Event Chat #28 with Anthrax guitarist, Scott Ian
3:00PM - 4:00PM EDT, September 9
thrax_rules <Q>Hey scotty thanks for the show in edmonton
Scott_Ian <A>Thanks! You guys kicked ass!!!
Y2KV <Q>Scott, how the fuck are ya?! I got a question about P.O.T. What the hell is that little chirp sound on the song "Time" at 3:31?
Scott_Ian <A>I have no idea. I will listen to it later.
prla <Q>Hey Scott, I was at Graspop last June and I confess I didn't really know much about Anthrax (shame on me!). I still preferred to see you instead of In Flames who were on at the same time and thank the heavens for that. I never had seen a show with so much electricity in the air. What on earth was happening that night?
Scott_Ian <A>Thank you. Graspop was great. It's one of my favorite fests to do in Europe. Headlining that stage was killer.
robdoobs <Q>welcome back to Vancouver, been way too damn long
Scott_Ian <A>It's going to kill tonight
prla <Q>What couple of albums would you recommend to someone trying to get to know Anthrax now?
Scott_Ian <A>Among The Living, Spreading The Disease, Sound Of White Noise, We've Come For You All and of course the upcoming Alive 2 DVD!!
The_Reckoning <Q>Hello Scott, How are you? do you like norwegin black metal?
Scott_Ian <A>Some. Satyricon, Dimmu, Mayhem to name a few.
robdoobs <Q>Scotty, are u guys playin vancouver, with Priest?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes!!!!! We couldn't announce until we play tonight. We haven't been here in 5 years and we get to come twice in 6 weeks. That rules.
Ruben_K. <Q>Who are your major musical influences over the years?
Scott_Ian <A>Sabbath, Maiden, Priest, Motorhead, Ramones, Discharge, AC/DC, old Scorpions etc etc
Genocide_Junkie <Q>How long has it been since Anthrax played with Megadeth in North America?
Scott_Ian <A>5 years ago on the Maximum Rock tour. We make a great combo on the same bill together and I hope to do more touring with Dave and co. next year.
Ruben_K. <Q>Welcome to the chat and thank you for taking your time to answer our questions. How has gigantour been for you so far?
Scott_Ian <A>Great. Awesome crowds. I wish we were on the whole thing.
Ruben_K. <Q>I heard you got a signature pedal at Digitech, how do you feel about it? What made you team up with Digitech to make it?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. It just shipped. I've been using their stuff for years and we spent a lot of time working on it to get it right. Black13!!!
Mortalshadow <Q>Scott, whats the chances of the thrax/deth coming to the UK , that would own.
Scott_Ian <A>Maybe next year. We'd love to do that.
Ruben_K. <Q>How long have you been playing guitar for and do you have any recommendations for practices?
Scott_Ian <A>32 years!! Holy crap. Play what makes you happy. Guitar should never be boring.
The_Reckoning <Q>are you a fan of death metal?
Scott_Ian <A>Some. Cannibal Corpse!! I'm more of a Black Metal fan.
prla <Q>Scott, any chance of ever going down to Portugal or any plans for a European tour sometime in the future?
Scott_Ian <A>Next spring. We didn't make Portugal this summer. We'll get there.
Chaney_W <Q>Hey Scotty, thanks for taking the time to chat....back in the day when you guys toured with Metallica did you get to know Cliff Burton and if so what type of guy was he?
Scott_Ian <A>He was a complete original, hilarious and the soul of that band.
anthrax_rules <Q>Hey Scott. will there be any southern california dates, LA or San Diego, with or without Priest
Scott_Ian <A>Yes, October 30 at Long Beach arena I believe.
Genocide_Junkie <Q>Not a question - Just wanted to say thanks for all the metal over the years and please dont stop
Scott_Ian <A>You're welcome!
Ruben_K. <Q>How do you go about writing riffs? Is there any particular secret you would like to share with us?
Scott_Ian <A>No secrets. Just jamming with Charlie and if we like it we use it.
Chaney_W <Q>Scott, what are your initial impressions of Gigantour?
Scott_Ian <A>Metal!!!! Everyone's getting along great and welcomed us newcomers like we've been here since day one.
crudy21 <Q>Scott greetings from England, Amazing to see u at Donington again 1 st time since '87. Are u coming back next year.
Scott_Ian <A>I hope so! We plan on doing a UK headline tour March or April.
Ruben_K. <Q>Who are your favorite guitar players?
Scott_Ian <A>Angus and Malcolm. Tony Iommi. Eddie Van H, Zakk, Of course Dime. The Slayer guys. Brian Setzer.
MegaTimo <Q>Scott, wanted to tell you, you fucking rock! I guess everything is a bit blurry about the future now, but are you thinking about writing a new album? Hope you're coming back to Finland soon. You slayed the last time I saw you guys a few years ago!
Scott_Ian <A>We'll start writing after this tour. We'll see where it goes. We played a fest in Finland this summer and it was great.
Ruben_K. <Q>What do you think of Dave Mustaine as a rythm guitarist?
Scott_Ian <A>Awesome. He's the complete package. Great rhythms and lead.
Mastermind <Q>I missed your reunion show in Detroit, will there be another soon? What's the plan for ANTHRAX after GIGANTOUR?
Scott_Ian <A>We're in Kalamazoo with Priest. We are doing the priest tour in the US. Check
www.anthrax.com for dates
Davy <Q>Do you guys ever play Imitation of Life...you gotta play it tonight!
Scott_Ian <A>Not yet. We will someday.
Y2KV <Q>Scott, do you remember at the Moore Theater in Seattle a few years ago being run down by some dude in a wheelchair? That was my friend Troy, and he says to tell you he's sorry .::beer
Scott_Ian <A>No, but no worries.
eighteeschick <Q>Hi Scott. You guys kicked ass in Sayerville and will see you with Judas Priest in AC but when are you guys going to do a full headlining tour of the U.S?
Scott_Ian <A>Hopefully Jan/Feb
anthrax_rules <Q>Scott, and this years Download fest, during Indians when you got the both sides doing that giant double circle pit, did that give you goosebumps, seeing that many people moshing at once
Scott_Ian <A>It was incredible! So many people. I have it on video and still can't believe it.
Mastermind <Q>Satyricon RULES! Nemesis Divina - Motrher North
Scott_Ian <A>Yeah brother!
megakreatorkill <Q>Scotty,any idea when the CDC will be open for business????
Scott_Ian <A>Soon. We're compiling loads of content and don't want to launch until it's right.
Ruben_K. <Q>What's your favorite song by Anthrax?
Scott_Ian <A>That's like asking which kid you like best.
Ruben_K. <Q>What's your favorite song by Anthrax?
Scott_Ian <A>I Am The Law
Ruben_K. <Q>What's your favorite song by Anthrax?
Scott_Ian <A>What Doesn't Die
Ruben_K. <Q>What's your favorite song by Anthrax?
Scott_Ian <A>Safe Home
Ruben_K. <Q>What's your favorite song by Anthrax?
Scott_Ian <A>NFL
crudy21 <Q>GIGANTOUR EUROPE any chance do you think Scott?
Scott_Ian <A>Maybe next year?
Ruben_K. <Q>Did you ever have any serious injuries?
Scott_Ian <A>Broke my wrist skating once. No not really.
The_Walking_Dude <Q>Are you a Stephen King fan there seem to be a lot of SK references, IE the Walking dude and Black 13?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. Huge fan.
Ruben_K. <Q>Are you into blues?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. Real old stuff.
Mastermind <Q>Sorry, but I gotta ask this...How's John Bush doing, and will he ever make a return to ANTHRAX sometime down the road?
Scott_Ian <A>He's doing great. That is absolutely possible.
The_Reckoning <Q>have you heard of a band called DRAGONFORCE? if so what do you think of these.
Scott_Ian <A>Heard of them, but haven't heard them.
prla <Q>Scott, your take on Dream Theater?
Scott_Ian <A>Way over my head! Total respect for them.
Y2KV <Q>Any news on the brouhaha between Billy and you & Charlie? Has the air been cleared yet? After all, it's been 6 years since Bigger Than The Devil- we're almost due for another SOD album!
Scott_Ian <A>No brouhaha (I love that word) on my end.
Y2KV <Q>Any news on the brouhaha between Billy and you & Charlie? Has the air been cleared yet? After all, it's been 6 years since Bigger Than The Devil- we're almost due for another SOD album!
Scott_Ian <A>No SOD album either
crudy21 <Q>Can't wait to see u again Scott Anthrax are huge still in U.K. You know
Scott_Ian <A>The UK has been great to us all these years and we never take that for granted. Thank you!!!
Ruben_K. <Q>Will Anthrax come to holland anytime soon?
Scott_Ian <A>Next spring
Chaney_W <Q>Hey Scott, how long does Anthrax plan on putting out great music before retiring?
Scott_Ian <A>As long as we're having fun
Yawt <Q>What should we expect from Anthrax in the future?
Scott_Ian <A>Heavier, faster, crazier.....
Ruben_K. <Q>What do you think of technical stuff like Steve Vai and Dream Theater?
Scott_Ian <A>I respect the musicianship but its not something I listen to very often.
Yawt <Q>Since when are you a Megadeth fan?
Scott_Ian <A>Since Dave played me the demos for Killing in a car in the parking lot of the Country Club in LA in 1984.
Chaney_W <Q>Scott, how do you rate the metal scene now compared to it's heyday of the 80's?
Scott_Ian <A>Very similar. A lot of great bands.
Ruben_K. <Q>Are there any plans for a new Anthrax cd as of yet?
Scott_Ian <A>We will start writing after the Priest tour. Hopefully next year.
The_Walking_Dude <Q>Are you planning on doing any more stuff with SOD?
Scott_Ian <A>No, sorry.
Danielle1972 <Q>what's your favorite stephen king book?
Scott_Ian <A>The Stand
crudy21 <Q>AC / DC Anthrax and Megadeth , Download 2006, can u shed any light NOT
Scott_Ian <A>I wish that was the show!! Make it happen.
robdoobs <Q>Just a comment, Scotty , wish u and the guys, a safe and awesome rest of the tour! Peace
Scott_Ian <A>Thanks.
eighteeschick <Q>Are there any new bands that you are really into/
Scott_Ian <A>My favorite "new" bands (they're not so new) are System Of A Down, Lamb Of God, Killswitch, Shadows Fall, Mars Volta, Beatallica.
SHATTERED <Q>Scott this is a retarded question but, do you like family guy the show??
Scott_Ian <A>Only seen a few. I plan on getting the DVD's, so yes.
DIJ_Metal <Q>are you coming out with another signature guitar series with Jackson?
Scott_Ian <A>I am with washburn and have a sig series with them. Check it out at
www.washburn.com or Boogie Street Guitars on the web.
Y2KV <Q>JEWCIFER!!! Are you a Bill Hicks fan? Since he and Sam were good friends, I was just wondering what you thought of him.
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. he was amazing. Way before his time.
Davy <Q>Is there any classic rockers you've met that left you starstruck?
Scott_Ian <A>I am friends with Gene Simmons but even still every time I am with him I turn into a 13 year old.
Megannie <Q>What are the main differences you notice when working with John Bush and working with Joey Belladonna?
Scott_Ian <A>Hard to say. We are out doing a "greatest hits" set right now. If we write with Joey I'll have more insight into that. When John joined in 92 he was more a part of the writing than Joey was.
crudy21 <Q>Talking to you is like clapping with one hand, what is it?
Scott_Ian <A>Caught In A Mosh.
prla <Q>you mentioned Maiden as one of your biggest influences, can you tell what's your favourite Maiden album? that usually tells a lot!
Scott_Ian <A>Killers.
The_Reckoning <Q>Are into politics?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes and no. I make up my own mind. I don't follow any party lines.
Yawt <Q>Favorite anthrax album?
Scott_Ian <A>We've Come For You All
linho <Q>Do you think Anthrax is underrated somehow in the metal scene?
Scott_Ian <A>I don't know. We've been doing this for over 20 years so someone must be noticing!
Chaney_W <Q>Scott, how does the Clash of the Titans Tour and Gigantour compare to one another?
Scott_Ian <A>No Slayer!! I love them and if they were here it would be insane.
Y2KV <Q>Any plans for some "end-of-tour-hijinks" in Portland such as what happened last November with Exodus & Megadeth? Or is that the big, bad, dirty secret?
Scott_Ian <A>If I told you I'd have to kill you.
Megannie <Q>Vh1 is SOOOO cool to watch when you are on! any possibilities of you parlay-ing those appearances into your own Music show?
Scott_Ian <A>I had my own show for a year in 2001. Maybe again someday when I'm not touring so much.
crudy21 <Q>It must be amazinz touring with Priest, Rob Halford is the true metal gods. Seen em twice this year! What do u think of the show?
Scott_Ian <A>They are the kings. As great as it is to be out on tour playing, it makes it even better to get to see them every night.
Jette <Q>How fun was it to do the episode of Married with Children? Looks like you guys had a blast-it's one of my favorite ones.
Scott_Ian <A>So much fun. They were all so cool to us. Ed O'Neill was great. We took David faustino to his first metal show (Metallica). The original script had Christina taking me up to her room but she had it changed because she didn't want Kelly to be that much of a slut!
Mastermind <Q>Scott, your thoughts on the business of music and downloading songs/albums. Do you care, or are you indifferent? Where should the "line" be drawn for legal sharing with friends to illegal copying and sharing?
Scott_Ian <A>Downloading and copying is stealing. Bottom line. If you want bands to continue to make music, don't steal.
Mastermind <Q>Scott, your thoughts on the business of music and downloading songs/albums. Do you care, or are you indifferent? Where should the "line" be drawn for legal sharing with friends to illegal copying and sharing?
Scott_Ian <A>Its the same as if I walked into your house and helped myself to your CD's.
walking_dude <Q>Are you going to do another album with john and rob?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes.
Danielle1972 <Q>here is a silly one: is there a downside to playing the greatest hits set?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. I miss a lot of songs old and new. Although, we are playing some old stuff that we haven't done since 86-87 so those feel new.
The_Walking_Dude <Q>Any plans on cutting the power to Megadeth and throwing eggs at them ala Sharon Osbourne
Scott_Ian <A>Hell no!
Jette <Q>You have done alot of commentary on VH1 metal shows and you're really funny. Any plans on doing more in the future?
Scott_Ian <A>I like doing those. Whenever my schedule allows, I'm there.
eighteeschick <Q>What is your most memorable fan moment?
Scott_Ian <A>Meeting Gene Simmons.
Mortalshadow <Q>hey scott, any chance of you guys and testament playing together again?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. We just played together in Europe.
crudy21 <Q>Your Recording tonite right, will you plaqy NFL ?
Scott_Ian <A>yes
walking_dude <Q>Any chance of new material with joey and dan?
Scott_Ian <A>It's possible. We have to start writing and see where it goes.
DIJ_Metal <Q>I'll flat out say it. I have downloaded Anthrax songs and you'll still making as much money as you always have......do you hate me?
Scott_Ian <A>No. It's a symptom of a larger problem. People complain that CD's are too $$$. Keep downloading and see what happens. And besides, your karma for stealing will come back and bite you on your ass someday.
Mastermind <Q>Yeah Rob's production skill son the GREATE ROF TWO EVILS is simply outstanding. Make him produce again and always.
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. He is killer. I love working with Caggiano.
Emthrax <Q>Anthrax has been touring pretty consistenly all over the place! Awesome. What do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Scott_Ian <A>Boxing. Snowboarding. Reading. Eating and drinking like a pig.
Megannie <Q>What's your take on how things are being handled in LA and MS after Katrina disaster?
Scott_Ian <A>I wish the response would've been faster. I am not going to politicize (I hope thats spelled right I suck at typing) this. It wouldn't matter who was in office. This would've happened. I don't know if you can really prepare for a disaster of this magnitude. All I can say is everyone should do what they can to help and worry about blame later.
Yawt <Q>are you into any sports?
Scott_Ian <A>Baseball. Snowboarding, boxing
Themadhatter444 <Q>Any chance of doing another metal/rap thing like Bring The Noise?
Scott_Ian <A>Doubtful but I won't say never.
Danielle1972 <Q>have there been any spinal tap moments? if so, what's the funniest?
Scott_Ian <A>Everyday. Funniest? More like the saddest.
eighteeschick <Q>Everyone asks about Joey and Dan but is Frank back or is he just for the reunion?
Scott_Ian <A>Not to get all existential on you but, if there's one thing I've learned in life its that nothing is permanent. In my heart he is back and we're all getting along great.
walking_dude <Q>Do you know if Phil Anselmo made out of New Orleans?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes, he's in Texas OK.
Davy <Q>Are you guys hanging out anywhere after the show tonight?
Scott_Ian <A>On the bus to Seattle.
clubber89 <Q>Will you be doing any songs on stage together with megadeth tonite?
Scott_Ian <A>No, no plans.
prla <Q>Scott, it is my understand from personal experience that in the end of the day the Internet has done more good than harm to the whole music industry. It enabled me to known hundreds of bands (and buy MANY of their albums) which otherwise I wouldn't. What you think of this other point of view?
Scott_Ian <A>I agree.
Yawt <Q>what team do you go for in baseball?
Scott_Ian <A>Yankees.
Megannie <Q>Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and chat with us! Have a great time in these last two Gigantour days and hope to see you soon in your home town! \m/ ROCK ON! \m/
Scott_Ian <A>Thank you!
Chaney_W <Q>Do you think the Yankees have a chance of beating out the Red Sox this year and win the World Series?
Scott_Ian <A>Sadly no. I don't think the Sox will win it either.
Y2KV <Q>Do you listen to Tom Leykis? If so, what does Pearl think about that?
Scott_Ian <A>No.
Y2KV <Q>Do you think Sharon has blacklisted Anthrax from ever doing an Ozzfest because of your showing up Ozzy during the shows in '88? And what's your opinion of the Sharon/Bruce rigormorale?
Scott_Ian <A>I wish I knew. That whole thing should never have happened. It should've been handled internally.
Danielle1972 <Q>how do you keep up such great energy? My friend in Australia said you guys did aan amazing 2.5 hr show !
Scott_Ian <A>I am powered by metal.
Yawt <Q>Who are your favorite vocalists?
Scott_Ian <A>Bon Scott, Mike Patton, Halford
thrax_rules <Q>Is it tough taming a goatee like yours?
Scott_Ian <A>I just let it do its thing
kurts_dead <Q>Do you have any Idea of when the CDC website will be up?
Scott_Ian <A>Soon.
Ruben_K. <Q>What would you think would be best, Dave Mustaine going solo or keeping Megadeth?
Scott_Ian <A>Whatever he does, its going to be Dave.
Megannie <Q>are you guys stopping by New York City sometime soon?
Scott_Ian <A>NJ Meadowlands with priest in Nov.
DIJ_Metal <Q>How has your writing been affected since the loss of Dimebag?
Scott_Ian <A>Don't know yet. We'll see later this year.
Ruben_K. <Q>If Iron Maiden was looking for a rythm guitarist, would you apply?
Scott_Ian <A>I'd love to!
Ruben_K. <Q>What does Judge Dredd have to do with Anthrax?
Scott_Ian <A>He is the law!
Mastermind <Q>Scott, do you remember your intro paragraph to the remastered MEGADeTH - KIMB album? Do you still consider it to be the best of the original 4 american metal albums?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes.
thrax_rules <Q>What ever happened to Stormtroopers of Death?
Scott_Ian <A>Sgt D killed us.
robdoobs <Q>scotty, can u describe, in a few words, Dimebag...
Scott_Ian <A>He had God in his hands.
crudy21 <Q>Whats your favourite song to play live? Mines Caught in a MOSH!
Scott_Ian <A>That and Law.
Ruben_K. <Q>Do you play any other instruments besides guitar? What instruments would you like to play besides guitar?
Scott_Ian <A>I'm a frustrated drummer.
Megannie <Q>Music reflects feelings quite a lot. What is a better motivator, anger, sadness or joy?
Scott_Ian <A>I work well with all 3
Emthrax <Q>What are you going to "be" for Halloween this year?
Scott_Ian <A>A zombie
Ruben_K. <Q>Would you ever collaborate with Dave Mustaine?
Scott_Ian <A>yes
Mortalshadow <Q>id just like to say.Stealing music is purposeless. A cd is a whole package, not just one song.
Scott_Ian <A>I agree. You gotta have the cover and liner notes.
Mastermind <Q>Thanks for not changing the band name after the anthrax scare of 2001.
Scott_Ian <A>No, thank you for your support.
Emthrax <Q>Scott, do you ever play an acoustic just for fun? Do you have one?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes. I have one.
CubanToad <Q>Hey Scott, do you know if the Judas Priest/Anthrax tour will be coming to L.A.? You guys played a phenomenal show here back in May by the way
Scott_Ian <A>Oct 30 Long Beach Arena
Y2KV <Q>Are you a Pink Floyd fan? If so, whose side are you on- Roger's or David's? And do you hope for a Floyd reunion?
Scott_Ian <A>Yes! They ruled at Live 8 and I wish they would tour. I'm not on any side.
Ruben_K. <Q>Are there any bands in particular you would like to tour with?
Scott_Ian <A>AC/DC and Metallica. We've never played with AC/DC and we haven't played with Metallica since 1988. I think Metallica - Anthrax would rule.
thrax_rules <Q>On the neck of your green washburn, what does dino baldini stand for?
Scott_Ian <A>Dino Baldini was Dimes nickname for me.
DIJ_Metal <Q>any plans for a headlining Anthrax tour?
Scott_Ian <A>yes. Jan/feb in the US. March/April UK-Europe. That's it my friends. Thanks for all the questions. This was fun and I am hoping to have online chats as part of the Anthrax CDC on a regular basis. Keep in touch at
www.anthrax.com and check out the contest we are running where you can win one of my guitars as well as an endorsement deal with washburn and a chance to play with us onstage. Go to anthrax.com and go to the Merch store for details. See you soon comrades. Cheers, Scott