NUCLEAR ASSAULT Rules Out Reunion: 'There Will Be No Farewell Tours, No Future Live Performances And No New Studio Recordings'

New York thrash veterans NUCLEAR ASSAULT have shot down rumors a possible reunion.

The band, which hasn't performed live since September 2022, issued the following statement via social media earlier today (Thursday, November 12): "A final message to our fans worldwide.

"For more than 40 years, NUCLEAR ASSAULT has been a part of the lives of metal fans around the world. From the early days of playing small clubs to performing on stages across the globe, we've had an incredible journey that few bands ever get to experience. We've shared our music, our energy, and our passion with generations of fans, and we're proud of everything we've accomplished together. But every journey eventually reaches its end, and for NUCLEAR ASSAULT, that time has come.

"We want to make it absolutely clear that NUCLEAR ASSAULT has officially come to an end. There will be no reunions, no farewell tours, no future live performances, and no new studio recordings. This chapter of our lives is permanently closed.

"This decision does not diminish the incredible history we've shared or the appreciation we have for everyone who helped make it possible. Quite the opposite. We look back on more than four decades of music, memories, and experiences with tremendous pride and gratitude.

"To all the fans who bought our records, attended our concerts, wore our shirts, and supported us throughout the years, we cannot thank you enough. Your dedication helped take four guys with a passion for aggressive music from the clubs of New York City to stages around the world.

"Although NUCLEAR ASSAULT will never take the stage together again, the music isn't going anywhere. Our recordings, remastered releases, and videos will remain for longtime fans to enjoy and for future generations to discover.

"NUCLEAR ASSAULT's story has been written. There are no more chapters to come, but the music and the legacy will live on.

"To every fan, in every country, who has ever been a part of this journey, we offer our deepest and most sincere thanks. Thank you for over 40 years of unwavering support."

The message was signed by vocalist/guitarist John Connelly, bassist Danny Lilker, drummer Glenn Evans and guitarist Anthony Bramante.

This past June, Bramante appeared open to taking part in at least one final NUCLEAR ASSAULT reunion concert, telling the YouTube program "The Syncin' Wang Show" (see video below):  "Basically, my thing is, and I don't speak for nobody [else], is giving two examples, BLACK SABBATH, and then I'll go on to KISS. You know how BLACK SABBATH, the original members, they did their last show. Too bad Ozzy [Osbourne] died. They kind of knew [he was ill], but at least the fans got to see the original band. One show, they taped it, they could see it forever, it's recorded. Now, the same thing with KISS was, and I'm sure everybody's pissed off, was I don't know what happened there, but Peter [Criss] was still playing, and he was up to par playing, and Ace [Frehley] was playing every day, and these guys couldn't get their shit together. I'm not saying — rest his soul, Ace. But the other two couldn't get their shit together for the fans and work on six songs or something. How many billions of fans that love KISS wanted to see the original me[mbers]. I was ready to go to the [Madison Square] Garden, whatever. I would've scalped a ticket. It didn't matter. I just wanted that chemistry to be brought back as a kid, like when I went to see them when I was like 16 and stuff. And, unfortunately, now Ace is dead. So they're screwed, so now they can't do it and all the fans are fucked."

Bramante continued: "So in other words, what I'm saying is I think our fans, what they deserve, and I'm not speaking for anybody, it's not reality to go out no more at our age, because of just cost for stuff, flying. I'm so sick of it, I'm so tired, so I'm not gonna bullshit you and say, 'Oh yeah, we're gonna do this and do that.' But I think we should do a simple thing, like one place, maybe, just saying, the Starland Ballroom [in Sayreville, New Jersey] and do, like, two nights or something, just so we don't have to move equipment. We don't have to do nothing. We get a rehearsal place that's close, rehearse. And who knows? We might rehearse and and say, 'You know what? We don't have it no more and it don't work.' We don't know until we get together. But I don't know where the other guys' heads are, but I think the damn fans deserve it, 'cause I haven't gigged... I mean, I came to Brooklyn one time when they [the then-NUCLEAR ASSAULT lineup] were playing there. The years are going too fast. It might've been 2014, '15, somewhere around there. I went on stage and it was magical. It was like I never left... They knew their shit, so I just went home. I warmed up on my shit and I played like a block — three, five songs — and it was like ba-boom. It was like I never left. Holy shit. So the magic was there, the chemistry. So I'm just hoping, and I don't know where everybody's head's at. I don't know how to reach out to them. I talk to Glenn on and off. Maybe I'll mention it to him. I haven't said anything to him. But that's the deal there. Something like a — [make it available as a] pay-per-view [event], streaming [online], something where we all get together. If it clicks, just do one gig or two gigs at the same place. You don't have to move no equipment. You do one gig Friday night, come back, everything's there. Do your soundcheck, do your warm... You know, [keep it] simple."

Prior to forming NUCLEAR ASSAULT in 1984, Lilker witnessed the birth of thrash metal as an original member of ANTHRAX, and was later a crucial component to S.O.D. and BRUTAL TRUTH.

While many thrash metal bands tempered their aggression with melody, NUCLEAR ASSAULT stuck to its guns throughout and in the process, released such thrash classics as 1988's "Survive" and 1989's "Handle With Care".

After an extended hiatus, the group returned in the early 21st century with its first new studio album in over a decade, 2005's "Third World Genocide".

In 2015, NUCLEAR ASSAULT issued a new EP, "Pounder", on CD and as a digital download via Evans's own Sidipus Records. The effort featured "four killer old-school thrash" songs written by Lilker and Connelly.

NUCLEAR ASSAULT continued to play occasional shows and made what was to be the band's final live appearance at UK Deathfest at London's Electric Ballroom on September 3, 2022.