praised the veteran metal singer, others were considerably less impressed with his rendition.
Several football fans took to social media to criticize Belladonna’s singing, with some describing the performance as one of the weakest national anthem renditions they had heard.
One viewer complained that the singer had performed the anthem in several different keys, while another compared his delivery to the fictional rock singer portrayed by Mark Wahlberg in the film “Rock Star”.
However, the response was not entirely negative. Other viewers defended Belladonna, praising his distinctive voice and expressing enthusiasm about seeing the Anthrax singer perform at such a major sporting event.
The performance has generated discussion among both NFL audiences and heavy metal fans, highlighting the different expectations surrounding a traditional national anthem performance and a rock vocalist’s singing style.
This was far from Belladonna’s first experience performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a sporting event.
The singer has previously delivered the anthem at several major sports venues, including an earlier Seattle Seahawks game.
In a previous interview with Panini Unwrapped, Belladonna explained that performing the anthem can be more intimidating than playing a concert with Anthrax. Unlike a metal show, he must perform alone while the entire stadium falls silent.
He also emphasized his respect for the anthem and the sporting events at which he has been invited to sing.
Belladonna originally joined Anthrax in 1984 and became one of the defining voices of the American thrash metal movement. His performances can be heard on classic albums including “Spreading The Disease”, “Among The Living” and “Persistence Of Time”.
The singer returned to Anthrax in 2010 and has continued performing and recording with the band.
The Seattle Seahawks have also published footage of the national anthem performance through their official video channels, allowing fans to watch it and form their own opinions.
