ANTHRAX Will be rejoined by bassist Dan Lilker after a 40-year absence for April/May 2024 tour dates
Due to personal reasons, ANTHRAX regretfully announces that bassist Frank Bello will be unable to join the band for their forthcoming South American tour, commencing on April 13 at MXMF The Metal Fest in Mexico City. Stepping in to cover these dates, as well as two U.S. festival appearances in May, will be none other than ANTHRAX‘s founding member and original bassist, Dan Lilker.
“I’m really looking forward to jamming with ANTHRAX again,” said Lilker. “When we parted ways back in 1984, they told me to stick around because they might need me in 40 years.”
Added the band: “We’re all very excited about with playing with Danny again, and we really appreciate his filling in for Frank. It’s been way too long since we played South America, so you don’t want to miss these shows, they’re going to be insane.”
This marks Lilker’s first reunion with the band in a remarkable 40 years. Notably, Lilker, who co-wrote and performed on ANTHRAX‘s debut album “Fistful Of Metal“, is also recognized for his membership in STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH alongside Charlie Benante and Scott Ian.
Lilker‘s musical journey over the past four decades has been nothing short of prolific. From his role as bassist in the thrash/metal outfit NUCLEAR ASSAULT to his contributions to the grindcore act BRUTAL TRUTH, his resume boasts an impressive array of bands. Additionally, he’s lent his musical skills to projects like EXIT-13, MALFORMED EARTHBORN, THE RAVENOUS, OVERLORD EXTERMINATOR, VENOMOUS CONCEPT, and many others.
ANTHRAX’s upcoming tour dates featuring Dan Lilker on bass are as follows:
April 13 – MXMF The Metal Fest, Ciudad De México, Mexico
April 15 – Cancha Diamante, San Salvador, El Salvador
April 17 – Pepper’s, San Jose, Costa Rica
April 19 – The Metal Fest, Quito, Ecuador
April 21 – The Metal Fest, Santiago, Chile
April 23 – Sala de Museo, Montevideo, Uruguay
April 25 – El Teatro Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 28 – Summer Breeze Open Air, São Paulo, Brazil
May 09 – Welcome to Rockville, Daytona Beach, FL
May 17 – Sonic Temple Festival, Columbus, OH
ANTHRAX, an iconic name in the realm of heavy metal, emerged from the bustling streets of New York City in 1981. Formed by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, alongside vocalist Neil Turbin and drummer Dave Weiss, the band’s early days were marked by a relentless pursuit of sonic aggression and uncompromising attitude. Drawing inspiration from the burgeoning thrash metal scene, the band quickly carved out a unique identity with their blistering riffs, thunderous rhythms, and politically charged lyrics.
Their debut album, “Fistful of Metal” (1984), introduced the world to the group’s raw energy and unbridled intensity. As they evolved, vocalist Joey Belladonna joined the ranks, bringing a melodic edge to their sound. With landmark albums like “Among the Living” (1987) and “Persistence of Time” (1990), ANTHRAX solidified their status as pioneers of the genre, seamlessly blending thrash metal ferocity with infectious hooks and memorable anthems.
Throughout their storied career, ANTHRAX has weathered lineup changes, industry shifts, and even a brief hiatus. Yet, their resilience and unwavering commitment to their craft have kept them at the forefront of the metal landscape. Known for their electrifying live performances and unwavering dedication to their fans, ANTHRAX continues to reign supreme on stages around the globe.
With a discography that spans over four decades and includes classics like “Spreading the Disease” (1985) and “State of Euphoria” (1988), ANTHRAX‘s influence on the metal genre is immeasurable. From their early days in the underground scene to their status as bona fide metal legends, ANTHRAX remains a vital force, inspiring generations of headbangers to embrace the power of heavy music.
