It’s official. Dan Nelson has left Anthrax. The post earlier mentioned a statement from management; well, here it is from http://anthrax.com/NFWS/

“As announced last week, thrash legends Anthrax regretfully canceled the first three dates on the second leg of their European tour due to new vocalist Dan Nelson’s unexpected illness. An additional seven European dates are also canceled, those scheduled from July 22 to July 30.”

“Anthrax is thrilled to announce that they will play the August 1 Sonisphere festival in Knebworth, England, with their good friend John Bush joining them for a very special one-off performance.”

“The members of Anthrax have confirmed the departure of vocalist Dan Nelson. In light of this development, Anthrax’s slot in the U.S. Slipknot dates set for August and September, has also been canceled. Anthrax is already actively considering lead singer candidates, and looks forward to hitting the road before the end of the year.”

This is rather unfortunate but still very interesting. Dan Nelson is gone, it’s sad he had so much potential. But, and this is a big but, Anthrax will play their Sonisphere set with John Bush!! The Joey Belladona successor returns to Anthrax! The statement says “one off” but hopefully it will sow he seeds for a permanent comeback.

If not then Anthrax will fall into their woes again and that really shouldn’t happen.