Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian calls 1992 firing of Joey Belladonna a mistake

Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian has reflected on the 1992 decision to fire original lead singer Joey Belladonna, describing the move as a mistake in hindsight. Speaking on the Naked Lunch podcast, Ian noted that while the departure was a collective band decision driven by a desire to move in a new musical direction, he now believes there was no reason to make the change if they had taken more time.

Ian clarified that the decision was not a reflection on Belladonna’s abilities, nor was it a criticism of his successor, John Bush of Armored Saint. He expressed deep respect for Bush, stating, “I love John Bush, and John is a great singer,” but admitted that Belladonna could have successfully performed on the band's 1993 album, Sound of White Noise.

Belladonna, who was part of the band's classic lineup from 1984 to 1992 and featured on over 10 albums, eventually rejoined Anthrax in 2010.