Scott and Charlie release statements about Frank leaving Assthrax

[Officer Nice]

ANTHRAX Comment On FRANK BELLO's Departure - Mar. 4, 2004

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante and guitarist Scott Ian have issued separate statements confirming the departure of bassist Frank Bello. What follows are Charlie and Scott's statements in their entirety:

Charlie Benante: "Hey everyone in Anthraxland, I know things are getting out of control and I wanted to speak to our friends about this situation. The story is true — we have parted ways with Frankie. This was a difficult decision to make. We didn't want things to turn out this way, but they have. I can't get into "why" this happened, all I'll say is ANTHRAX were going one way and Frankie was going another.

"We have a ton of stuff coming up — 'Music Of Mass Destruction - Live From Chicago' CD and DVD, Japan/Australia, summer festivals and the live in the studio thingy. We are moving ahead and I hope that you will continue come with us.

"We have asked Joey Vera to fill in for the Japan/Australia dates. He's been so kind to help us out in this situation. I know everybody talks shit and it's sad that it happens. I hear the comparisons to KISS and all that shit and I'd like to say... Being in a band is like being married, some days you can handle it all and some days you just can't. People don't see eye to eye all the time, there is always some form of SCHISM. These problems can either be worked out or punched out (that's humor for the fans, not you shit posting jerk-offs). We will miss my Nephew and I hope he misses us too. Hopefully a separation is all this needs??? ... The back bunk on the left side of the bus will be available.

"I've said enough, Charlie B."

Scott Ian: "Comrades, I am sorry to say the rumors are true. Frank is out of the band. The details of the situation are personal and belong between the five people that make up ANTHRAX.

"I can only ask that for now, you respect this decision and give us the time and space to deal with it. I wish I had more to tell you. I know we owe you that as our loyal listeners. I can tell you that nothing is being cancelled. We are going to Japan and Australia as planned. Our good friend Joey Vera will be playing bass with us.

"On behalf of the rest of the band, I promise you that things will continue to move forward for all of us. Scott"

 

[Testament Legions]

Isn't Charlie B. Frank's uncle??? It's a shame... things like this happen.

 

[Officer Nice]

Isn't Charlie B. Frank's uncle??? It's a shame... things like this happen.

Yes. and Yes.

 

[SOD]

Its a shame that Frank is no longer in the band. But it is still FUCKING GREAT that they have NOT cancelled their up coming Aussie tour with Soilwork!!!!!!!!!

\m/

 

[Demonic Legionaire]

I think Anthrax is still cool..

Especially the old albums with joey doing the vocals

 

[Dirt Junior]

 

[Deadly Embrace]

ANTHRAX's SCOTT IAN: Lineup Changes Suck

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has posted the following message on the band's official web site (as part of his regular online column, dubbed "Alpha Mail"):

"Comrades, the emails have been pouring in and I'd like to thank you all very much for your words of support. Seriously, thank you so much. I read all the emails I get and your kindness does not go unnoticed. Hopefully I'll get to answer you back personally. As you can imagine, I've been swamped. I'll get to you, I promise.

"You might not think what you have to say means anything but it does. I never take your thoughts for granted. I'm a fan as well. I'm a fan of a lot of bands that have changed members. Some for better, some for worse. Even though my point of view as a band member on the inside may be totally different to your point of view on the outside, it's always traumatizing. Next to someone dying, changing members is the worst thing you have to deal with in a band. It sucks. It sucks. It sucks. I wish I had some fancy metaphor to explain how it feels but I don't. It sucks. Even 20 years ago when we decided to go on without Neil Turbin, that sucked. What it always comes down to is the survival of the band. It's always the same question can we go on like this? It's a hard question to ask, and a hard question to answer and it takes a lot of time and thought to come to a decision. But when it comes to the survival of the band, that has to come first. The whole is greater than its individual parts. When a situation becomes absolutely impossible and every avenue of resolution has been tried, you have to come to a decision that will allow the band to carry on. To me, nothing is worth losing the band, even if it was without me.

"We've dealt with this before. Granted, Frank [Bello</B>, ex-bassist] was there for 19 years. Not to belittle anyone else, but that makes it much tougher. I truly wish him well and hope for the best for all of us.

"Having a full slate right now certainly helps. There's been no time for anything but moving forward. The DVD is just about done, the 'What Doesn't Die' video is done, and we've got lots of touring right around the corner. I feel lucky to be able to have Joey Vera [ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING] step up and fill in. It makes it much easier to know that we've got a friend who we've known as long as John playing with us. I've got lots of other superficial crap (if you consider the Jesus movie or METALLICA playing 'Dyer's Eve' or a shirtless Brian Posehn moshing with Dave from SUM 41 superficial) to talk about. I'm gathering my stream of consciousness and I'll lay it on ya in a few days. I will tell you that we are confirmed on Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park in Germany with a whole load of dates in Europe in June and July including Greece for the first time. They will all be posted soon.

"The Australia dates are kicking ass. It would be amazing to be away for eight years and to have a sold out tour. Keep it up my friends you're kicking ass. We'll see you very soon."

From BlabberMouth.Net

 

[Officer Friendly]

Boo-Hoo.

I love how Scott says "nothing is worth losing the band, even without me"


Who's gonna fire Scott?.Charlie's the only one left!
Scott fired everyone else...Joey..Danny...Frank.

There's nobody left to fire him. Scott and Charlie are the only originals.

That's a laugh.

 

[hiddenlegions]

I second that "Boo Hoo" , all they ever seem to be doing is complaining in their posts. Not like it really matters who's playing in Anthrax at this point.