Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian has opened up about a devastating back injury sustained during the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise in late January. The incident has impacted his ability to perform and raised questions about his participation in the band’s upcoming Australian tour.
During an interview, Ian explained the circumstances that led to his injury. The cruise, which typically sails to the Bahamas, was forced to remain off the coast of Florida due to severe weather conditions. An unexpected cold snap brought freezing temperatures and snow to South Florida—a region that should have been experiencing 70-75 degree weather.
“We’re out on the ocean, and the winds are blowing 40 miles per hour,” Ian recounted. “The second show we do on the boat on the Saturday night happens on the big pool deck. There are 3,000 people outside on the boat, and you’re playing outdoors. It was literally freezing fucking cold.”
Despite requests to move the performance indoors to the theater, the cruise organizers couldn’t accommodate the schedule change. Thousands of fans were braving the elements, so Anthrax decided to proceed with the outdoor performance. Ian’s physical performance style is characterized by constant movement, jumping, and stomping—all of which proved problematic in the frigid conditions.
“I move around quite a bit on stage, jumping, stomping; I’m all over the place,” Ian explained. “There was no way for my muscles to warm up, even though I warmed up beforehand. By the end of the next day, after playing that show in the cold, my back went out, and I could barely walk for a week probably.”
The injury’s severity became apparent in the days following the cruise performance. Ian was unable to perform basic daily tasks. Tying his shoes and putting on pants became agonizing ordeals. The situation was further complicated by his commitment to complete Mr. Bungle shows in South America, which required him to endure grueling 10-hour flights while in severe pain.
Blabbermouth reported that Ian completed Anthrax’s recent Canadian tour with Megadeth and Exodus while operating at only 40% capacity. Throughout the tour, he relied on daily sessions with massage therapists and osteopaths just to make it through each night’s performance.
Ian’s physical limitations during the Canadian run forced him to adapt his performance style significantly. He was unable to jump or stomp his feet as he normally would. Instead, he compensated by focusing more intently on his guitar playing and headbanging, demonstrating his commitment to delivering a quality show despite his injuries.
“At my best on this Canadian run, I was maybe 40%,” Ian stated candidly. “I couldn’t jump. I couldn’t stomp my feet. If anything, maybe my playing was better, ’cause what else [can I do]?” This adaptation showcased not only his professionalism but also his determination to honor his commitment to fans and bandmates during a challenging period.
Since returning home, Ian has been undergoing physical therapy with the goal of recovering sufficiently for Anthrax’s Australian tour. Heavy Magazine Australia noted that the band’s 2026 Australian tour includes four dates beginning in Brisbane at the end of March 2026.
Ian expressed cautious optimism about his recovery timeline. “I leave in a week to fly to Australia, and I’m definitely better than I was a week ago,” he said. “I’m hoping another week will go by, and so by the time I get on stage in Brisbane, I’m hoping I will be somewhere in the 70, 75% of what I should feel like range, ’cause I don’t wanna re-injure myself, obviously.”
The guitarist emphasized his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition for his performances. “I take care of myself. I work out regularly, and have for the years, all because I want to be able to perform at the level I want to be able to perform at. I know what I can do and I know the show I wanna give to a crowd.” With one week remaining before his departure to Australia, Ian’s recovery progress will be crucial in determining whether he can deliver the high-energy performance Anthrax fans expect.
As Ian continues his recovery through physical therapy, the coming weeks will determine whether he can return to the stage at full force for Anthrax’s highly anticipated Australian tour.
