Scott Ian Celebrates John Bush's Thrash Comeback: A Testament to Metal Brotherhood

In a recent interview on Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, Scott Ian, the iconic guitarist of ANTHRAX, shed light on the triumphant return of former frontman John Bush. For those who have been living under a rock, Bush has been tearing up stages once again, performing tracks from his era in the legendary thrash metal band. Ian, who has been friends with Bush for decades, expressed nothing but excitement and pride for his compatriot’s endeavors.

Reflecting on the journey that led to Bush's shows, Ian noted, "There were whispers about this ages ago. It's clear this has been on John's mind for a long time, and we’ve all been supportive of it. I was just bummed that I missed his LA and New York gigs—it was a real kick in the gut!" Despite his absence, Ian's enthusiasm for Bush's return is palpable, emphasizing, "Do whatever you want, bro. I celebrate it!"

At these electrifying gigs, Bush showcased a powerhouse setlist, featuring tracks from all four albums he recorded with ANTHRAX: "Sound of White Noise," "Stomp 442," "Volume 8: The Threat Is Real," and "We've Come For You All." Joining Bush on stage were his CATEGORY 7 bandmates, along with longtime collaborator Joey Vera from ARMORED SAINT. The fusion of talent was a celebration of metal history, and the energy was nothing short of explosive.

In a candid moment, Bush reflected on the possibility of his former bandmates joining him on stage. He stated, "It's their music, their songs; they can do whatever they want. If they want to come out for a song, great! If not, that's cool too." This open-door policy showcases the camaraderie that continues to thrive within the ANTHRAX family, even amidst lineup changes and varied musical paths.

While discussing whether he would be doing these shows if the current Joey Belladonna-fronted lineup of ANTHRAX played more of his era's material, Bush was frank: "Most likely not. I wish they would play the tunes I invested so much time and emotion into. I want to dig deep into the catalog, not just the hits. I’m excited to bring some of those lesser-known tracks to life." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what it means to be part of the metal community—honoring the past while blazing a path into the future.