The Metal Report interviews former ANTHRAX vocalist Joey Belladonna
(Note: This email interview took place before the announcement of the new Anthrax vocalist)
Joey Belladonna, formerly of ANTHRAX
Suggested Listening:
Anthrax- Among the Living, State of Euphoria, Persistence of Time
Belladonna- Artifacts 1, Belladonna 03
JOEY BELLADONNA
TMR: Joey, what bands influenced you to become a musician?
JB: The Beatles, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple.
TMR: What are some of your favorite music acts that are not metal or hard rock?
JB: David Weckell Group, Seal.
TMR: In the Anthrax 'I'm The Man' music video you can be seen playing drums. Aside from singing and drums do you play any other instruments?
JB: No.
TMR: You made several of your solo albums available for free download via your official website, www.joeybelladonna.com. This is quite a contrast from other prominent musicians who feel that illegal downloading- or having fans aquire their music without having to purchase it- is wrong. What was your reason behind releasing your music for free?
JB: The music is not available via my website for free. It is available for pay download at 99 cents per track.
TMR: Of all of your solo albums, Artifacts 1 & 2 and Belladonna 03, which album is your favorite and why?
JB: Artifacts I because it is some of the first batch of songs that were written after I left Anthrax.
TMR: In December you are going to tour with Twisted Sister in New York and Adler's Appetite (featuring Steven Adler from Guns N' Roses) in Europe. Are there any bands you have yet to tour with that you would like to share the stage with?
JB: Sevendust, Shadows Fall.
TMR: What are some of your favorite metal bands who have just recently started to make an impact on the world of metal?
JB: Some of the newer type bands out there that I am currently listneing to are Lamb Of God, Trivium, Shadows Fall.
TMR: The Among the Living album by Anthrax is considered to be a classic by metal fans worldwide. How does it feel to be one of the few musicians responsible for creating a whole scene of music known as thrash metal?
JB: It is great to have been a part of something that was so well received worldwide. It takes a lot of work and dedication and it is rewarding to see a project that you put so much time and energy into become successful.
TMR: During the Anthrax reunion tour the you played alongside legendary acts such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest as well as newer acts such as God Forbid, Sworn Enemy, & Trivium. Do you prefer to open for bands that influenced you as a musician or have the bands you have influenced open for you on a headlining tour?
JB: Either one works for me, it is just a great experience to have worked with some many talented musicians and great people over my 25+ year career.
TMR: Recently there was an article on www.blabbermouth.net which suggested you were working with Anthrax again. Are you working with Anthrax on new material or preparing to tour with the band?
JB: Not currently.
TMR: What are your plans for 2008?
JB: Keeping busy with writing and recording a new album which I will hopefully have out sometime this year as well as touring.
TMR: Joey, we would like to thank you for your time and granting our request for a interview. Your unique voice and lyrics are truely one of a kind!!!
JB: Thank you!
