It seems fitting that in 2021, aka the year after the music industry was brought to its knees, one of The Big Four of American thrash metal turns the Big 4-0; and Anthrax are certainly ready to celebrate their epic milestone in style.
Active over the past five decades, ANTHRAX has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, toured the world since 1984 playing thousands of shows, including headlining Madison Square Garden and playing Yankee Stadium with The Big 4. The band has built a strong reputation with fans as well as the record industry. With the lineup including Ian, bassist Frank Bello, drummer Charlie Benante, singer Joey Belladonna, and guitarist Jon Donais, the band is being feted on their 40th anniversary by a wide range of friends and music contemporaries.
Each week beginning May 3 (Northern Hemisphere time, so bang on today for us Aussies), on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and wrapping on the band's official founding anniversary of July 18, ANTHRAX's social media accounts will offer a series of video testimonials sent in by former band members, fellow musicians, colleagues, and industry veterans sharing behind-the-scenes stories of working with the band and what ANTHRAX's legacy has meant all these years on. These videos will honor each album in chronological order beginning with the original release, "Fistful of Metal".
The 11-week series will include video contributions from Chuck D, Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, Gary Holt, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, John Carpenter, Kerry King, Mike Patton, Nergal, Norman Reedus, Michael Poulsen, Rob Zombie, Robert Trujillo, Roger Miret, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Slash, Tom Morello and more. There will also be video clips from former ANTHRAX band members Dan Lilker, Dan Spitz, John Bush, Neil Turbin, and Rob Caggiano.
The finale will come as a very special Livestream performance from Anthrax on Friday, July 16 (July 17th In Australia) featuring a deep-cuts set that will pull from the band's entire career-spanning catalogue. All details including ticketing information will be announced shortly.
Fans will also be able to get their hands on a special 40th anniversary-edition bottle of Anthrax bourbon to enjoy during the Livestream and keep as a commemorative keepsake. More details will be coming soon. Head HERE for more info, and check out the 40th Anniversary trailer below in the meantime!
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BY TIANA SPETER