Saturday, October 25, 2014

The Story of the Man

I’m the Man – The Story of That Guy From Anthrax – Scott Ian (DaCapo Press)

Scott Ian…typical New York guy; hard working, Yankees fan, and average Joe, who just happens to be a rock star. Other than the shaved head and interesting choice of facial hair you might not give this guy a second look. Ian was a founding member of the thrash metal band Anthrax; one of the genre’s so-called Big-Four along with Metalica, Slayer and Megadeth.

It is his average Joe-ness that makes his story of struggle, determination and persistence, told in the new bio, I’m the Man – The Story of That Guy From Anthrax, so interesting. While admittedly I’m not an Anthrax fan, Ian’s story is at once a familiar rock star tale is engaging because he worked so hard to overcome so many obstacles that you can’t help but root for the guy. The fact that he didn’t go out of his way to screw things up like so many rockers do also tends to make the story unique.


You got to give this guy credit, he’s built a 30 plus year career that has seen a virtual revolving door of record labels, band members, managers, industry changes and has managed to avoid becoming a drug addled moron, a victim or a total douche bag. In a sense the book’s title says it all; he is the man, all the while remaining just that guy from Anthrax.

His stories about a dream come true playing Yankee Stadium, the birth of his first child and the description of the love of his life, rocker Pearl Aday, daughter of legendary rocker Meatloaf may not score him any cred with thrash fans, but it truly says something about The Man. I think being among the Big Four probably has him covered on the thrash cred front. This one is a great read whether you’re a fan or not.

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