John Bush to Perform Anthrax-Era Tunes at Three Special Shows This December

As the world continues to wait and wait for Anthrax‘s follow up to For All Kings to finally come out, there’s been a sort of simmering interest — no, a need — among a certain sect of fans to relive the John Bush-era. Calls for Bush to do the damn thing and play some shows featuring tracks from Sound of White Noise, Stomp 442, Volume 8: The Threat Is Real, and We’ve Come For You All.

Well, the wait is over. Moments ago, Bush announced a trio of live shows aimed at celebrating the songs of Anthrax focusing specifically on the decade he spent fronting the band. Sure, he’s hinted at wanting to do something like this for a while, but it’s now officially a thing. We’re getting Bush-Thrax shows.

The three shows will take place on December 13 at the Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles, December 18 in St. Charles, Illinois at the Arcada Theatre, and on December 20 in New York City at Racket.

“I’ve talked about doing this for a long time – and now, I’m finally doing it. Fans constantly tell me how much those records meant to them, and how they miss hearing those songs live. It’s very humbling. The wait is over.”

According to Bush, the setlist will of course not only feature the hits, but will include some deep cuts that “haven’t been performed live in years.” I don’t know about you, but if I can hear “Catharsis” and “Invisible” live, I’ll be a happy boy.

As for who’ll perform as Bush’s band, he said the easiest solution was to simply recruit his Category 7 bandmates to play the part. That means we’ll get Phil Demmel, Mike Orlando, and Jason Bittner to fill in for Scott Ian, Rob Caggiano/Dan Spitz/Paul Crook, and Charlie Benante. Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera will handle the low end, however, since Category 7 bassist Jack Gibson has a scheduling conflict.

Speaking of the lineup, Bush said it really was just easier to keep thing in the family, as it were.

“These guys are incredible, badass musicians, and it hit me – why look anywhere else? They’re already right here. It was a total no-brainer.”

Category 7 will play an opening set each night before taking their place as the Anthrax backing band.

This will be a limited run, so if this is something you want to see, you’re gonna have to pick up your tickets when they go on sale this Friday, August 1 at 10 a.m. local time.

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