Joey Belladonna — born Joseph Bellardini on October 14, 1960, in Oswego, New York — grew up along the shores of Lake Ontario in a family of Italian American and Iroquois heritage. That small-city upbringing in Central New York produced one of the most recognizable voices in thrash metal history.
Joining Anthrax
In 1984, Belladonna replaced Neil Turbin as lead vocalist of Anthrax, the New York City-based thrash metal band co-founded by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. His melodic, high-register tenor — influenced by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Kansas, and Rush — was a dramatic departure from thrash’s typical vocal aggression, and it gave Anthrax a distinctive sound that set them apart within the genre’s Big Four alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer.
The Classic Albums
Belladonna’s initial tenure produced four of Anthrax’s most essential records: Spreading the Disease (1985), Among the Living (1987), State of Euphoria (1988), and Persistence of Time (1990). Among the Living, State of Euphoria, and Persistence of Time all achieved gold certification from the RIAA. These albums defined Anthrax’s crossover appeal — thrash metal with hooks, humor, and a frontman who could actually sing.
Departure and Return
Belladonna left Anthrax in 1992 and was replaced by John Bush for the next decade-plus. He returned officially in early 2010, reuniting with the classic lineup for the acclaimed Worship Music (2011) and the subsequent For All Kings (2016). The band has earned six Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance across Belladonna’s two tenures.
The Big Four
As vocalist for one of thrash metal’s founding bands, Belladonna has performed at the historic Big Four concerts at Sonisphere festivals alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. An Oswego kid whose voice carried over walls of distortion, Belladonna proved that melody and metal were never mutually exclusive.