Tags
“Anthrax: Live Noize” is a 65-minute DVD of a 1991 concert
performed at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater. Originally
released on VHS during 1992, the DVD was released in 2008.
While interspersed with interview footage of the band
members, the actual concert shows Anthrax in high-octane
form, as they blast through well-known songs, such as
“Indians” and “Caught in a Mosh.” Along with many others,
this concert promoted their 1990 album release,
“Persistence of Time,” and featured the classic lineup of
Scott Ian, Dan Spitz, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, and
Joey Belladonna. Soon, Belladonna would leave the band,
only to return to it in 2010. In the interim, his replacement
on vocals was John Bush.
A feature which sets this concert apart from those given by
other “thrash” bands was the collaboration with the rap
group, Public Enemy, who joined Anthrax onstage for songs,
such as “Bring the Noise” and “Too Much Posse.” I suppose
this was fitting, because Anthrax had previously forged a
reputation for incorporating elements of rap into their music.
The results worked within the context of the songs;
however, by the time Public Enemy joined Anthrax onstage,
the performance had become a Hip Hop/Thrash free for all.
In fact, Joey Belladonna switched places with regular
drummer Charlie Benante and played drums, while Benante
came out front singing and jumping around.
This was a concert by hyper-energetic performers playing
uncompromising music. The audience ate up their
“take no prisoners” style, complete with a mosh pit.
It should be noted that the stage antics and certain lyrics
merit a “parental warning!” I should also mention that
most if not all of this concert was also released on CD as
“Anthrax: The Island Years” in 1994. Personally, I enjoyed
being able to see and hear this band at their peak, and
they put on one helluva show.
Earlier, I’d discussed the Anthrax set at the “Big Four”
2010 concert in Sofia, Bulgaria. It featured most if not all
of the band members from this 1991 set, and was every
bit as good if not better. A release by the Island Visual
Arts/Pearson Productions label, “Anthrax: Live Noize” is
highly recommended for thrash fans and essential
for Anthrax fans.