Introduction to Anthrax
Anthrax was formed in 1981 in New York City by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Danny Lilker. They were soon joined by drummer Charlie Benante and vocalist Neil Turbin to complete the original lineup. Known for their fast tempos, aggressive riffs, and distinctive vocals, Anthrax quickly made a name for itself in the emerging thrash metal scene alongside bands like Metallica and Slayer.
After releasing their debut album Fistful of Metal in 1984, Anthrax underwent several lineup changes that would cement the "classic" lineup. Neil Turbin was replaced by vocalist Joey Belladonna, while Lilker was replaced by bassist Frank Bello. This lineup released their breakthrough album Spreading the Disease in 1985, which featured Anthrax’s signature song "Madhouse."
Over the next few years, Anthrax would release classic thrash albums like Among the Living (1987) and State of Euphoria (1988). Hits like "Caught in a Mosh" and "Antisocial" propelled them into the mainstream and made them one of the most popular thrash bands. Powered by the twin-guitar attack of Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, Anthrax dominated stages with their intense live performances.
As thrash metal’s popularity declined in the early ’90s, Anthrax continued to evolve their sound and lineup. After Belladonna’s departure in 1992, John Bush took over vocals for several years. Despite these changes, Anthrax remained an influential force in the metal world. Now over 40 years into their career, Anthrax’s founding member Scott Ian continues to anchor the band as they celebrate their legacy as thrash metal pioneers.
Original Anthrax Lineup (1981-1984)
The original Anthrax lineup formed in 1981 and consisted of founding members Scott Ian on rhythm guitar, Danny Lilker on bass, Charlie Benante on drums, Neil Turbin as the original vocalist, and Greg Walls on lead guitar. This early incarnation recorded the band’s debut studio album Fistful of Metal, released in January 1984.
Neil Turbin’s gruff vocals defined the raw thrash metal sound of early Anthrax. However, he was replaced in late 1984 by Joey Belladonna, whose soaring vocals took the band in a more melodic direction. Greg Walls also departed in 1983, with Dan Spitz joining as the lead guitarist.
Key albums from the original lineup era include Fistful of Metal, which was a rough but promising debut that mixed heavy metal with punk influences. This was followed by the 1985 EP Armed and Dangerous, which featured fan favorites like "Metal Thrashing Mad" and introduced Anthrax’s tongue-in-cheek humor.
The original Anthrax lineup’s energy and enthusiasm for fast, aggressive heavy metal helped establish the band in the burgeoning thrash metal scene of the early 1980s alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. Their early raw and intense sound laid the foundation for the more polished and technical thrash that Anthrax would perfect in later years.
Lineup Changes in the 1980s
In the early years, Anthrax underwent several lineup changes as they solidified their sound and lineup. The most notable changes occurred with the drummer, vocalist, and bassist positions during the 1980s.
In 1983, drummer Charlie Benante was sidelined briefly due to illness. Greg D’Angelo stepped in as the temporary touring drummer for Anthrax for several months while Charlie recovered.
The vocalist position saw a major shift in 1984 when Joey Belladonna was brought in to replace Neil Turbin as the band’s frontman. Belladonna’s powerful vocals and wide vocal range helped propel Anthrax to new heights.
That same year, longtime bassist Dan Lilker left Anthrax and was replaced by Frank Bello. Bello went on to become an integral part of the band’s classic lineup in the coming years. His solid basslines and backup vocals complemented the dual guitar attack of Scott Ian and Dan Spitz.
With a new vocalist and bassist in place by 1984, Anthrax’s classic thrash metal lineup was solidified. This core group of Belladonna, Ian, Spitz, Bello, and Benante would go on to record several seminal albums that catapulted Anthrax to metal stardom in the late 1980s.
The "Classic" Anthrax Lineup (1984-1992)
The years between 1984 and 1992 marked the heyday of Anthrax’s success, thanks in large part to the "classic" lineup that propelled them into the thrash metal stratosphere. This iconic roster consisted of Joey Belladonna on vocals, Scott Ian on rhythm guitar, Dan Spitz on lead guitar, Frank Bello on bass, and Charlie Benante on drums.
Belladonna’s soaring vocals and stage presence made him the perfect frontman for Anthrax’s high energy live shows. His impressive vocal range allowed him to effortlessly switch between melodic singing and aggressive screaming that suited the band’s sound.
Rhythm guitarist and founding member Scott Ian was the backbone of Anthrax, contributing iconic riffs and a relentless thrash metal style. His dynamic guitar work and songwriting were integral to the band’s signature sound.
Lead guitarist Dan Spitz complemented Ian perfectly, adding intricate solos and lightning fast riffs. His neoclassical heavy metal influence brought a technical edge to Anthrax’s thrash metal style.
Holding down the rhythm section was bassist Frank Bello, who joined in 1984. His thundering basslines and live energy made him an anchor for the band during this era. Bello and Benante formed a crushing rhythm duo.
Drummer Charlie Benante was the driving force behind Anthrax’s propulsive thrash metal attack, with his powerful double bass drumming and groove-laden style. Benante’s innovative drum patterns became a staple of the genre.
This period saw Anthrax release their most acclaimed albums, including the breakthrough Spreading the Disease (1985), their thrash metal masterpiece Among the Living (1987), and the more progressive Persistence of Time (1990).
Smash hits like "Caught in a Mosh," "I Am the Law," "Indians," and "Got the Time" dominated MTV and rock radio, making Anthrax pioneers of the thrash metal surge. The classic lineup’s remarkable chemistry and individual talents took their sound to new heights during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
John Bush Era (1992-2005)
In 1992, Anthrax underwent a major lineup change when John Bush replaced Joey Belladonna as the band’s vocalist. Bush brought a gruffer, harder-edged vocal style that marked a new era for the veteran thrash metal act.
Bush made his debut on the 1993 album Sound of White Noise, which showcased a more alternative metal direction for Anthrax. The album was well received and spawned hits like "Only" and "Room for One More," proving that Anthrax could still thrive with a new singer.
1995’s Stomp 442 continued the band’s experimentation, blending their thrash roots with a modern groove metal sound. Though not as successful commercially as previous releases, Stomp 442 demonstrated Anthrax’s willingness to evolve their style.
After a few quiet years, Anthrax stormed back in 1998 with Volume 8: The Threat Is Real, featuring Bush’s powerful vocals over thrashy yet melodic tracks like "Crush" and "Catharsis." The album reinvigorated interest in Anthrax with Bush at the helm.
In 2001, Rob Caggiano joined Anthrax as the new lead guitarist, replacing Paul Crook. The dual guitar attack of Caggiano and Scott Ian would become a signature of the Bush era. Caggiano made his debut on the acclaimed 2003 album We’ve Come for You All, which saw Anthrax returning to their roots while retaining their modern edge. Standout tracks like "Safe Home" and "Taking the Music Back" showcased Caggiano’s skillful shredding.
The Bush period demonstrated Anthrax’s resilience through lineup changes. Though lacking Belladonna’s soaring vocals, Bush’s commanding presence led Anthrax through an era of reinvention, aided by Caggiano’s fiery guitar work. This incarnation of Anthrax kept the band relevant into the new millennium.
Belladonna’s Return and Recent Years (2005-present)
Joey Belladonna made his return to Anthrax in 2005, after John Bush departed the band. This marked Belladonna’s third stint as Anthrax’s frontman.
Belladonna’s powerful vocals and high energy stage presence quickly reignited the thrash metal passion amongst fans. The classic lineup was back together, ready to deliver Anthrax’s signature mosh-inducing tunes.
However, in 2007, Belladonna left Anthrax once again due to creative differences. His vacancy was briefly filled by Dan Nelson, who took over vocal duties for live performances.
Nelson’s time with Anthrax was short-lived, spanning only 2 years until 2009. His stint was marked by tensions within the band and frustration over delays in releasing a new album.
Ultimately, Nelson was let go and Belladonna returned yet again as Anthrax’s vocalist. With stability regained, Anthrax began work on their long-awaited album, Worship Music.
Released in 2011, Worship Music marked a triumphant return, debuting at #12 on the Billboard charts. The album demonstrated that Anthrax still had plenty of thrash metal fury left in the tank.
Belladonna has remained Anthrax’s vocalist since his latest return over a decade ago. His signature voice continues to be a vital part of Anthrax’s sound and energy during their live shows. At 60 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Other Notable Anthrax Members
Over Anthrax’s 40+ year career, the band has had a number of musicians fill in for short stints or make guest appearances. Here are some of the other notable members in Anthrax history:
Paul Crook
Paul Crook served as Anthrax’s lead guitarist from 1995 to 2001, replacing Dan Spitz. He was featured on the albums Volume 8: The Threat Is Real and We’ve Come for You All. Crook brought a strong technical lead guitar style to the band. Prior to joining Anthrax, he played with Meat Loaf.
Matt Fallon
In 2009, Matt Fallon briefly filled in as the lead vocalist for Anthrax when Joey Belladonna left the band. He was brought in to perform live with Anthrax but never recorded any studio material. Fallon has an accomplished career as a metal singer, performing with bands like Skid Row and Steel Panther.
Corey Glover
Singer Corey Glover is best known as the frontman for the band Living Colour. In 2011, he was brought in to provide guest vocals on two tracks on Anthrax’s album Worship Music. Glover added his soulful yet heavy vocal style to "Crawl" and "I’m Alive." His collaboration with Anthrax demonstrated his versatility across musical genres.
Anthrax’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations
2021 marks a major milestone for Anthrax, as the band celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. To commemorate four decades of thrash metal mastery, Anthrax has some special events and releases planned for fans.
First up is a 40th anniversary livestream concert on July 18th, where Anthrax will perform hits from throughout their career. The band is promising a setlist packed with fan favorites and deep cuts spanning their entire discography. This online concert will be a treat for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
In the fall, Anthrax is set to release a 40th anniversary vinyl box set titled "XXX Years of Thrashing Metal". The limited edition box set will include 11 LPs featuring their entire studio album catalog along with a selection of live recordings and rarities. For diehard fans, this will be the ultimate Anthrax collection to own on vinyl.
Reflecting on the milestone, guitarist Scott Ian shared: "Reaching the 40 year mark as a band is truly incredible. We never imagined we’d still be going this strong decades later. We owe everything to our loyal fans who’ve supported us through the years. We plan to keep thrashing for at least another 40 more!"
Drummer Charlie Benante added: "I’m amazed at what Anthrax has accomplished in the last 40 years. It’s been an incredible journey creating this music alongside my bandmates. We still have a lot left to say musically, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. The best is yet to come!"
After four decades, over 15 million albums sold, and multiple gold and platinum records, Anthrax remains one of the "Big Four" bands who pioneered the thrash metal genre. Their anniversary celebrations will give new and longtime fans even more to appreciate about this groundbreaking metal band. Forty years in and Anthrax is still raging strong.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthrax Members
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Why did Joey Belladonna leave Anthrax in 1992? Belladonna’s departure was reportedly due to creative differences with the other band members. The band wanted to pursue a heavier sound while Belladonna wished to continue with the more melodic style heard on Persistence of Time. Ultimately, Belladonna split from the band in 1992.
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How did John Bush become the new Anthrax singer? Bush was well-known in the metal scene for his work with Armored Saint in the 1980s. The band felt his powerful vocals and onstage energy were a good fit for their new direction. Bush officially joined Anthrax in 1992 after receiving an invitation from drummer Charlie Benante.
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What happened when Joey Belladonna returned to Anthrax in 2005? Belladonna rejoined Anthrax for a classic lineup reunion tour in 2005. This brought together 3/5 of the "classic" lineup, with Bush and Bello no longer involved. The reunion was a success, spurring Belladonna to continue as the band’s vocalist.
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Why was Dan Nelson only the Anthrax singer for 2 years? Nelson became the band’s vocalist in 2007 after Belladonna left again. However, he was reportedly let go in 2009 due to his unprofessional behavior and difficulties performing Anthrax’s older material. His tenure was short-lived.
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How did Rob Caggiano end up leaving Anthrax? Caggiano was the lead guitarist from 2001 to 2013. He left amicably in 2013 to focus more on production work, with the band emphasizing there were no hard feelings about his departure. Caggiano was replaced by Jon Donais.
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Who are some of the touring musicians who played with Anthrax? Some notable touring members include guitarists Paul Crook and Rob Caggiano before they were official members. Vocalists Matt Fallon and John Bush have also appeared with the band in recent years.
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What was Anthrax’s very first lineup? The original lineup formed in 1981 consisted of Scott Ian, Danny Lilker, Dave Weiss, Greg Walls, and Neil Turbin. This lineup recorded the band’s debut album Fistful of Metal. Lilker and Benante were early members who shaped the band’s sound.
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Has Anthrax’s drummer changed since the ’80s? No. Charlie Benante has remained Anthrax’s drummer since 1983. This makes him the longest lasting member other than founding guitarist Scott Ian. Benante is known for his fast thrash metal drumming style.
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Who plays lead guitar for Anthrax now? As of 2022, Jonathan Donais is the lead guitarist. Donais joined Anthrax in 2013 after Caggiano’s departure. He is their fourth official lead guitarist after Dan Spitz, Paul Crook, and Rob Caggiano.
Conclusion
Anthrax has cemented their legacy as one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal and pioneers of the genre. For over 40 years, they have consistently released influential albums and toured the world, inspiring generations of metal musicians and fans. Their success speaks to the incredible songwriting talents and musical chemistry between the various members over the decades.
While Anthrax has undergone many lineup changes, the core songwriting duo of guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante has anchored the band. Together with the iconic vocals of Joey Belladonna and excellent lead guitar work of Dan Spitz initially and later Jonathan Donais, Anthrax continues to showcase stellar musicianship. Bassists like Frank Bello have also provided the reliable backbone to the band’s sound.
Even during fallow periods in the 1990s and early 2000s, Anthrax continued to persevere and eventually regained their popularity. The longevity and perseverance of Anthrax cements their reputation as one of the most enduring thrash metal bands.
As Anthrax celebrates their 40th anniversary, they show no signs of slowing down. With their unmatched energy and enthusiasm on stage, they continue to inspire new generations of metalheads. The future looks bright for Anthrax to build on their legacy with more crushing albums and intense live shows. Forty years in, Anthrax still has much to offer the heavy metal world, thanks to the contributions of its talented past and present members. The story of Anthrax continues to be written as long as Ian, Benante and company take the stage.