By Melanie Falina
Humans are tribal creatures, it’s true. Those days of yore when our ancestors were so leery of outsiders, risking all to keep their tribe safe may be long behind us but those instincts live on in our programing. And today when most of the world doesn’t have to be so concerned about lions or pillagers sneaking up in the tall grass, those instincts have expressed themselves in other trifling ways. Take American football, for instance. Imagine loving ‘your’ team so much that you absolutely despise the team from the state just above, below, or aside from the state your team hails from. (And let’s also note that it’s very possible a player or two from ‘your’ team might even now play on that team in which you hate.)
This kind of behavior has also expressed itself in music. Not in the music itself but in the realm of music fandom. And it’s particularly hard on vocalists. We all know lovers of music who have ascribed themselves exclusively Team Bon Scott or Team Brian Johnson, or David Lee Roth versus “Van Hagar.” And sadly, these imagined rivalries often dominate over what’s most important – – – the music.
Music isn’t just fun it’s magical – music is freedom, it is healing, it’s lifesaving. The music should be the focal point of any music lover while enjoying the songs they love. And it’s important to have stated this because none of the following is in any way to slam current Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna. But, like many bands having been around more than four decades, Anthrax has had their share of line-up changes, and there are Anthrax fans who prefer either John Bush to Joey Belladonna or vice versa. But really, it’s difficult to even compare John Bush to Joey Belladonna as the singers have very different vocal styles.
That being said, those who prefer John Bush as the vocalist of Anthrax surely miss seeing songs of the Bush-era performed live. However, for three very special dates in December of this year, John Bush will be belting out some of his Anthrax catalog live. for one show in Los Angeles, one in the Chicago-area (St. Charles), and one more in New York City.
Despite having talked about doing this sort of show many times over the years, the time has come! Bush’s band, Category 7, will back him up for these special shows. Category 7 consists of Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head, Vio-Lence), Mike Orlando (ex-Adrenaline Mob), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, ex-Overkill) and Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning).
I recently caught up with John to discuss how this idea has finally come to fruition…
So many of Bush’s fans were thrilled to hear the announcement of these shows! How exactly did the planets align to make this a reality?
“Well there’s no time like the present,: stated Bush, “[I just turned] 62 years old, I feel great but I ain’t no spring chicken. There was a little free time in December so I pulled the trigger. Should be fun.”
I think for a lot of music lovers it was the song “Only” that really brought Anthrax to the forefront. Even with such an impressive repertoire of albums and material with Armored Saint, I know a lot of people feel that your songs with Anthrax during those years were really special. Do you feel that way as well when reflecting about that material?
“I really believe there are a lot of killer songs throughout those four records. The band worked super hard during that time writing, recording, doing press, and of course touring. Not to mention dealing with record label woes and the big changes from the 80’s to the 90’s.”
Bush continued: “The glory years of Anthrax will always be associated with the 80’s, however; like you said there were many people who discovered the band in the 90’s. Hopefully, this little nostalgic trip makes some people happy.”
I think the only ‘complaint’ that I’ve heard about these shows is that it’s only three. I read that the geographical placement was important since there are only three, and that’s very cool. But do you think there will be more added at some point?
“Well, we’re starting with this. Who knows what the future holds.”
And are there perhaps any plans to video record these shows and perhaps put them out on DVD for purchase for the fans who can’t make it to these shows?
“You know I haven’t thought about that yet honestly,” stated Bush in earnest, “Does anyone buy DVD’s anymore?”
“But yes, it would be cool to film it for fans who aren’t close to the three cities.”
Although there’s not quite the cache of material to choose from for these shows as opposed to writing up a set list for an Armored Saint tour, is it still difficult at all to decide on some of the songs to perform? I’m sure some are no-brainers, choosing the fan favorites, but were there any that were harder decisions?
“I’m still singing to a lot of these songs and seeing if any deep tracks jump out at me before I finalize a set list. Obvious ones are easy. I would like each show to be a little different from one another but that being said, I don’t want to bite off more than I could chew. Plus, there’s also the band to consider. A lot of lyrics are coming back to me, but I also sang these songs many times. This is new territory for the C7 guys. That being said they’re amazing musicians and I have no doubts.”
Speaking of Category 7, it’s really cool that you have fellow Armored Saint band mate Joey [Vera] joining you for these shows as well since he has his own bit of Anthrax history as well. And all the guys you’ve brought together for this are wonderful. Even though I’m sure that there’s comfort in performing with the musicians you play with regularly, is there also an excitement for playing in new formations with other guys too?
“Joey’s my bro, and as you said he played in Anthrax for a brief time. I think the whole thing is exciting. Hopefully the fans will be pumped.”
Trust us, John, fans are pumped!
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