We all know how hard Scott Ian and Anthrax have been trying to get John Bush back into the band. So we should keep this new update as simply gossip. But Blabbermouth.net is reporting that Anthrax’s Frank Bello and Charlie Benante were spotted with former singer Joey Belladonna at Fozzy’s performance at the B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in New York City this past Wednesday (April 28). This is leading many to speculate that Belladonna may be returning to Anthrax just in time for their upcoming “Big Four” shows in Europe with Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth.

Normally I wouldn’t give such a rumor second thought. However, Blabbermouth.net makes the point that while Belladonna lives in upper state New York, Benante resides in Chicago, making it less likely that this was a chance encounter. Plus, Anthrax and Belladonna didn’t part ways on the best of terms after their 2005-2006 reunion, making it even more unlikely that the two were simply catching up on old times. So unless if Benante really loves Fozzy enough to travel far distances to see (sorry, but also unlikely), maybe there could be something to these rumors.

Again, nothing is confirmed and this should be marked as just a rumor. Personally, I somewhat hope this isn’t true. Not only because I myself am a John Bush era fan, but also because it would be sad to see the band return to Belladonna just because they couldn’t get Bush back or find a new singer. It would be cool to say that the “classic” era of Anthrax was performing with the “Big Four,” but it still comes off as desperate. Then again, if Bush can’t do the gigs, then Anthrax can’t really afford to take time out to find a new singer.

We will keep you informed as more is revealed.