Frank Bello, bassist with the legendary New York thrash metal band Anthrax since 1984 – one of the “big four” of thrash metal – has sold over 10 million albums, traveled the globe more times than he cares to count, and enthralled audiences from the world’s biggest stages. He and his bandmates have even been awarded keys to the Bronx in recognition of their status. His long-awaited memoir would be a gripping read even if its pages only contained stories about his life as a recording and touring musician. While those stories are indeed included—and will blow your mind—Bello also focuses on deeper subjects in Fathers, Brothers, and Sons. Once you’ve heard his life story, you’ll understand why.
Metal Digest had a chat with Frank Bello about the things he wants to remember and the things he wants to forget…
Welcome to Metal Digest!
Congratulations on your memoir, ‘Fathers, Brothers, and Sons: Surviving Anguish, Abandonment, and Anthrax’. How might we feel differently about the world after reading this book?
Thank you. Well, I don’t know if anybody will feel differently about the world after reading this book, but it does tell the story of the peaks and valleys of my life, and how I dealt with all of it, and how I moved on from them.
If my story can help anybody be inspired to make their own life better, then we all win…
You have put a lot of work into this memoir and it has paid off! What was the biggest challenge of writing this book?
The biggest challenge of writing this book was having to write about my brother’s death. – I had to relive the story for the book, which was painful.
You’ve been with Anthrax since the year I was born. Do you play music every day?
I am proud to say that music is always in my life at least some part of every day.
What was your first ambition?
My first ambition was to become a musician.
How do you stay creative and authentic to yourself in a music industry that keeps repeating itself?
For me the only way to stay creative and sound like yourself is, to be honest with what I’m writing.
You’ve had an adventurous and inspiring life. What would you like to remember and what would you like to forget?
I’ve been very fortunate to have made a living out of doing something that I’ve always loved, which of course is music. I always want to remember the great ride it’s been, the fans, the shows, the albums- and creating new memories. As far as what I would like to forget, I don’t really give much time to that stuff, because I’ve already forgotten it.👍
Thank you for the wonderful interview.
Until we meet again,
Chelf | Metal Digest.
Fathers, Brothers, and Sons is released in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook on November 2, 2021, retails for US $28, and a percentage of sales will be donated to charities assisting abandoned families.
Signed hardcover pre-orders now at rarebirdlit.com
Follow Rare Bird, Frank Bello, and Joel McIver at:
Instagram: instagram.com/rarebirdlit | Official Website: rarebirdlit.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thefrankbello | Official Website: thefrankbello.com
Facebook: facebook.com/joelmciver
