Sounds
and
Spirits
February 2023
Barrel proof stories straight from the
source.
The Whiskey Network Interview - Frank Bello
Since 1984, Frank Bello has been the bass player for the band Anthrax. The band has evolved from the rough and tumble origins on the streets New York to a global phenomenon. They are a prominent member of the “Big 4 of Thrash” with a devout following around the world. Their legacy is firmly in place across 11 studio albums, 26 singles, and 10 million records sold worldwide. Frank’s trademark sound is unmistakable and is a crucial part of the unique profile of the band.
Without a doubt, a quintessential Frank Bello riff is in the song, “Caught in a Mosh”. About 20 seconds into the song, Frank drops in with a historic bass line like a blacksmith’s hammer. He forges a foundation as hard as metal for Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), Dan Spitz (lead guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), and Joey Belladonna (vocals) to come together and bring the noise in true Anthrax form. Countless mosh pits around the world have chaotically swirled into existence at the first sounds of this song.
Thirty-five years later, Frank Bello and I having a heartfelt discussion about his book, “Fathers, Brothers, and Sons: Surviving Anguish, Abandonment, and Anthrax”. It’s a powerful book that will make you stop and think about the moments in life that shape your existence. This interview isn’t going to give away the gory details of the book. You’re going to need to buy it and read it for yourself. It’s time well spent and one hell of a great story.
​
Early on a Friday in December of 2022, Frank connects to our session and we’re both a little nervous. About five minutes into it, Frank and I are howling with laughter. Why? There’s a part in the book where Gene Simmons (KISS) would say to him, “Frank Bello… you’re a powerful and attractive man.” The circumstances that led to this happening are the stuff of legend (again… get and read the book!). The reason we were laughing is because for three days prior to our discussion, I was working on my Gene Simmons impression. Frank was gracious to entertain my pitiful impression of this legendary line, and it instantly broke the ice between us.
Finally, Frank loves whiskey and is a man of simple pleasures when it comes to the spirit of choice. He drinks what pleases his palate and makes no pretention or complicated matter of it. Being on the road, he has some powerful memories associated with whiskey. You’ll just have to dig in further to get the rest of the story.
Frank Bello is a welcome addition to the Whiskey Network Family. His contributions to music cannot be overlooked. His book is required reading and gives a deep and unflinching look into his life experiences. He’s worked incredibly hard to survive the heights of success and the depths of grief. What brings him to us is his love of whiskey.
To keep up with the latest in whiskey related news, information, and entertainment be sure to visit www.whiskeynetwork.net, enter your information, and hit “Subscribe Now”.
What are your earliest memories of whiskey?
In the early days, Anthrax was known for their straight-ahead work ethic and were known as the non-drinking band. Then, I met an angel by the name of Dime Bag Darrell. It’s making me choke up just talking about him. The first time I got into whiskey was when he handed me a Black Tooth Grin. It’s Crown Royal and Coke. I had tasted whiskey prior to that, but it never clicked. The first thing he said to me was, “Booze is the healer.” That line stuck in my head instantly.
​
When you are on tour with Dime and Vinny from Pantera (God rest their souls), you had no choice. There was always a Black Tooth Grin waiting for us. Sometimes, he’d come out on stage during out set and I’d hear the crowd roar and think they were getting into the song. No, it was Dime in the middle of the stage with a tray full of drinks… and we downed every single one of them.
​
What kind flavors do you enjoy in whiskey?
To me, I enjoy it when there is a citrus vibe with a little bit of a punch. When you combine a smooth profile with the sweet, it comes together is almost like honey. I need to be careful because the harsh stuff will tear up my voice, and I need that to be at it’s best. I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I do like to enjoy it and that’s it.
Of course, I’m also partial the Hillrock Estate Distillery products. They make whiskey for my band, and I really do like it. The other night, I just finished off another bottle of it. I have my favorite glass, it’s about 20 years old. It has a nice thick bottom and when I’m sitting here having a sip, it rests just right on the couch. There are those times when I just want to sit and talk. Strike up a conversation and just bring it down a notch.
The products from Hillrock Estate Distillery are made with quality and craftsmanship. Jeffery Baker and Cathy Franklin have an incredible vision and acumen. What is like to work with them?
​
Scott Ian and I went up there to taste some whiskey and it blew me away. The entire estate is beautiful, but I am biased because it’s upstate New York. We shared amazing meals and incredible conversation. You know what got me? It was how they do it all on their own. They can tell you about every aspect of the process, it’s a hospitable and comforting experience. That appealed to me because of my blue-collar upbringing.
​
Last night, I was taking my last sips from this bottle and thinking of Jeffrey and Cathy.
Can you share a personal story that involves whiskey?
Going back to Dimebag Darrel and our tour with Pantera, I recall how it all got started. On the first day of the tour, he comes into our dressing room and we’re all about the camaraderie. Everyone in the room acknowledged that we loved each other’s music. That’s when we were introduced to the Black Tooth Grin. All of us connected over whiskey and it was very comforting.
​
I keep going back to the saying that Dimebag would always say, “Booze is the healer” as he was making us another round. That was an amazing tour, and we had a great time with those guys. I can’t say it enough, God bless Dimebag and Vinny. When we decided to work with someone and make whiskey for the band, it was natural to name it “The Healer”, and there were two version of it. That was our way of paying tribute.
That brings me to the Anthrax XL whiskey. When I think about being in this band for 40 years, there are so many things that have happened in that time. It seems like yesterday that we were trying to fill a club with a few people as an opening band. Now, we’ve watched our children grow up together and I feel lucky to have a made a career in this crazy business. We’ve put a lot of hard work into it and I’m proud of it all. Reflecting on that, I was adamant about releasing a great whiskey. When Scott and I were working with Cathy and Jeffrey, we tasted a lot of whiskey. There were a few barrels that stood out to me. As we went through the process and tied it all to the great memories of our past, it connected with me on a lot of levels. I’m not an expert, but I know what I like. It felt good when we agreed on a barrel that I enjoyed. That was satisfying!
Let’s discuss “Fathers, Brothers, and Sons”. Can you tell us about the book?
​
I had been talking to my co-writer Joel McIver for quite some time. He knows my story and helped me bring it to life. There are a ton of great stories in the book! You’ll find Pantera, Metallica, and a ton of other rock and roll stories. On the other side, I talk about heartache, abandonment, and tragedy.
​
For example, when I was ten years old, my father took off and left us. Another deeply personal subject in my book is the story of my brothers passing. He was murdered at 23 years old and that was a low time for me. Most importantly, I wanted to communicate that when things get you down, you’ve got to get up, dust yourself off, and move on with your life. Make the best life you can despite any circumstances you find yourself in. It’s been humbling to get messages from people who have read my book who say that it helped them cope with tragedy. That’s a great feeling!
​
I hope people pick up my book and read more about my story. Next month, it’s coming out in paperback and I’m happy about that. It will be on Amazon and everywhere else you get books.
​
You also released an EP titled “Then I’m Gone”. Can you tell us about that?
When I was working on the book, I realized that much of therapy that I had been through compartmentalized a lot of the trauma I had been through. It felt like I was confronting these things all over again and they were right up in my face. When we were finished, there was a sense of catharsis but not full release.
​
For a while, I considered going back into therapy but when I’m in a bad way I often pick up a guitar and write. That’s exactly what happened here. All those songs came out and ultimately became the EP. It was therapeutic, helped lay some things to rest, and completed those feelings of catharsis. I’m happy with the reaction to the music. It’s me singing, and I wrote the music and played all the instruments but the drums… because I’m not a great drummer. It's not metal, though It’s hard rock. I wanted to show another side of me.
I had to do it for me.
The Mashbill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe
​
It is our tradition at the Whiskey Network to ask our guests the same final 5 questions, also known as the Mashbill.
​
Question 1: What was the last whiskey, bourbon, or scotch in your glass?
Last night, it was the Hillrock Estate Distillery Anthrax XL.
​
Question 2: Do you prefer to drink your whiskey from a specific type of glass?
Yes, I have my 20-year-old rocks glass. It has a nice thick bottom on it. It has a homey vibe, and I love to sit down with it and get into a glass of bourbon.
​
Question 3: Do you have a Unicorn bottle?
It’s the Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Bourbon “The Healer”. It means so much to me and goes deep with my friendship with Dimebag Darrel.
​
Question 4: I'm looking for a gift for a friend. My budget is around $50 to $75. What would you recommend I buy?
I would recommend a bottle of the Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon. It’s their entry level bottle and it’s great.
​
Question 5: What is your favorite toast?
I was thinking about this the other day, and it’s “Mud in your eye”. Also, if I can give two answers… it’s a line from the movie “Jaws”. In the film, the character Quint gives a toast to Chief Brody and says, “Here’s to swimming with bow legged women.” It was just funny how he said it in the context of the scene still makes me laugh.