Anthrax And The Original Notebook Of Among The Living Lyrics Kept By Scott

April 2, 2025

In a small, dimly lit room, the walls were plastered with posters of legendary rock bands and a multitude of guitars hung from the ceiling like trophies of past victories. This was the creative sanctuary of Scott Ian, the legendary guitarist of the band Anthrax. Among the mementos of his musical journey, one item stood out more than the rest: an old, tattered notebook where he had scribbled the lyrics to “Among the Living.” It was a precious artifact filled with raw emotion and the essence of the band’s identity, and Scott cherished it deeply.

The story of Anthrax and their iconic album, “Among the Living,” was one of resilience and passion. Released in 1987, the album was a powerful declaration of the band’s heavy metal prowess, addressing themes of societal issues, horror, and personal struggles. But behind this success lay a challenging time. The music industry was evolving rapidly, and many bands struggled to keep up; however, Scott and his bandmates used their love for music to push through the adversity. The lyrics in that notebook captured not just their creativity but also their determination to make a mark in a world that often felt indifferent.

One day, while rifling through the notebook for inspiration, Scott stumbled upon a lyric that he had forgotten about: “Caught in the crossfire, the battle of the damned.” The words resonated with him as he reflected on how far the band had come. He remembered the struggles of being a young musician, the long nights spent practicing, and the moments of doubt that sometimes crept in. But every time he took the stage, the crowd’s energy filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about connecting with people through shared experiences and emotions.

As the years passed, Anthrax faced significant challenges, including changes in the music scene and personal hardships among band members. Yet, through everything, Scott kept that little notebook close, its pages stained with the fingerprints of his dreams and aspirations. It became a symbol of perseverance; every time he opened it, he remembered that every setback was merely a stepping stone. The passion for creating music propelled him forward, reminding him that their sound was not just a genre, but a community—a family of fans who believed in the power of heavy metal.

In 2003, Anthrax was inducted into the “Big Four,” sharing the stage with giants like Metallica and Slayer. It was a moment Scott had dreamed of since the band’s humble beginnings. Standing there, with his guitar in hand and the notebook safely tucked in his bag, he felt an overwhelming surge of gratitude. All the struggles, the late-night rehearsals, and the relentless pursuit of their passion had led them to this incredible moment. It was as if the spirit of that old notebook had guided him all along, reminding him to hold on to his dreams and never give up.

Looking back, Scott knew that the journey of Anthrax was not just about the music they created but also about the lessons they learned along the way. That tattered notebook, filled with the lyrics of “Among the Living,” had witnessed their triumphs and tribulations. It served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, showing that with passion, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible. In that moment, he inspired not just himself, but countless others who dared to dream, proving that music could change lives and the world around them.