Scott Ian of Anthrax discusses painful back injury following freezing cruise performance.
An incident on the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise led to Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian suffering from a severe back injury. Ian shared details of his ordeal during an interview with Australia’s Heavy ahead of Anthrax’s upcoming Australian tour. He explained that the injury occurred during the band’s second performance on the cruise in late January.
Describing the unexpected turn of events, Ian mentioned the unusual weather conditions that plagued the cruise. Due to a storm off the coast of south Florida and the Bahamas, the ship was unable to sail to its intended destination. Instead, it remained offshore, where Ian and his bandmates were met with uncharacteristically cold temperatures. He recounted how Miami, Florida, typically experiencing temperatures around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, saw snowfall and chilling temperatures in the 30s. Despite the unfavorable conditions, Anthrax had to perform outdoors on the big pool deck, with 3000 fans in attendance.
Ian reflected on the physical demands of the performance and the challenges he faced due to the freezing cold. As an energetic and dynamic performer, he shared how the extreme weather affected his muscles, hindering his movements on stage. Ian’s efforts to warm up before the show proved ineffective, and by the following day, his back gave out, causing excruciating pain and limited mobility. The injury escalated as he had to travel to South America immediately after the cruise to fulfill commitments with Mr. Bungle, followed by a tour with Anthrax, Megadeth, and Exodus in Canada. Ian recalled the agonizing discomfort he endured on lengthy flights, exacerbating his condition.
Throughout the tour, Ian relied on various treatments like massage therapy and osteopathic care to manage the pain and perform each night. Despite his physical limitations, he pushed through the shows, joking that he could headbang more vigorously since it didn’t aggravate his back. Ian acknowledged that his playing might have improved despite his inability to jump and stomp on stage.
Since returning home, Ian has been undergoing physical therapy to aid his recovery. He expressed optimism about his progress and aimed to be close to full strength for Anthrax’s Australian tour. Reflecting on the importance of self-care for veteran musicians, Ian cited Dee Snider’s decision to retire from touring due to physical challenges, underscoring the need for artists to prioritize their well-being.
Ian emphasized the band’s awareness of the importance of self-care, especially as they age. He commended Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna for maintaining his vocal abilities into his sixties, attributing it to his diligent self-care practices. Ian stressed the significance of taking care of oneself to sustain a successful music career, recognizing the efforts required to maintain peak performance levels in the thrash metal genre.