Anthrax is an American heavy metal band formed in 1981 by founding members Scott Ian and Danny Lilker. The band is considered one of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre and is known for fast riffs and aggressive music. Anthrax has gone through various lineup changes over the years but some key members in addition to Ian have included Joey Belladonna on vocals, Charlie Benante on drums, Frank Bello on bass, and lead guitarists Dan Spitz and Rob Caggiano.
Current Touring Lineup
As of 2023, the current touring lineup of Anthrax consists of the following members:
- Joey Belladonna – Lead vocals
- Scott Ian – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Frank Bello – Bass guitar, backing vocals
- Charlie Benante – Drums
- Jonathan Donais – Lead guitar
Joey Belladonna has been the lead vocalist for Anthrax on and off since 1984. Scott Ian has been the band’s rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist since the beginning. Frank Bello joined in 1984, originally as a roadie but then took over bass duties. Drummer Charlie Benante joined in 1983. And lead guitarist Jonathan Donais joined in 2013, replacing Rob Caggiano.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Here are some of Anthrax’s upcoming tour dates for 2023:
Date | Location | Venue |
---|---|---|
March 10 | Santiago, Chile | Teatro Caupolican |
March 12 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Teatro Vorterix |
March 15 | Belo Horizonte, Brazil | Expo Minas |
March 17 | Sao Paulo, Brazil | Audio Club |
May 5 | Jacksonville, FL | Welcome to Rockville Festival |
May 7 | Daytona Beach, FL | Welcome to Rockville Festival |
The band is doing a tour of South America in March, hitting major markets like Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Then they return to the United States in May for some festival appearances like Welcome to Rockville in Florida.
Past Supporting Acts
Over the course of their long career, Anthrax has toured with many notable bands who have supported them on tour. Here are some of the past supporting acts and opening bands Anthrax has toured with:
- Metallica
- Megadeth
- Slayer
- Exodus
- Overkill
- Testament
- Motörhead
- Iron Maiden
- Pantera
- White Zombie
- D.R.I.
- King’s X
- Biohazard
Some of these supporting acts like Metallica and Megadeth went on to become huge bands in their own right. But early in their careers, they opened for Anthrax on tours in the 1980s. Anthrax also often toured as part of the “Big Four” of thrash metal with Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica.
Band Signature and Influence
Part of what makes Anthrax such a renowned band is their signature thrash metal sound and influential style. Some key elements of the Anthrax sound include:
- Quick, fast tempos and shredding riffs
- Prominent double bass drumming
- Soaring vocals and melodic guitar solos
- Aggressive, rocking rhythms
- Memorable, punk-influenced choruses
- Lyrical themes covering social issues and pop culture
Anthrax took the thrash metal genre to new heights along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. They injected melody, punk attitude and great songwriting into their own brand of thrash. Their sound influenced countless metal bands who came after them.
Legacy and Induction into “Big Four”
Along with Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth, Anthrax is considered one of the “Big Four” bands that defined the thrash metal genre. Some of their key achievements and legacy include:
- Among the first bands to emerge from the East Coast metal scene in the early 1980s
- Pioneers of thrash metal with fast tempos and aggressive music
- One of the best-selling thrash metal acts with over 15 million albums sold worldwide
- Nominated for multiple Grammy awards
- Toured as part of the Clash of the Titans lineup alongside Megadeth, Slayer and Alice in Chains
- Inducted into the “Big Four” along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer – played joint Big Four shows starting in 2010
- Influenced countless extreme metal bands and considered legends of thrash metal
Despite ups and downs over the past 40+ years, Anthrax continues to tour and record new music. They maintain a dedicated, worldwide fanbase and their signature thrash metal sound has stood the test of time. When it comes to the Big Four thrash bands, Anthrax holds their own with a powerful, groundbreaking legacy.
Conclusion
In 2023, Anthrax continues to tour extensively with their veteran thrash metal lineup. After 40+ years, they are still delivering their signature blend of thrash to audiences worldwide. As pioneers of the genre, they helped inspire and influence countless metal bands over the decades. When they take the stage, Anthrax brings a powerful, high-energy show with an onslaught of classic anthrax tunes. Their place in the “Big Four” of thrash metal is well-deserved, thanks to the band’s staying power and lasting metal legacy.