In 2010 and 2011, the “Big Four” of thrash metal — Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax — played a historic run of 14 shows together, culminating with a final concert at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. It’s been 15 years since that last show, and Anthrax bassist Frank Bello tells Heavy Consequence he’d love to do it again.
The Possibility of New “Big Four” Shows
With Slayer back playing concerts again after calling it quits in 2019, and Megadeth in the midst of a farewell tour, it seems like any new “Big Four” shows would have to happen in the next few years. “It’s certainly not up to me,” Bello told us of the possibility of more “Big Four” shows. “Talk to Metallica. I would do it in a heartbeat. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be. They know our number. We’re friends.”
A Special Time in Thrash Metal History
Bello also discussed that special time in 1986 and 1987 when Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Megadeth’s Peace Sells, Slayer’s Reign in Blood, and Anthrax’s Among the Living all came out within a 13-month period. “It was a special time,” reflected Bello. “You felt the groundswell…. Those records met the moment. It exploded… It was a great time for all of us. Not only the bands, but the fans, too… We’re still celebrating. It continues to grow. This music scene is still growing. It’s great to see that.”
Current Projects and Tours
Anthrax recently released Cursum Perficio, their first album in 10 years, while Metallica are in the midst of their “Life Burns Faster” residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere. Bello concluded, “That was a real special time. It was great for fans, and there’s a whole generation that hasn’t seen that. Of course, we’d do it. But, yeah, we’ll wait for the call.” He continued, “I was just talking to James Hetfield at [last year’s] Back to the Beginning [concert]. We haven’t talked in forever, so it was a great, great reconnect, and we talked for a good half an hour.”
In conclusion, the possibility of new “Big Four” shows is still uncertain, but Frank Bello and Anthrax are ready to reunite with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth if the opportunity arises. With the current projects and tours of these legendary thrash metal bands, fans can only hope that they will see them perform together again soon. Watch Frank Bello discussing the “Big Four” and see our full interview with the Anthrax bassist for more information on their current activities and future plans.
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