Posts Tagged ‘frank-bello’

Anthrax Bassist Frank Bello Talks Reissue of ‘Worship Music,’ Covering Journey + More

Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Anthrax bassist Frank Bello was the guest on Full Metal Jackie’s radio show this past weekend. He spoke all about the band’s journey and their success with their latest record ‘Worship Music,’ as well as the forthcoming re-release of the album. He also dished about being in the film ‘Greetings From Tim Buckley’ and much more. Read the full interview with Frank Bello below: The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for Anthrax – Joey Belladonna rejoined the band, you had the Big 4 shows, ‘Worship Music’ being released, a year long tour with Testament and Death Angel, how important has all of that been in setting up the future of Anthrax? You just said it – it’s all one. The Big 4 actually gave Anthrax a kick in the ass to really get going, we were working on songs – Scott [Ian], Charlie [Benante] and I and that made us really get back to being a serious band again. We were working and saying “We need to get a record out” and that made us finish the record. I tip my hat to Metallica for doing that for us. They didn’t have to put the Big 4 together and they did and it worked out really nicely and there’s a whole new fan base with that, which it great. Right now, you’re recording a few cover tunes for an expanded re-release of ‘Worship Music’ — like Journey, Boston, Rush – how have those bands influenced a faster, heavier band like Anthrax? Anthrax, we’ve done this stuff forever – those are our influences honestly, whether you want to take Journey and the melodic influences, great band, great musicians. I think it’s like a sponge thing like Boston, great harmonies, great vocals, great guitar. All of these things, these are the things we’ve grown up with and we would probably jam out sound check – we never really play Anthrax songs, music’s supposed to be fun and we play Anthrax for the set but it’s just so much fun to get it together. What we’ve always been known to do is to put these on a b-side and people just really dig it. I dig it – I did the Journey song yesterday, this is what we do and just the fun part about it is to hear the result. Joey [Belladonna] at times can sound like Steve Perry and I haven’t even heard his vocals on it and to hear him sing Boston – it’s going to be fun, I can’t wait to hear the finished product. This is special for the fans – you get the re-release yes but there’s always a little something different on top of it so I think it’s a special thing later on. What did it feel like for you guys to comeback with a new record in this time in terms of music and have it receive such high praise? You know what it is, after eight years first off – it was hard enough to get the record out just because getting management, lawyers out of the way all that garbage that gets in the way of music and personalities. We knew what we wanted Anthrax to be again the real deal so again I’ll go back to Big 4, it really gave us a kick in the ass to get back and really clear everything to go forward – ‘Worship Music’ we knew we had something special, we got Joey in on it and that was the cherry on top of it all. We’re fans of this music so we knew we had something good, thankfully the people, the fan base has taken on this record – this is our biggest selling record in a long time. It’s just done really well, thank God and thank the fans out there, great support- that’s why we’re still on tour. In three weeks we leave for a Motorhead tour – pretty much all sold out in Europe, which is crazy. Think about it, 30 years in, Jackie, who would have thought we’re still around – Anthrax, Motorhead in Europe selling out places, we’re very lucky, we’re humbled. It’s a really nice thing that’s going on and we couldn’t be happier, we’re stoked. I have to tell you a funny old school Anthrax story, I grew up in Jersey and in my backyard was the offices for Megaforce Records and when I was a kid – you know you don’t know what a record label does, you just assume that the bands are hanging out there and working there. I must have been 12 or 13 years old and a buddy of mine and I were like “Hey let’s go over and maybe Anthrax is hanging out” and we went into the Megaforce offices like “Hey what’s up is Anthrax here?” There were times where Scott and I and Charlie did go there. It’s funny because it was way out there too, in Jersey and they would be like “Just come by to the office” and I’m not driving from the Bronx to Jersey. There were times where we would get boxes of our stuff to give out to our families, plus all of the Metallica stuff we’d get that was for free if we went there. In ‘Greetings From Tim Buckley’ you play Richard Hell and you’ve done TV and other films too like ‘One Long Day.’ How does the rush of acting compare to the rush of playing music? It’s weird that you say that and thank you for mentioning it – it’s the same thing for me. It’s really like writing a song and I don’t want to talk acting nonsense but putting little pieces together like a chorus or verse and stuff like that, I like just being somebody else. I think it’s really cool to be somebody else so when you sink yourself into it, it’s just like a song, it’s this little life, you give a song life – it’s the same vibe in my gut that makes me feel good. I have a fire for this music, I’ve always had a fire for acting – who gives a f— about fame, it means nothing, we all know fame is bulls—. The whole thing of being a working actor really turns me on because it’s being somebody else for a little while. Being able to create gets something out of me that I need to get out – I don’t know what it is but it’s a lot of fun and I hope to do more, it was a blast. Compare to ten years ago, twenty years ago, what has been the best thing about being in Anthrax in 2012? Well right now it’s nice to be back and being accepted by not only our audience but there’s a new audience out there: 15-, 16-year-old kids. I got 15-year-old kids coming up to me saying “You’re an influence.” You don’t realize how good that feels – it’s something I’ve done right in my life and I’m very proud of it. It that kid could pick up a bass and feel the way I feel about it and make his day be a little bit better, that’s what it’s all about. It’s like passing the torch a little bit – we’ve been lucky, we’ve had a great time, if I could make somebody feel as good as the bass and music has made me feel that’s what it’s all about at this point. I feel like Anthrax is finally getting the recognition you guys deserve after all of these years, working so hard and putting out music and touring the hell out of your records. I congratulate you guys and I think it’s finally your time. Thank you, well and you know, Jackie people like you and this isn’t a kiss ass – the truth of the matter is we know our friends and people like you have supported the band forever and have been with us along this ride, peaks and valleys. There are no angels in this band, we know you have good times, you have lean times, there have been a lot lean times but it’s good to be back in this kind of way right now. We don’t know where it’s going to go – we hope it goes further but we’re taking it day to day, it’s a good vibe. There’s a metal thing going on right now, there’s a resurgence that we all know is here so we’re very happy to be part of it. We’re humbled that we are still a part of it – 30 years in, come on, we’re having a great time, we’re more relevant than ever, people love this record. For people to say this is our finest work – which we’ve heard in a lot of reviews and thank you for that, God that’s all you could really ask. That means it’s relevant and it made people feel a certain way and that’s what matters. It really got people listening again and we’re ready for it. Full Metal Jackie will welcome Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed on her next show. Full Metal Jackie can be heard on radio stations around the country — for a full list of stations, go to fullmetaljackieradio.com .

Anthrax’s Frank Bello on Metal Masters 4, Bonding With Phil Anselmo + More

Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Bassist Frank Bello has had a busy year. On top of touring with Anthrax throughout the year and  playing Richard Hell in the film ‘Greetings From Tim Buckley’, he has also been a vital part of the all-star Metal Masters clinics. Loudwire spoke to Bello about the clinic’s latest installment, Metal Masters 4 , which took place in his hometown of New York City, his bond with Pantera / Down singer  Phil Anselmo and his enthusiasm for a possible Metal Masters 5. You guys killed at Metal Masters 4 in New York City. What did that experience of being in your hometown mean to you? Well, No. 1, it was easy – I can get a taxi home, I was feeling the Jager the night before. [Laughs] It was really rough and I like being in my bed when I feel like that – it’s just way easier I can just get there. The funny thing about it was I wasn’t at home for that long because rehearsal was that night and everybody had drinks that night, we got pie-eyed a little bit and I had to be at soundcheck and there’s so much pressure for the [fourth edition]. This thing took a life of its own now, I had to be down there at [noon], so I was literally home for six, seven hours. But It was so nice, they give you that home vibe, it’s New York, let’s face it that was a great crowd. It was an insane crowd and I thought it was one of the better ones because it had its edge to it that night. We all came off stage that night and we knew it was amazing because the vibe from the crowd was amazing. The crowd was also hopped up on free tubes of Jager. [Laughs] It never hurts though. That whole last Mayhem tour that Anthrax dig, we had a shot called a 9:28 shot. At 9:28 right after Slayer played we would all congregate in Slayer’s dressing room and the Jager party pretty much started from that time on pretty much through the wee hours – I’m telling you every night. So after that last Mayhem tour, I was drained I needed to come home and just chill for while. How would you describe your friendship with Phil Anselmo? Very close, brothers in arms. It’s great communication, we know each other so well. I think I’m one of the people he actually trusts — and the other guys on the stage, you can tell Phil trusts us. It’s a really nice tight bond, he wouldn’t just jam with anybody, let’s put it that way. [Laughs] Is it safe to say that Phil Anselmo might have a little bit of a crush on you? [Laughs] You know, we have so much fun together. The whole “crazy legs” thing – that’s the first thing he’s ever said to me – with all the crazy, stupid things I do onstage with Anthrax ‘cause I’m always moving, that’s why he brought up the name “crazy legs.” His girlfriend says the same thing and they emailed me right after, “Can’t wait to do it again,” and that’s so cool to hear Any plans for a Metal Masters 5? As soon as that was done we all said to Mark Menghi, the guy who runs all the stuff: “Whenever, let us know, it was a lot of fun.” [Laughs] We’ll take it all up again and see what happens. It probably won’t be in New York but you know what’s crazy, there are a lot of people asking for this thing now, which is great. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-bassist-frank-bello-reflects-on-one-year-anniversary-of-worship-music/” title=”Frank Bello Talks One Year Anniversary of ‘Worship Music'” align=”center”]

Anthrax Bassist Frank Bello Reflects on One Year Anniversary of ‘Worship Music’

Photo by Matthew Rodgers A year ago,  Anthrax took the metal world by storm with ‘Worship Music,’ the band’s tenth studio album and first in eight years. ‘Worship Music’ also marked the return of vocalist Joey Belladonna, whose prior disc with Anthrax was 1990’s ‘Persistence of Time.’ When Loudwire recently caught up with bassist Frank Bello, we asked him about the one-year anniversary of ‘Worship Music’ and his reflections on the year since it’s release. “What I love about it is that I can listen to it today and a year later it feels as fresh as when it first came out” says Bello. “When we wrote it, let’s face it, there’s so many songs and here’s the deal with this – honestly when we’re going on tour I thought. ‘I want to play more songs from the record that we haven’t played yet’ and that’s the mark of the record that I like and how I know the record is that good for me.” It’s no secret that ‘Worship Music’ is loved by fans and critics alike. Bello spoke on this by saying, “From what I hear other people are saying it, everybody likes the whole record and for anybody to say after 30 years this is our finest record and our best record – that’s the ultimate compliment and that came across in a big way when we released it.” Bello continues, “I want to play so many more songs and we’re certainly not done with this record, I don’t think our fans aren’t done with it yet that’s why we’re not going to rush another record but it certainly won’t be eight years for the next record.” In addition to our conversation with Bello, the entire band released the following the following statement to celebrate the one year anniversary of ‘Worship Music.’ “To our Fans and everyone who has supported Anthrax and Worship Music : It was a little more than a year ago – September 13, 2011 – that  Worship Music  was released, and all of us in Anthrax can’t believe how much has happened since then. Our friends in the press gave the album great reviews, and so many writers singled it out as one of the best metal albums of the year.  Our label just told us that  Worship Music  has just passed the 100,000 mark on albums sold.  Since  Worship Music ‘s release, we’ve played 107 concerts all over the world – in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, South America, and the U.K. – we’ve gone home to New York to not only play Yankee Stadium as one of The Big Four, but had September 14 named “Anthrax Day” in The Bronx, where Charlie, Frankie and Rob grew up. We’ve been so lucky as a band, and we know we’re able to do what we do because of you, our fans and all of our supporters in the press, at radio and retail, online, on the road, everywhere.  We’ve had one of the best years of our career, and we share it all with you.  So thank you for making the Anthrax’s “year of Worship Music the best!  More to come! Frank, Scott, Charlie, Rob and Joey” After their stint on this summer’s Mayhem Festival, Anthrax are continuing to support ‘Worship Music’ in North America and Europe. For a full list of tour dates, go here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-bassist-frank-bello-discusses-his-role-in-the-film-greetings-from-tim-buckley/” title=”Next: Frank Bello Talks New Film Role” align=”center”]

Daily Reload: Slash, Anthrax, Randy Blythe + More

Tim Whitby, Getty Images Here’s a look at the top stories of the day on Loudwire and around the Web: Slash defends Lindsay Lohan on her recent hit-and-run arrest. We’ve also got our review and exclusive pictures of Slash’s recent New York show with Foxy Shazam. [ Loudwire ] Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian claims, This will be the only version of Anthrax until there is no Anthrax.” Plus, Anthrax bassist Frank Bello discusses his role in the film ‘Greetings From Tim Buckley. [ Loudwire ] Randy Blythe goes one-on-one with Metal Hammer, reminiscing about his Czech arrest in great detail. Blythe says about the police, “They looked like they were there to apprehend a terrorist.” [ Loudwire ] Guitarist faces jail after convincing investors to fund bogus charity album featuring Jimi Hendrix, Beatles + More. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] Songstress Fiona Apple has been arrested in Texas for Possession of Hash. [ Diffuser.fm ] Green Day reveal that Best Coast will join the band as support for January + February dates. [ Rock Music Report ]

Frank Bello of Anthrax on Mayhem Fest: We Didn’t Want To Open The Main Stage

Ever since the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival lineup was announced, many fans have loudly voiced their opinions about thrash icons Anthrax not performing on the main stage alongside Slayer and Slipknot. In a new conversation with Frank Bello though, the Anthrax bassist explains that they landed as the headliner on the second stage by design. In a new interview, Bello disclosed the method behind their madness, saying, “We