One of metal’s Big Four, Anthrax, are already headed down under as part of the massive Soundwave Festival 2013 lineup, alongside fellow Big Four members, headliners Metallica and thrash metal icons Slayer, but fans looking forward to an appearance from Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano will have to start hedging their disappointment.
As Noisecreep reports, the news broke shortly after the announcement of their one-off Sidewave show at Brisbane’s Hi Fi on February 21, Caggiano announced that he’d be departing the metal legends to focus on his other musical projects. The 36-year old first joined the band’s lineup in 2001, before leaving four years later, only to rejoin in 2007, performing on Antrhax’s 2003 album We’ve Come For You All and Worship Music in 2011.
Caggiano will be turning his focus to record production, having already made a name for himself working with the likes of Cradle of Filth, 36 Crazyfists, and Ill Nino, as well as Anthrax’s latest studio album – which received a Grammy nod for Best Rock And Metal Performance.
“This is an extremely difficult and emotional decision for me to make but my heart is just steering me in a different direction right now,” said the guitarist in a press statement. “I’m extremely proud of my time in Anthrax. Actually, that’s an understatement! …It’s been a wild ride (to say the least) from Day One and I wouldn’t change one single thing about the last 12 years.”“I’m extremely proud of my time in Anthrax. Actually, that’s an understatement!” – Rob Caggiano
“I’ve always been one to follow my heart in everything that I do and while this might be one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, it feels like the right one for me at this time. Scott, Charlie, Joey, Frankie (and John Bush) will always be part of my family and this decision doesn’t change the way I feel about that in the slightest,” said Caggiano, adding his thanks to all of the fans’ support over the years; “You guys always were and always will be the reason why I make music!”
On pursuing his production career, the shredder added, “I look forward to a hopeful continuation of that side of my career while I figure out my next move as an artist.”
Caggiano’s friendly words were reflected back with equal warmth by his bandmates, who issued an official statement reading:
Rob has been an integral part of Anthrax for so many years, as our lead guitarist, in a production capacity, but most of all, as our close friend. His contributions to the band have been enormous. While we are sad that he is leaving, we wish him nothing but great success going forward, and hope to share the stage with him again sometime down the road.
With the Metal Alliance Tour on the horizon, we have been considering several lead guitarist options, and will be making an announcement on that shortly.
ANTHRAX – Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna
Caggiano’s departure obviously affects the Metal Alliance Tour, which sees Anthrax headlining the March/April North American tour that features fellow metal and heavy acts such as Exodus, High on Fire, Municipal Waste, and Holy Grail; but notably for Australian fans, finding a replacement ahead of their February dates is the more pressing issue.
Especially their one (and possibly only) Sidewave show in Brisbane on the Thursday ahead of the Brisbane leg of Soundwave 2013, which as FasterLouder points out, was made public by Soundwave boss and serial tweeter AJ Maddah.
@kingozzy420 Thursday before brisbane SW. Hi Fi.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) January 2, 2013
There’s no reason to cause a panic yet over the band’s commitments down under, but if you’ve already made those “Marry Me Caggiano” banners and t-shirts, you may have to prepare for a re-design.
Anthrax Soundwave 2013 Sidewave
THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY
THE HI FI, BRISBANE
