Armored Saint briefly considered replacing John Bush after his move to Anthrax, Phil Sandoval reveals

Armored Saint briefly discussed the possibility of carrying on with another vocalist when John Bush left to join Anthrax in 1992, according to guitarist Phil Sandoval. The idea never developed into a serious plan, however, because the singer’s role in the band extended far beyond his voice.

Speaking to Eamon O’Neill for Eonmusic in an interview published on October 26, Sandoval looked back on the difficult period that followed the release of 1991’s “Symbol of Salvation”. Armored Saint had already lost guitarist Dave Prichard to leukemia in 1990, making Bush’s departure another major blow at a time when the group had hopes of building on the album’s momentum.

Why Armored Saint did not move forward with a new singer

Asked directly whether a replacement had been considered, Sandoval said the thought had come up briefly.

Yeah, I think there was [thought of that], but ultimately it was like a thought, and then it just left because John just is such an integral part of our team. We love Johnny. We all love each other, and it’s a cool thing. Armored Saint is like a brotherhood, a family.

The exit of Bush transpired at a critical juncture for the Los Angeles-based metal ensemble. Subsequent to the issuance of their lauded 1991 album “Symbol Of Salvation,” Armored Saint seemed to be gaining traction, having surmounted the profound loss of guitarist Dave Prichard, who succumbed to leukemia in 1990.

Sandoval contemplated the importance of that era, underscoring Prichard’s enduring impact on the band and the prevailing sense of optimism that enveloped the album. However, Bush’s choice to align with Anthrax altered the trajectory of the group significantly.

He reflected on the initial optimism regarding future developments. However, he characterized Bush’s action as “the significant atom bomb.”

Saxon and Armored Saint — February 2027 tour dates:

• February 13 – Wolverhampton, The Civic Hall
• February 14 – Glasgow, O2 Academy
• February 16 – Belfast, Telegraph Building
• February 17 – Dublin, 3Olympia Theatre
• February 19 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
• February 20 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
• February 21 – Sheffield, City Hall
• February 23 – Cardiff, The Great Hall
• February 24 – Bristol, Bristol Beacon
• February 25 – Southampton, O2 Guildhall
• February 27 – London, Eventim Apollo

Further band information is available on Armored Saint’s official website.