I’m The Man: The Story of the Guy from Anthrax by Scott Ian
2014 / 303 pgs. (98,000 words) Autobiography.

In 1988, I was introduced to the band Anthrax. I was searching for my musical tastes, and I discovered the album, State of Euphoria by Anthrax. The opening Cello to Be All, End All got me hooked on Anthrax. After that, like many fans, needed to find everything they made. Discovering Stephen King after I heard Misery Loves Company and like many, Antisocial just drove me out of my mind.

The first metal band I saw was Anthrax during the Persistence of Time tour, so, when I saw Scott Ian’s book, I’m the Man, diving into the world of a rock start and band that I still follow was a glittery delight. This book wasn’t a disappointment. First, Scott started with the formation of Anthrax and all the trials and members that he went through until they finally got to the band that is still around today. The challenges of removing his best friend from the band to getting the final player needed to take the group to the next level, Dany Spitz.

Scott shares the time when Metallica came out to New York to record their first album, Kill ‘em All, to meeting the band and helping them out when they arrived. Also, the day he walked up to Cliff and found out that Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica.

He continues through the tours of opening for Metallica in Europe and the day that he finds out that Cliff died. The challenges of recording albums and constant touring. Meeting and befriending the members of Pantera. Learning of Dimebags death and how he dealt with it. The really interesting aspect that Scott tells is about how he cheated on his first wife which led to a divorce. His relationship with his current wife who was the adoptive daughter of Meat Loaf. His telling of how he tried to keep up drinking with Lemmy Killmister. This is just the beginning for this book.

Scott goes over the highs and lows, and there are many lows, for a Rock n’ Roll star. It’s a very fascinating read that I would recommend to anyone that enjoyed metal in the 80’s and 90’s.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka