BIOHAZARD’s founding drummer Anthony Meo has passed away after a battle with cancer
Meo sat behind the drum kit for BIOHAZARD through 1987 and 1988 and also played on the band’s first demo before being replaced by Danny Schuler.
Anthony‘s death was reported by the band’s guitarist/vocalist Billy Graziadei, who uploaded a video of the group’s early days yesterday (Friday, July 14) which included the following message: “RIP Anthony Meo. You brought us all together, you will live on forever through what we created together! #biohazard #og #drummer #fuckcancer #pickitupmeo”.
Danny Schuler also commented on Meo‘s passing, posting to his Instagram: “Anthony Meo was the original drummer of @biohazarddfl and a founding member of the band. He was also a friend I’ve known since I was 5 years old. I grew up looking up to him as a drummer, and I went to school with his sister, Nicole. Meo lived 2 blocks from me in Canarsie, and he used to come play drums with me at my house.
“He was a few years older than me, but we were friends. I remember seeing him with BIOHAZARD in the early days. And when he left the band and I joined, he gave me his blessing. In later years, he would come to the shows and sit in on the drums and remind everybody how important he was to BIOHAZARD. Without Meo, there is no BIOHAZARD.
“We lost a brother today, and a true old school Brooklyn original. He was truly one of a kind, living life on his terms. And a great drummer.
“Rest in peace my brother, and thank you for showing me the way.#themeo #pickitupmeo #themost #theleast”.
Billy recently shared a picture of Anthony to social media in which he wrote: “This is Anthony Meo. With out him, there would be no BIOHAZARD. He was our first drummer and brought us all together. Our lives would had probably continued on the same destructive path or who knows had Meo not introduced Bobby and Evan, (who I already knew from someone else). We had some crazy times together! Thank you Meo! Keep him in your prayers!”
As previously mentioned, the group’s renowned classic lineup, consisting of Graziadei, guitarist Bobby Hambel, Schuler, and bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld, will be joining MEGADETH for a series of five shows across the United States and Canada in September.
Following a hiatus of over 12 years, BIOHAZARD made a triumphant return to the New York City stage on June 16, delivering a highly anticipated concert at the Irving Plaza.
The initial reunion performance featuring Graziadei, Hambel, Schuler, and Seinfeld took place on May 26 at the Milwaukee Metal Fest, hosted at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
BIOHAZARD, a pioneering hardcore band, emerged in the late 1980s out of Brooklyn, New York.
In the early days, the band developed a distinctive sound that blended elements of hardcore punk, metal, and rap. Their music was characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, intense drumming, and raw, confrontational lyrics that tackled social issues, personal struggles, and the urban decay of their surroundings.
In 1988, they independently released their self-titled debut album, which showcased their powerful and energetic style. The album received positive reviews and attracted a loyal following within the New York hardcore scene.
The group’s reputation as a fierce live band quickly grew, thanks to their high-energy performances and their ability to connect with their audience on a visceral level. They became known for their chaotic shows, which often saw fans stage diving, moshing, and engaging in other forms of physical expression.
In 1990, they signed with the independent label Maze Records and released their second album, “Urban Discipline.” The album further established their hardcore sound and included tracks that would become fan favorites, such as “Punishment” and “Shades of Gray.” “Urban Discipline” received critical acclaim and expanded the band’s reach beyond their local scene.
The band’s success continued with subsequent albums like “State of the World Address” (1994) and “Mata Leão” (1996). These releases showcased the band’s evolving musical style, incorporating elements of groove metal and alternative rock while still maintaining their hardcore roots.
BIOHAZARD‘s early years were marked by extensive touring, both in the United States and internationally. They shared stages with notable acts such as SLAYER, FAITH NO MORE and HOUSE OF PAIN, further cementing their reputation as one of the leading bands in the hardcore genre.
Throughout their career, the group remained true to their confrontational and socially conscious ethos, using their music to address topics like urban violence, addiction, and political corruption. Their intense and authentic approach garnered them a dedicated fan base and influenced countless bands in the hardcore and crossover genres.
BIOHAZARD‘s early days laid the foundation for a long and influential career, solidifying their status as one of the most important and enduring bands in the history of hardcore music.