Lead vocalist Dan Nelson, who was to replace John Bush in ANTHRAX and appear on the legendary thrash band’s upcoming studio album entitled Worship Music in 2009, found himself smack dab in the middle of a major heavy metal media storm when it was shockingly announced back on July 21st that he was no longer a member of the group. ANTHRAX was forced to cancel the first three dates on the second leg of their European tour due to what was initially reported as Nelson suffering from an unexpected illness. Though Nelson would go on to state that he was not sick, an additional seven European dates were also called off from July 22 to July 30 and John Bush was immediately brought back into the lineup to perform August 1st at Sonisphere festival in Knebworth, England.
All this said, the short and controversial stint in one of metal’s greatest all time outfits does not bring an end to such a great vocal talent. Dan Nelson still lives on with a passion for music, possessing a singing prowess that comes around only but once or twice every twenty years.
The Metal Den’s Randy “Rocket” Cody recently conducted an interview with Dan Nelson for his loyal army of Den Headz worldwide.
Rocket: How has life been treating you since you and Anthrax parted ways?
Dan: Life is great. Thanks for asking!
Rocket: What’s the biggest misconception that you feel people have about you right now?
Dan: None really, everyone is entitled to their opinion on anything and everything.
Rocket: It’s not a secret that you take care of yourself physically. Have you gotten back into a routine with that again?
Dan: I never really stopped exercising. I do more cardio and heavy bag training than weights.
Rocket: You issued a statement in concern with the whole Anthrax matter via your manager back in July, so I am not here to beat a dead horse on the subject. Looking back on it all now though, would you agree that there was a serious “chemistry” issue going on with you and the other band mates? Or with maybe one person in particular?
Dan: I’ve always felt that it’s better to move on in life and look forward to the future… rather then concern yourself with the past.
Rocket: Anyone who was out at the shows or watched video of your live performance while in the band continues to shake their heads at all of this, because you clearly would’ve ended up being very successful with them. Do you ever sit back now and think about what could have been had you remained in Anthrax?
Dan: I never live my life with any regrets and never look back and wish I did something different. I chose instead to look forward to the future. We did some great things in the time we wrote and performed together, and I am very proud of that.
Rocket: After hearing your version of Worship Music (with your vocals on it), do you think fans would have dug it as much as it was being anticipated?
Dan: Absolutely.
Rocket: You said in our last interview together that you had started going to a vocal coach to prepare for touring with Anthrax. Obviously you’re not doing any shows right now but are you still taking the lessons to help keep your singing voice strong for the future?
Dan: No, but the lessons which I took were helpful in teaching me certain techniques that help out on the road.
Rocket: You told me you’re now working on a new musical project. Is it going to be a solo Dan Nelson effort? Or with a new band entirely?
Dan: I have been writing my own music. But I am singing and playing guitar in the band Inside Hollow, as well as working on a new metal project with Paul Bostaph that is coming out killer!
Rocket: Where is it being recorded and who is producing it?
Dan: No set studios or producers just yet. We are still in the writing process with both bands.
Rocket: When can fans expect to see it released?
Dan: I would say definitely 2010 for Inside Hollow, and hopefully the same for the other project.
Rocket: People don’t know that you can also play bass, guitar and drums. When you write songs are you coming up with material first musically on one or all of these instruments or by perhaps a chorus or lyric that you first wrote?
Dan: It depends, I have done both. Written music around a melody or lyric, and also vocals to a riff as well.
Rocket: How exactly do you become inspired to write music? Do you watch movies, listen to music or read books? Or is it simply that you’re always inspired?
Dan: All of the above, anything and everything in this life inspires me in some way shape or form.
Rocket: With all the metal albums that have come out in 2009, do you have any personal favorites at this point?
Dan: As far as metal… I’d have to go with Megadeth’s new release.
Rocket: Have you been out to see any live rock concerts yourself as of late?
Dan: Saw Foreigner last Thursday, great show and Brian Tichy is a kick ass drummer!
Rocket: If you could turn back the hands of time in your life, what’s the one thing that you would go back and fix?
Dan: The Doctor screwing up my wife’s heart surgery.
Rocket: Any final words for your fans, Dan?
Dan: All the fans have been so awesome, I can’t wait to get back out there on stage to hang and connect with all of you, both during the show and afterwards.
Rocket: Well, thanks for rocking this out with me. Keep it going and stay strong!
Dan: Anytime, Rocket, thanks to you my friend!
Visit Dan’s new band BLACKGATES on Facebook HERE.
FUCK YEAH ROCK ON DAN!