John Bush to Bring Anthrax Classics to Wacken 2027!
Last December, metal titan John Bush took the stage for a string of electrifying performances across the U.S., paying homage to the blistering anthems he belted during his time with legendary thrashers ANTHRAX. Joined by his CATEGORY 7 comrades, Phil Demmel, Mike Orlando, and Jason Bittner, along with his lifelong ally Joey Vera from ARMORED SAINT, Bush unleashed a sonic onslaught that spanned all four albums from his powerhouse tenure: "Sound Of White Noise," "Stomp 442," "Volume 8: The Threat Is Real," and "We've Come For You All." The roar of the crowd echoed the nostalgia of a bygone era, igniting a flame that refuses to fade.
Fast forward to this week, and the metal world is buzzing as Bush announces his first European concert at the iconic Wacken Open Air festival, slated for July 28-31, 2027. In a statement dripping with anticipation, Bush exclaimed, "Totally pumped to bring the celebrating the songs of ANTHRAX '93-'03 show to the continent of Europe!" With the adrenaline still coursing from the U.S. shows, he’s ready to unleash that raw energy onto foreign soil.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Bush shared an emotional recollection during a June 3 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk." He noted the unique structure of the sets, where CATEGORY 7 opened before diving deep into the ANTHRAX catalog. "It was a lot of work, but it was fun work. And it was fun to play those songs… It was weird how much they just kind of came back to me," he admitted, highlighting the thrill of resurrecting tracks that hadn’t seen the light of day in years.
Fans were treated to the surprise inclusion of songs like "Strap It On," which ANTHRAX never played live, a special request from a dedicated follower that proved Bush’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience. As he prepares for Wacken, the vocalist reflects on the bond with the fanbase that has persisted through the years, a testament to the lasting impact of his contributions to the metal pantheon.
As the European leg of this nostalgic journey prepares to unfold, more shows are set to be announced, promising a relentless celebration of the classic ANTHRAX sound. With a lineup of formidable talent at his side, John Bush is not just revisiting history; he’s reigniting the flames of thrash metal that continue to inspire generations.