Paradiddles, Plectrums and Posers

JOEY BELLADONNA - VOCALIST/DRUMMER

Joey's voice has been featured on 5 studio albums, several EPs, and sold 8 million records worldwide.

Anthrax were formed in 1981, but it was in about 1984 when, during a tour, the band realised that their vocalist Neil Turbin couldn’t cut it live and so cancelled a European tour and instead set about writing their second album (with no vocalist). Matt Falon joined briefly but then a suggestion was made regarding Joey Belladonna, and so it was that Joey became the Anthrax vocalist. After a separation, Joey and Anthrax were reunited in May 2010 when they did a tour called "The Big Four" (with Slayer, Metallica & Megadeth). At the time of writing Anthrax's tenth studio album 'Worship Music' has been released to much anticipation from the fans.

Joey took time from his November 2011 tour with Anthrax to answer some quick fire questions for 'Paradiddles, Plectrums & Posers':

1. Main influences The Beatles
2. 1st album bought Eric Clapton
3. 1st gig attended Pink Floyd
4. Who would you like to see but haven’t yet?  Steve Lukather (Toto)
5. Who would you like to work with?     Neal Schon (Journey)

Joey also enjoys playing with his covers band Chief Big Way, with whom he drums and sings, who do regular gigs in New York. Check out Joey's pages on Facebook to keep up with his recording and gig news:

  Joey Belladonna Official Page Chief Big Way

Above: Joey (centre) with Anthrax.

GAVIN BUTLER - VOCALIST

Gavin Butler is one of two lead vocalists with South Wales band The Blackout. Formed in 2003, the band have released 3 albums, the last of which was 2011 album 'Hope’.

Firm favourites with Kerrang!, the band have been nominated for/won various accolades including winning ‘Best Unsigned Band’ in the 2008 Readers’ Poll, and being nominated in 3 categories in 2011 (Best Video, Best Album and Best British Band).

Gavin has also recorded an acoustic solo album which is part of a collaboration with Attack!Attack! frontman Neil Starr (they did 5 tracks each). The album is called ‘Ghosts' and 'Echoes’ with Gavin’s part being ‘Echoes’. It was self funded, self released and Gavin did the artwork.

Gavin and Neil played a series of dates in April 2012, including London, Manchester and Cardiff, to showcase their songs from 'Ghosts' and 'Echoes', Gavin said:
“ I'm so excited for the tour. It's going to be great to get out on the road with these songs that I've had for a while but been unable to play until now. It's going to be amazing”

One reviewer, Sam Panasuik writing for LeedsMusicScene, said of the album “Charismatic, soul bearing lyrics, along with the swaying melodic strums are a plenty in this record. Ghosts & Echoes is something which was a pleasant surprise to listen to, and one which was brilliantly explored by Starr and Butler.”

Another reviewer, Dan Wright, stated “Butler and Starr have created an intensely enjoyable split album dripping with song writing class and packed with gorgeous melodies.”

The album is available for sale on Gavin’s ‘Monster Merchandise’ site (although there were only 1,000 copies pressed!).

  You can keep up with Gavin & his news on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

Above: Gavin with The Blackout
Right: The cover of 'Echoes'
Far right: on stage with The Blackout