SCOTT IAN / ANTHRAX

Queens, New York native Scott Ian was still in his teens in 1981 when he formed Anthrax along with friends Neil Turbin and former Overkill guitarist Dan Spitz. The group literally began following independent metal label Megaforce Records heads Johnny and Marsha Zazula around the city. Eventually the couple signed the band and began directing its career. By album No. 3, Anthrax had landed on Island, and established a cult following.

Anthrax, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer redefined the metal genre in the '80s, combining the speed and fury of hardcore punk with the prominent guitars and vocals of heavy metal to create a new subgenre. Billed as the Big Four, these influential bands put speed and thrash metal on the map.

As the band’s lyricist, pummeling rhythm guitarist and only member of all 35-plus years of the band’s career, Ian is truly the driving force behind the Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling act, which remains a powerhouse in the metal world as they continue to release new music and tour the world.

Career Highlight

Performing at his beloved Yankee Stadium on the Big Four Tour with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.

Quotable:

“I don’t know what you would call my story genre, but it’s more about coming from nothing and being able to do all that I have done. I think it’s about being able to show anybody that no matter where you come from, whether you’re a scrawny kid from Queens, you do have the opportunity to make something of yourself.” – Scott Ian to Lithium Magazine

Did You Know?

Scott Ian is married to Meat Loaf’s daughter Pearl Aday, and when he’s not out touring with Anthrax, he handles guitar duties in her band, Pearl.

Television Credits

In 1992, Anthrax made a cameo appearance on the popular sitcom Married… With Children, performing the Persistence of Time track "In My World."

Scott Ian played a zombie in a webisode that accompanied the popular series The Walking Dead.

Book Credits

In 2014, Ian released his autobiography I’m the Man: The Story of That Guy From Anthrax.

Fun Facts:

Anthrax has written several songs based on the novels by famed horror author Stephen King. King is in return a big heavy metal fan, listing Anthrax and Metallica among his favorites.

The caricature sketch of the band on the rear sleeve of 1988’s State of Euphoria album was created by legendary Mad magazine artist Mort Drucker.