Hmmm...I haven't posted very often, though I check the message board at least once a week. I have supported Anthrax since 1987, have seen them seven times, and have all of their Belladonna/Bush era studio CD's. I am a fan by the standard definition. It's great that many of you have a cool rapport with the band, though my experiences have been quite the contrast.
The first time I met anyone from 'Thrax was in late 98 in Boston for the Vol. 8 tour. My friends and I were grabbing a bite to eat and a drink pre-show at Boston Beer Works just up the street from the show. While waiting for a table we saw Paul, Scott & Frank eating at a table. We were then seated and we decided to send them over a round of drinks. Some other fans went over to the table while they were still eating, askied for autographs, etc... Paul was the only one who acknowledged us and personally came over and thanked us. We finished eating and the guys were still hanging out, waiting for their bill or something. So we walked over to say hi, can't wait to see the show, ya know the usual banter. I said to Scott, "This is the 6th time seeing you guys, I've been a fan for 11 years"..his response "I gotta take a piss." And he walked off. Diss #1. Again Paul was cool, Frankie wanted to get the hell out...we took hint and left them alone. The show was great. Post show I saw a record label rep I knew from my job as a record store manager. He said to hang with him cause he knew John from the Saints Metal Blade days. He introduced us to John, who kindly took some pictures with us and chatted for a few minutes (hell, he even remembered the date of the show Armored Saint played in Bangor Maine 14 years earlier?!?). Then Frank stuck his head into the hallway, saw the overwhelming crowd of about 12 people, shook his head and slammed the door. Diss #2.
Fast forward 5 years. Anthrax release what I consider to be the best CD of their career and of the year 2003. On top of that they are coming to Bangor Maine of all places. My friend and I know the club owner, who asks that we help him clean up post show and we'll get to meet the band. Cool. We end up nearly first in line for the post show meet & greet. We chat with John, show him the pics from five years before, have a couple laughs and move down the line. The new guy in insignificant to me, Frank is bored, Charlie won't shake hands (too cool ffor school I guess) but he will touch knuckles (whoopee!!!). I tell Scott it was a great show and ask if I can get a quick picture between he & Charlie(which he had just done for someone else) and he tells me "No, it will take too long." WTF!?!? Diss #3.
Basically I have come to the conclusion that John is the heart of this band, and Charlie & Scott are angry individuals who are obviously jealous of many of their peers (as evidenced by the many tirades we've read over the past few years.) For two guys who claim to be fan friendly I have yet to see it. Scott can go on VH1 and mug it up for the camera, but when it comes to the treatment of his own fucking fans, the ones who buy his music, and his concer tix...he shits on 'em. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has stories about these two.
BTW, I laughed my ass off when Charlie whined about Navarro' entourage cutting in line at Starbucks. Fuck you non-handshaker!!!!
All bands mentioned will have new cds out this year
