In a recent interview with Music Interview Corner, Anthrax frontman Joey Belladonna reflected on his life after being unexpectedly let go from the iconic thrash band in 1992. He described this period as an enjoyable and fulfilling experience while he continued his passion for music in a more subdued manner. His journey during this time highlights not only the challenges faced by musicians but also their resilience and adaptability in pursuing their art.

Discovering New Paths: Joey Belladonna’s Career After Anthrax

When prompted about his time outside of Anthrax following the band’s decision to replace him with John Bush from Armored Saint, Belladonna candidly discussed the “unexpected” nature of this transition and the steps he took afterward. He shared, “Well, for me to be out of the band for that long, it’s almost too long. It was unexpected and it wasn’t my idea and I wouldn’t have preferred it. But it happened. And I just maintained myself,” revealing that he found himself working in a horse barn for a couple of years. Alongside his wife Krista, he was involved in maintenance at a renowned riders’ facility, an experience that was both grounding and enriching.

Delving into the specifics of his job, Belladonna explained, “I cut grass all day. It was so big there, I couldn’t complete all my work each day. It was a long, long day. It took me two, three days to weed the whole place.” This labor-intensive role provided him with a unique perspective on life outside the spotlight, illustrating the stark contrast to his previous life as a rock star. The hard work and dedication required for maintaining such a large facility offered him a sense of accomplishment and purpose during a challenging time.

Music Interview Corner noted that this experience must have felt “grounding,” a sentiment Belladonna echoed when he said, “A lot of people don’t realize that you would even do that. I didn’t really necessarily have to do that job. It was one of those things that fell into place and I enjoyed it and I got a lot of experience from it.” This phase of his life not only kept him grounded but also allowed him to gain invaluable lessons that have shaped his musical journey.

Despite his departure from Anthrax, Belladonna never strayed far from his musical roots. He shared, “I also had a band; I was doing some cover music and I was playing drums. And it was kind of like the old days for me,” adding that he used this time to work on original music as well. “So I just continued to do that and work on some original music and stuff. I kept myself busy. I didn’t really fall apart. I kept busy and just waited for some time, and all of a sudden I’d come back. So here I am.” His determination to stay connected to music during this period showcases the unyielding spirit of a true artist.

READ MORE: 10 Rockers Who Quit Music + Pursued Other Careers

Former Anthrax Guitarist Dan Spitz’s Unique Career Transition

Joey Belladonna wasn’t the only member of Anthrax to take a different path in the ’90s. In 1995, guitarist Dan Spitz departed from the band to pursue an intriguing career as a master watchmaker. His transition from rock guitarist to skilled artisan highlights the diverse talents and interests that musicians often explore outside their primary careers.

Today, Spitz operates his own high horology restoration and after-sales service center in Delray Beach, Florida. According to his website, he is recognized as a highly respected craftsman in the field, having created custom, hand-crafted timepieces that reflect his meticulous attention to detail and passion for watchmaking. His journey serves as an inspiring example of how artists can successfully pivot to new ventures while maintaining their creative spirit.

Exciting Developments for Anthrax in 2025

The legendary band Anthrax has been diligently working on the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2016 album For All Kings. The band’s commitment to their craft and their fans remains unwavering as they navigate the ever-evolving music landscape. In September, Belladonna provided an exciting update via an Instagram video, letting fans know that he had resumed vocal tracking in a Los Angeles studio. This news has generated considerable excitement among fans, eager to see what the band has in store for their next project.