Anthrax And The Prank That Scott Ian Pulled On Joey Belladonna Before A Major Gig

April 3, 2025

It was an electric night in a packed stadium, where the air hummed with anticipation. Fans had gathered from every corner of the country to see the legendary thrash metal band Anthrax perform. The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared, but backstage, something unexpected was brewing. Scott Ian, the fierce and charismatic guitarist, was known for his wild sense of humor. Little did he know that his latest prank would lead to a rollercoaster of emotions for his bandmate, Joey Belladonna, the powerful vocalist.

As the band prepared for the concert, Scott decided to lighten the mood with a prank. He got his hands on a small container of fake anthrax — a harmless powder designed to look like the real thing. It was a joke, meant to poke fun at the band’s tough, heavy image in a way that would make everyone laugh. With a mischievous grin, he snuck up to Joey just moments before they were about to hit the stage. “Hey, Joey! Check this out!” Scott said, tossing a cloud of the fake anthrax into the air. The powder floated around them like confetti, instantly turning laughter into panic.

Joey, who was preparing himself mentally for the performance, was startled. His expression shifted from confusion to shock. He had heard stories about the dangers of anthrax; it was a serious health concern. As the cloud settled, the humor of the moment faded away for Joey. He felt his heart race, and his mind spiraled into worry. “Scott, this isn’t funny!” Joey exclaimed. “You could get us in serious trouble!” The tension in the air became palpable, and Scott quickly realized he had gone too far.

After a minute of panic, Scott rushed to reassure Joey. “It’s fake! I promise! It’s just a joke!” He explained, his voice a mix of regret and urgency. Slowly, Joey calmed down, but the adrenaline had already spiked and left a mark on his spirit. Nevertheless, he knew he couldn’t let this prank overshadow their upcoming performance. Gathering his thoughts, he took a deep breath and reminded himself of his love for music and the fans waiting to hear them play.

When the band finally stepped onto the stage, the bright lights washed over them, and the crowd erupted in an explosion of cheers. Joey locked eyes with Scott, who gave him a sheepish grin. In that moment, all the worries slipped away, and they became one with the music. Joey poured his heart into every note, his voice soaring higher with each song, creating an emotional space for both the band and the audience. The prank was in the past, and together, they turned the night into a memorable performance fueled by passion and resilience.

In the days that followed, Joey reflected on that night. The prank reminded him that life, like music, is unpredictable, filled with highs and lows. He learned to embrace the moment and not let anything distract him from his purpose. Despite the initial shock of Scott’s joke, it taught him that laughter could coexist with music, enriching it in unexpected ways. And as the band moved through their tour, the incident became a cherished memory, one that bonded the members of Anthrax even tighter, proving once again that through chaos, art could flourish.