Anthrax has released the following statement about longtime band member Rob Caggianno’s departure from the band:
“Rob has been an integral part of Anthrax for so many years, as our lead guitarist, in a production capacity, but most of all, as our close friend. His contributions to the band have been enormous. While we are sad that he is leaving, we wish him nothing but great success going forward, and hope to share the stage with him again sometime down the road.
“With the Metal Alliance Tour on the horizon, we have been considering several lead guitarist options, and will be making an announcement on that shortly.”
ANTHRAX – Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna
This is a statement Rob released concerning the departure:
“I’m extremely proud of my time in ANTHRAX,” Caggiano says. “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.Â
“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 [Ian, guitar], Charlie [Benante, drums], Joey [Belladonna, vocals], Frankie [Bello, bass] (and [formerANTHRAX singer] 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!Â
“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.”
Rob has played in Anthrax as their lead guitarist from 2001–2005 and also from 2007–2013. He played on Anthrax’s 2003 release We’ve Come For You All and their most recent Worship Music. Rob is also in a side project with Anthrax member Scott Ian called  The Damned Things. They released an album called Ironiclast in 2010. No news whether the departure from Anthrax will affect The Damned Things.
We at RockRevolt  Magazine wish Rob luck in all 2013 brings him. We will keep you updated here on all things Anthrax. Look out for our upcoming interview with Anthrax in our soon to be released January digital issue of RockRevolt Magazine.
Watch Anthrax’s-The Devil You Know Video:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRwt51D-Tzg]
