Bei ANTHRAX dreht sich wieder mal das Sängerkarussel, denn die Thrash-Metaller haben folgendes Statement auf ihrer Homepage gepostet:
Wie letzte Woche schon bekanntgegeben, bedauert die Band es sehr die ersten drei Shows der zweiten Hälfte der Europäischen Tour absagen zu müssen. Ebenfalls abgesagt wurden die nächsten sieben Shows, welche vom 22. - 30. Juli geplant waren. Anthrax werden aber am 1. August das Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, England spielen, bei dem ihr langjähriger Weggefährte und Freund John Bush den Part am Mikro übernehmen wird.
Die Mitglieder von Anthrax haben außerdem bestätigt, dass Sänger Dan Nelson die Band verlassen hat. Hinsichtlich dieser Entwicklung musste die Band die bestätigten US Shows mit Slipknot im August und September ebenfalls absagen. Momentan wird aktiv nach neuen Sänger Kandidaten Ausschau gehalten, eine Tour soll es noch Ende diesen Jahres geben."
Zur Showabsage sagte die Band:
"The members of Anthrax regretfully announce that the first three shows of their European tour scheduled to begin tomorrow/Saturday, July 18** are canceled. Yesterday, lead singer Dan Nelson unexpectedly informed the band that he was seriously ill and unable to travel or perform at this time. Options for the balance of Anthrax's European tour dates are being addressed posthaste. The members of Anthrax are devastated by this unfortunate turn of events and ask all of their fans to join them in wishing Dan the speediest of recoveries."
exSänger Dan Nelson sieht das ein wenig anders und scheint tief getroffen zu sein:
"On the advice of counsel, I have remained silent to the statements issued by ANTHRAX in recent days and now must address these issues to my loyal fans and others. I want to set the record straight.
"I was never seriously ill or sick at all, as reported in ANTHRAX's July 17, 2009 press release. This extremely inflammatory statement hurt me tremendously. This statement misled fans, friends and family members into believing that I was seriously ill when I was not. I was not aware such a statement was being issued and it came as a total shock to me, as I'm sure it did to all of you. It was the other band members' decision to cancel the tour dates, not mine. I was ready, willing and able to do my job.
"After issuing the press release, the other band members decided, on their own accord, that I had 'resigned' from the band. I never resigned from the band.
"Even in view of this action and stance taken by the band, as late as earlier today I made it clear that I was ready willing and able to continue to fulfill my obligations. After that offer was made, the most recent press release was issued which announced my 'confirmed' departure from the band. I was not aware of the contents of this release until after it was issued, nor was I aware that ANTHRAX was canceling the European and SLIPKNOT tours.
"I regret any disappointment and confusion this situation has caused.
"I want to thank my loyal fans, family and friends for all their support and their many messages, emails and calls.
"My counsel has been instructed to take any and all appropriate actions to address this situation."
