ANTHRAX Performs In Israel For First Time; Video Available

Fan-filmed video footage of ANTHRAX's first-ever concert in Israel, which took place on August 13 at Barby Club in Tel Aviv, can be seen below.

Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, ANTHRAX's founding rhythm guitarist Scott Ian — who was born 49 years ago to a Jewish family in the Bayside section of the New York City borough of Queens — said: "I didn't really have much of a Jewish upbringing; it didn't play a prominent role in our house. My grandparents were quite Orthodox, but my parents and I weren't. I learned Hebrew phonetically for my bar mitzva, read my seven minutes, and then we had a party. I think I did it more to please my grandfather than anything else."

Regarding why he decided to cut off his last name in favor of his middle name (Ian's full name is Scott Ian Rosenfeld),the guitarist said: "Scott Ian Rosenfeld was just too long — it didn't look good on posters when I started playing professionally, and Scott Ian did, so I just used that. It had nothing to do with it sounding too Jewish. I still used Rosenfeld for the songwriting credits, and for years people would come up to me and ask me who that other guy was that writes songs for you."

Guitarist Jon Donais (SHADOWS FALL) has been touring with ANTHRAX since Rob Caggiano's departure in January and will continue to play with ANTHRAX for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas for the "Metal Hammer" radio show on TeamRock Radio, Ian stated about the band's current second-guitarist situation: "Jon's been with us since February, and I think I can safely say he's passed the audition… [laughs]. I know we haven't said anything official yet, but in my mind, he's the guy. I'm sure some type of official announcement… because in this world, people apparently need that kind of information so they can sleep well at night. But as far as I'm concerned, Jon is the guitar player in ANTHRAX."

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante is recovering from surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. He is expected to rejoin his bandmates on the road on September 13 in San Bernardino, California.

ANTHRAX's current touring lineup includes former TESTAMENT/SLAYER and current ANIMETAL USA drummer Jon Dette.

Dette previously filled in for Benante on ANTHRAX's European tour last fall as the support act for MOTÖRHEAD and Australia's Soundwave Festival in February/March.