Joey Belladonna
The soaring, melodic voice that defined Anthrax's classic thrash metal era, bringing operatic power and unexpected tunefulness to the genre's aggressive sound.
Born 1960 (age 66)·American heavy metal singer·Birthday: October 13·Baby Boomers
Biography
When Joey Belladonna joined Anthrax in 1984, he didn't just become their singer; he introduced a new weapon to thrash metal's arsenal: a clean, powerful tenor. At a time when many metal vocalists favored gritty growls, Belladonna's almost theatrical delivery on albums like 'Among the Living' and 'State of Euphoria' gave the band a distinctive, anthemic edge. His voice cut through the breakneck riffs with clarity and hook-laden melodies, helping to propel Anthrax into the 'Big Four' of thrash alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. His initial tenure with the band saw them reach their commercial peak, but it was punctuated by periods of departure and return. Beyond Anthrax, he fronted his own tribute band, Chief Big Way, showcasing his versatility and enduring love for performance. Belladonna's legacy is that of a vocal pioneer who proved that sheer power and musicality could coexist at high velocity.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Joey was born in 1960, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1960
#1 Movie
Swiss Family Robinson
Best Picture
The Apartment
#1 TV Show
Gunsmoke
Joey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1960Born
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1965Started school
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1973Became a teenager
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1976Could drive
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1978Could vote
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1981Turned 21
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1990Turned 30
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2000Turned 40
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2010Turned 50
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2020Turned 60
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 66 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded four studio albums with Anthrax during their initial peak, including the platinum-selling 'State of Euphoria.'
- Provided lead vocals on the thrash metal anthem 'I'm the Man' and the crossover hit 'Bring the Noise' with Public Enemy.
- Received six Grammy Award nominations for his work with Anthrax in the Best Metal Performance category.
- Rejoined Anthrax in 2010 for a successful reunion, recording new albums and touring globally.
Did You Know?
His real name is Joseph Bellardini; 'Belladonna' is a translation and stage name.
He is an avid drummer and plays the instrument in his cover band, Chief Big Way.
He is of Italian and Native American (Onondaga Nation) descent.
“I just open my mouth and let it rip, that's the style.”
