Anthrax Prepping 40th Anniversary Livestream Concert

2022-06-20

Thrash metal band Anthrax, from left to right: Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Jonathan Donias, Joey Belladonna, Charlie Benante.

Anthrax – Story by Anne Erickson, photo by Jimmy Hubbard

Thrash titans Anthrax will release their 40th anniversary livestream concert on a variety of formats

Anthrax are one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, so there’s was lots of celebration when the guys celebrated their 40th anniversary last year. Now, Anthrax will release “Anthrax XL,” their 40th anniversary livestream concert from last year, as both a live album and video album on digital, Blu-ray and CD formats on July 15.

The show took place on a Los Angeles soundstage and featured a hard-charging set of hits and deep cuts from Anthrax’s extended catalog. The release is part of Anthrax’s 40-year celebration, which also includes and upcoming tour and the band’s 2021 web series.

The first single rom “Anthrax XL,” a live version of “Aftershock,” is available now. The aggressive track appear on the band’s 1985’s “Spreading the Disease” record. Watch the video for “Aftershock” at the end of this story. To pre-order “Anthrax XL,” go here.

“Forty years doesn’t feel like 40 years,” Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante said in a statement. “Sometimes, I have to remind myself about how long this strange trip has been. I enjoy playing these songs — they’re such a huge part of my life — and I know for a lot of our fans, they play a big part in theirs as well.”

Lead vocalist Joey Belladonna added regarding the livestream recording, “Even though we were performing in a studio with just the crew there, we played that set like we were in front of 50,000 screaming fans. I felt like we made a full-on connection with everyone watching from their homes or wherever, and that they connected with us.”

In other news, Anthrax are gearing up for a round of North American tour dates with Black Label Society and Hatebreed this summer. Find tour dates via the band’s website.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.