9 Successful Bands That Changed Their Vocalist

As one of the Thrash Metal “big four”, Anthrax have built up quite the following over the years, but the iconic New York five-piece came from humble beginnings, being signed to a record deal only after gaining a reputation for astounding live performances.

This positive reception was due in no small part to vocalist Neil Turbin, who was beloved by fans of the band for his vocal range, hitting notes that other metal vocalists could only dream about. Although somewhat lacking in originality, their debut album Fistful of Metal was very well received by critics, drawing comparisons to acts like Judas Priest.

Turbin’s spot looked to be permanently sealed, but a series of long standing personal issues got in the way, and he parted ways with Anthrax in 1984. This opened the door for the band to join with their most famous vocalist, Joey Belladonna, in 1985. The acts' second album Spreading The Disease was Belladonna’s first with the Thrash legends, and it took them into a new, more punk-influenced area of sound. Joey remained the lead vocalist through albums like State of Euphoria, and Among The Living, which is their most highly regarded album to date.

This was until Belladonna was fired in 1992 following stylistic clashes, which allowed former Armoured Saint vocalist John Bush to take the helm. Bush's work with Anthrax is generally received with mixed feelings, taking a much more alternative, and darker approach.

Bush continued to work with Anthrax until 2005, when Joey Belladonna made his long awaited return to the group. For a while, the band was torn over which man would stay on as the vocalist, but Bush admitted that he was unwilling to commit to Anthrax.

Bush would however return to front the group once more, until he was replaced for a second time by Belladonna, who was reinstated for the “Big Four Show” on the European dates of the Sonisphere Festival.