I’ve always said one of the Time Machine concerts that I wish I could go to would be any of the Anthrax shows when guitarist Dan Spitz was in the band. Whether it’s The Clash Of The Titans, the Among The Living tour, Persistence Of Time tour when they supported Iron Maiden, the Sound Of White Noise tour, or even the 2005 reunion with him and singer Joey Belladonna. With Anthrax’s latest album Cursum Perficio out, I’ve always wondered…….What If Dan Spitz were still in Anthrax?? Let’s take a look…..
I’ve always said that it’s a shame that Dan Spitz is no longer in Anthrax because his guitar solos really made that band unique. Now the other three guitar players that have replaced him are all great in their own right but there was just something special about that classic lineup. On the documentary part of the Alive 2 dvd, Scott Ian said “we’re gonna be locked in this room to record the new album.”
Just listen to the solos on the songs “Time” “Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.),” or “Potter’s Field” and you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s interesting to think about how different the other Bush era albums could have sounded. Of course supposing he stayed on for Stomp 442 (which is when he left) and played on Volume 8: The Threat Is Real then those guitar solos would be really cool and almost darker. Since Dimebag Darrell did some guest solos on the Bush era albums, hearing him and Dan Spitz doing solos together (whether it’s harmonizing or trade off solos) would be absolutely mind blowing. Then of course hearing him on the albums Worship Music, For All Kings, and now Cursum Perficio would make those that much better.
Realistically, had he stayed with the band beyond the 2005 reunion tours, I think he would’ve contributed to Worship Music, done a handful of shows or even one tour, and eventually would’ve left. I think for those that are saying that the classic lineup should’ve stuck together are not realizing that behind the scenes things just were not working. Personally, I think the classic lineup should’ve stayed together, but again realistically it was never going to work in the long run. Even Scott Ian said that he was the first to get married and have kids so naturally his priorities changed. 2007-2009 was kind of a weird time for Anthrax. There was that whole Dan Nelson era which didn’t work, the re-recording of the Worship Music vocals, and it seemed like the band was in limbo. So I think he would’ve been frustrated with all of that and left.
Based on the 40 Year YouTube documentary, they all seem to be on good terms which is fantastic but the days of Dan Spitz touring or even returning to Anthrax seem to be sadly be over. Personally I think Anthrax should do what Metallica did which is play a residency at a venue in New York or wherever and play songs with the past members. Get Dan Spitz, Danny Lilker, John Bush, etc. and play all the eras of Anthrax!!
