Fear not, New Yorkers: "Anthrax Day" is not a terrorism preparation activity but an official day of recognition and celebration of legendary metal band Anthrax, which includes three members with Bronx roots. Anthrax will join the rest of the Big 4 for a very metal show at Yankee Stadium tonight, Sept. 14.
But before the lights go on for 50,000 fans at Yankee Stadium, a video will play of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s presentation of the official proclamation to Bronx natives Charlie Benante, Frank Bello and Rob Caggiano. Benante and Bello grew up in Throggs Neck, and Caggiano is a native of Pelham Parkway. Yesterday, Benante and Queens-bred rhythm guitarist Scott Ian got emotional talking about the show, and now this.
"Bronx is the home of hip-hop and salsa," Diaz Jr. said, "and today, the Bronx is also the home of heavy metal." The Anthrax Day Proclamation, which is one of the coolest notices ever formalized in New York City, reads:
"For over 30 years, Anthrax continues to 'Bring the Noise' through the 'Persistence of Time' in the Bronx, New York City and across the world; and
WHEREAS: Anthrax, a band with strong Bronx roots, is worshipped by their fans worldwide for giving them a 'Fistful of Metal,' both by touring and selling albums in the millions; and
WHEREAS: Today, I welcome Anthrax back home, as they 'Keep It in the Family' 'Among the Living' of the Bronx, while bringing a 'State of Euphoria' through the 'Sound of White Noise' to tens of thousands of people in Yankee Stadium;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Ruben Diaz Jr., President of the Borough of The Bronx, do hereby proclaim September 14, 2011
ANTHRAX DAY IN THE BRONX
And urge my fellow citizens to take appropriate recognition of the occasion and get 'Caught in a Mosh.'"
Fats Domino and disgraced baseball players Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens have keys to the city of New York, but they don't have several of their albums and songs dropped into an official Proclamation of the Borough of The Bronx. Here's the video of the scene that will play in the Stadium tonight before Anthrax performs.
