ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante and guitarist Scott Ian have issued separate statements confirming the departure of bassist Frank Bello.

"Hey everyone in Anthraxland,

I know things are getting out of control and I wanted to speak to our friends about this situation. The story is true - we have parted ways with Frankie. This was a difficult decision to make. We didn't want things to turn out this way, but they have. I can't get into "why" this happened, all I'll say is Anthrax were going one way and Frankie was going another.

We have a ton of stuff coming up - "Music Of Mass Destruction - Live From Chicago" CD and DVD, Japan/Australia, summer festivals and the live in the studio thingy. We are moving ahead and I hope that you will continueto come with us.

We have asked Joey Vera to fill in for the Japan/Australia dates. He's been so kind to help us out in this situation. I know everybody talks shit and it's sad that it happens. I hear the comparisons to KISS and all that shit and I'd like to say... Being in a band is like being married, some days you can handle it all and some days you just can't. People don't see eye to eye all the time, there is always some form of SCHISM. These problems can either be worked out or punched out (that's humor for the fans, not you shit posting jerk-offs). We will miss my Nephew and I hope he misses us too. Hopefully a separation is all this needs??? ... The back bunk on the left side of the bus will be available.

I've said enough,
Charlie B."

"Comrades,

I am sorry to say the rumors are true. Frank is out of the band. The details of the situation are personal and belong between the five people that make up Anthrax.

I can only ask that for now, you respect this decision and give us the time and space to deal with it. I wish I had more to tell you. I know we owe you that as our loyal listeners. I can tell you that nothing is being cancelled. We are going to Japan and Australia as planned. Our good friend Joey Vera will be playing bass with us.

On behalf of the rest of the band, I promise you that things will continue to move forward for all of us.

Scott"

Source: http://www.anthrax.com

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Originally posted by Cthon:
yeah, he joined Helmet. which means...a new Helmet is coming out. YES!

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Perhaps he just got fucked off with never, ever hearing his bass on the albums? It'd piss me off.

Maybe they'll get the original bassist back? The one and only mad fucking 8ft tall frizzy bastard Himself.

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Originally posted by Thanos:
I hope that's not a joke.

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Sources: FRANK BELLO Quits ANTHRAX, Is Replaced Temporarily By JOEY VERA - Mar. 3, 2004

Bassist Frank Bello has quit ANTHRAX and is relocating to Los Angeles to join the reformed HELMET, informed sources have told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. The surprising move reportedly came the day after ANTHRAX finished taping the additional video footage for their much-anticipated live DVD, "Music Of Mass Destruction", due on April 6 through Sanctuary Records. Replacing Bello in ANTHRAX on a temporary basis is veteran bassist Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING). An official announcement on the matter is expected soon.

thats from blabbermouth.

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Originally posted by Emlyn K Heliplopter:
Maybe they'll get the original bassist back? The one and only mad fucking 8ft tall frizzy bastard Himself.

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I'm just glad to see they didn't let it stop them. Looking forward to the live dvd and cd, and more new albums in the future.

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Originally posted by schroeder:
Now they can change their name to ANT-SAINT or ARMOURTHRAX.

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Originally posted by Warcorpse:
ArmoredThraxWarning

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