In this new column, video interviewer/podcaster Matt Schmahl shares interviews he conducts with major figures in the metal scene, along with some additional insight.
The name Dan Lilker should not be a surprise to anybody familiar with extreme music, but just in case you’ve never heard of him, let’s briefly go over his big four projects. Dan is a founding member of Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D), and Brutal Truth. He helped start Anthrax in 1981, and is now retiring from full time touring and recording after decades of playing some of the most iconic and groundbreaking music ever made.
The first edition of his book “Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years and Counting in the Life of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker” was written by author Dan Hofer, released ten years ago, and quickly sold out. Now, Dan has teamed up with Dave to celebrate the arrival of the second edition of the book, which was released on Dan’s 60th birthday this past October.
We had a 30 minute interview recently with Dan and Dave and covered not only his book and a couple of anecdotes from it, but also topics ranging from his bass technique and what a lifetime of playing did to his wrist, his recent tour with Anthrax, to the 20 year anniversary of the tragic loss of Dimebag Darrell Abbott.
Dan and Dave also talk about the culture of the early days of crossover and hardcore thrash, violence at shows, the infamous S.O.D video “Live at Budokan”, Dan’s favorite doom bands, cannabis, and we got to meet his gorgeous cat Hank as well. There are some sound issues that are taken care of after about four minutes, but the conversation is well worth the watch nonetheless.
If you’ve ever had a sore neck or ringing ears from his music, put those horns up and lift your beverage of choice in honor of his storied career. We wish Dan nothing but the best in his retirement! His book can be found here, and we highly recommend it!
The link for the interview is to my YouTube channel Vampires Inbound; please subscribe if you’d like, and enjoy!
–Matt Schmahl
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