Rock & Metal

Joey Belladonna Explains His ‘Horse Barn’ Job To Survive After Anthrax Firing

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In a recent interview with Kati Rausch of Music Interview Corner, Joey Belladonna opened up about his life after leaving Anthrax in the 1990s and early 2000s, revealing that he worked at a horse barn during his time away from the band.

“Well, for me to be out of the band for that long, it’s almost too long,” the iconic singer shared, reflecting on his unexpected departure from the band. “It was unexpected, and it wasn’t my idea, and I wouldn’t have preferred it. But it happened.”

Belladonna explained that, despite the tough situation, he managed to stay grounded. “I just maintained myself. And I was actually working in a horse barn for a couple of years. I was doing maintenance, and Krista, my wife, and I worked at a pretty famous rider’s facility. I cut grass all day. It was so big that I couldn’t complete all my work in one day.”

He described the demanding nature of the job, adding, “It was a long, long day. It took me two or three days to weed the whole place. A lot of people don’t realize that I would even do something like that. I didn’t necessarily have to do that job. It just kind of fell into place, and I enjoyed it. I got a lot of experience from it.”

While working at the horse barn, Belladonna kept his passion for music alive, playing in a cover band and even drumming. “I also had a band; I was doing some cover music and playing drums. It kind of felt like the old days for me. So I just kept busy, worked on some original music, and stayed productive. I didn’t fall apart. I just waited for some time, and eventually, I came back. So here I am.”

Belladonna originally fronted Anthrax from 1984 to 1992 and returned to the band in 2010. He was part of their classic lineup, which reunited for tours in 2005 and 2006. Over the years, his voice has featured on more than 10 of the band’s albums.

Reflecting on his initial departure, Belladonna didn’t sugarcoat his feelings. “Yeah, it just seems rotten. I don’t know what to say,” he told Chuck Shute in a past interview. “Every time I say something like that, it’s always this bitter vibe, but it’s the truth, you know? What else am I supposed to say? I mean, is there a better story? I wish I had one. I don’t.”

Belladonna recently wrapped up a European tour with Anthrax, concluding in Den Bosch, Netherlands, on December 15. The band’s next performance is scheduled for March 29, 2025, in Peru at Vivo X El Rock.

I'm Emma. I Love rock music, doing guitar reviews, and making food. I love writing works because it is the best way to provide information to people.

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