After 12 years, Rob Caggiano announced today that he is bowing out of Anthrax to focus more on his producing/recording/writing career. It was quite a surprise for me to hear this being at the band is so close to launching the Metal Alliance tour. Anthrax has had a history of personnel issues over the years so the fact that Caggiano stayed this long is pretty amazing to say the least. Rob released an official statement regarding his departure today.
“I’m extremely proud of my time in Anthrax. Actually, that’s an understatement! We accomplished so many great things together over the years and I shared some of the best times of my life with these guys. As a band, we also weathered quite a few storms along the way. It’s been a wild ride (to say the least) from Day One and I wouldn’t change one single thing about the last 12 years. This is an extremely difficult and emotional decision for me to make but my heart is just steering me in a different direction right now. I’ve always been one to follow my heart in everything that I do and while this might be one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, it feels like the right one for me at this time. Scott, Charlie, Joey, Frankie (and John Bush) will always be part of my family and this decision doesn’t change the way I feel about that in the slightest. I would also like to say thanks to all the amazing fans I’ve met and hung out with worldwide over the years. You guys always were and always will be the reason why I make music! In this day and age, being a musician isn’t always easy -also an understatement- but the fans truly make it worthwhile for me. I hope to see each and every one of you again really soon. The fact that Anthrax is at the top of their game right now and totally ‘out for blood’ after all these years is a testament to this band’s longevity and conviction! I’m truly honored to have been a part of their brilliant legacy.”
“I can’t wait to get back in the recording studio again! Over the years, I’ve been blessed with the privilege of working with a wide range of great bands/artists from Anthrax and Cradle Of Filth all the way to BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, and I look forward to a hopeful continuation of that side of my career while I figure out my next move as an artist. BTW in case anyone was wondering after reading all of this, I do FULLY intend to get back out there on the road very soon in some way shape or form… it’s in my blood! Please feel free to follow me on Twitter @RobCaggiano for any and all updates on what I am up to.”
While I’m sure that his focus on producing, writing, and recording is a primary reason for his departure, I can’t help but wonder if maybe he felt a little overpowered at times when it came to decision making within the band. I had the pleasure of interviewing Rob in 2012 here in Atlanta and I remember asking him about whether or not Anthrax would ever perform an album in it’s entirety. Rob answered, “…with Anthrax, I don’t know. In the Metal world it can either be really cheesy or it could be cool. I guess it depends on the band and the album. I think we have such a blast mixing up the set list that we don’t really feel the need to do that right now.” Who knows if this had anything to do with that but I just found it interesting to remember that lil tidbit.
Either way, I want to wish nothing but the best to Rob in his future endeavors. I’m sure we’ll be hearing some amazing things from that guy somewhere down the line. As for Anthrax, I wish them the best as well. Maybe they’ll get Dan Spitz back in the band? Do the math bitches.
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