Mike Portnoy recently weighed in on John Bush’s solo concert honoring his time with Anthrax, sharing his excitement in a post on Instagram.
The drummer reflected on attending the special performance, which showcased material from Anthrax’s Bush-fronted years between 1993 and 2003. “Great seeing and hanging with my bros in Category 7 last night in NY,” Portnoy said. “What a band! And the 2nd set of Bush-era Anthrax was so awesome to see and hear!”
Portnoy also took a moment to acknowledge a memorable gift he received at the show. “Extra special thanks to my buddy Jason Bittner who so graciously gifted me his signature snare that he played during the show afterwards…incredibly cool of him!” he continued. “Be sure to catch them if they play more of these special shows!”
The event, titled “John Bush Celebrating the songs of Anthrax 1993-2003,” focused on Bush’s decade-long run as the band’s vocalist, a period often regarded as one of the more successful chapters in Anthrax’s history.
For fans of the Bush era, the performance marked a meaningful moment. Bush remains deeply connected to the metal scene through ongoing projects and collaborations, continuing to engage with the community that has followed his career for decades.
Bush’s path in metal stretches well beyond his years with Anthrax. His body of work includes numerous projects, and his longtime band Armored Saint has remained active throughout his career. In recent interviews, he has spoken about his experiences with both Metallica and Anthrax, reflecting on the wide range of influences that have shaped his musical journey. This longevity highlights his adaptability and range as a vocalist across multiple metal subgenres.
The Category 7 project praised by Portnoy represents another phase in Bush’s continued evolution. The supergroup features Jason Bittner, who gifted Portnoy the snare drum, underscoring the close relationships that exist within the metal world. Bringing together seasoned musicians from various established acts, the band provides Bush with an outlet to explore new musical directions while retaining his signature vocal identity.
His powerful and versatile style has earned widespread respect, influencing other singers and drawing frequent comparisons throughout the genre. That influence extends beyond his immediate collaborations, with his work in Anthrax during the 1990s and early 2000s helping to define a distinct era of the band’s sound.
The Anthrax-era celebration ultimately stands as a reminder of the lasting impact Bush had during a pivotal time in the band’s evolution. His ten-year tenure coincided with some of Anthrax’s strongest commercial performances and played a key role in bridging their thrash roots with a more accessible approach, expanding their audience while preserving their metal authenticity.
