Anthrax never anticipated this. After two decades their band-name finally "actually mean[s] what it really means." With recent incidents of anthrax the disease popping up at media outlets and the capitol, the veteran metal band's name doesn't seem so cool anymore, and, unlike Indie Rockers I Am the World Trade Center (who shortened their name to the cryptic I Am the…), people have actually heard of Anthrax (the band) before.
Surprisingly, in these times when so many musicians feel the urge to spout off with self-important pompousness or re-record (and ruin) Marvin Gaye classics in the name of humanity, the NYC band, whose albums include such creepy titles as Spreading the Disease and The Threat is Real, has responded to the situation with sensitivity, humility, and a healthy amount of self-effacing humor. Still, in some fans' eyes it won't make up for the fact that they kicked out Joey Belladonna and (later) Dan Spitz, but at least it's a start.
"When I learned about anthrax in my senior year biology class, I thought the name sounded 'metal,'" says a refreshingly honest and humble message on Anthrax the band's website (which also features links to government agencies and charities connected to relief efforts for the anthrax scare and the terrorist attacks of September 11th). The message goes on to reveal such ego-busting truths as, "before the tragedy of September 11th the only thing scary about Anthrax was our bad hair in the 80's and the Fistful Of Metal album cover." That, and guitarist Scott Ian's Alt-Metal Novelty but such an oversight is understandable under the circumstances. In a final note of compassion and anti-self-aggrandizement, the message ends with the band's hope and prayer that, "this problem goes away quietly and we all grow old and fat together."
Anthrax the band will be heading out on the road in January with Judas Priest to complete a tour that was originally called off in the wake of the September 11 attacks. "The tour the terrorists tried to stop" will be officially known as "Operation Enduring Metal." (Hey, it's better than "Operation Noble Eagle.") Better safe than sorry, Anthrax's Scott Ian told the Washington Post that he is stocking up on Cipro, an antibiotic used to treat Anthrax. Quoth Ian: "I will not die an ironic death."
Anthrax and Judas Priest's Operation Enduring Metal tour dates:
1/18: Los Angeles, Universal Amphitheater
1/19: San Francisco, Warfield
1/20: Las Vegas, House of Blues
1/22: Albuquerque, NM, Sunshine Theater 1/25: Dallas, Smirnoff Music Center
1/27: Houston, Aeriel Theater
1/29: New Orleans, House of Blues
1/30: Jacksonville, FL, Edge 2000
2/1: Miami, Miami Arena
2/2: St. Petersburg, FL, Jannus Landing
2/3: Orlando, House of Blues
2/4: Atlanta, Dekalb Atlanta Center
2/6: Detroit, Palace of Auburn Hills
2/7: Chicago, Riviera Theater
2/8: Milwaukee, Eagles Auditorium
2/12: Toronto, Warehouse
2/14: Boston, Orpheum
2/15: New York, Roseland
2/16: Philadelphia, Electric Factory
2/17: Washington, DC, Nation
