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John Bush

Here are some interesting facts about John Bush - American heavy metal singer known for his work with "Armored Saint" and "Anthrax":


(Photo: Gary Wolstenholme)


= He was born on August 24, 1976, in Austin, Texas.


= His passion for music ignited at a young age, spending hours poring over his father's vinyl records.


= Believe it or not, but Bush was influenced vocally from the "Motown" sound old school R&B and soul bands like "The Four Tops", "The O'Jays", "The Temptations".


= Bush started his singing career in 1979 at Woodrow Wilson High School, fronting the band "Royal Decree", with brothers Felipe "Phil" Sandoval (lead guitar) and Gonzalo "Gonzo" Sandoval (drums), and bassist Joey Vera.


= In 1982, they all became founding members of "Armored Saint", along with new lead guitarist Dave Prichard.


= In 1983 "Armored Saint" released their debut EP "Armored Saint EP".


= The band released its debut album "March of the Saint" in 1984.



= In the early 1980s, Bush was invited by "Metallica" to join them as lead singer. Even after the release of "Kill 'Em All", James Hetfield felt unsure about his singing abilities and wanted to concentrate on his guitar, so he personally asked Bush to join "Metallica". Bush turned down the offer as he wanted to stay with "Armored Saint".


= In 1984 Bush appeared in "Huey Lewis and the News'" music video for "The Heart of Rock & Roll."


= The band released their second album "Delirious Nomad" in 1985. While recording the album, guitarist Phil Sandoval left the band.


= In 1987 "Armored Saint" released their third album "Raising Fear" as a four-piece band, as guitarist Phil Sandoval had left during the recording of the previous album. This was the last "Armored Saint" studio album with guitarist Dave Prichard, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 1989.


= In 1990 "Armored Saint's" guitarist Dave Prichard passed away; the band recorded "Symbol of Salvation" released in 1991 as a tribute.



= The song "Hanging Judge" from the album was featured in the 1992 horror film "Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth".


= In 1992, after "Armored Saint's" initial breakup, Bush joined "Anthrax" as their lead vocalist.


= In 1993 Bush released "Sound of White Noise" with "Anthrax", marking a new era for the band.



= Bush was also featured in "Anthrax's" seventh studio album "Stomp 442", released in 1995.


= In 1998 Bush recorded "Volume 8: The Threat Is Real" with "Anthrax" amid label difficulties.


= In 1999 he reunited with "Armored Saint" and released "Revelation" in 2000.


= In 2003 Bush released "We’ve Come for You All", his last studio album with "Anthrax".


= In 2004 "Anthrax" released "The Greater of Two Evils" - a re-recording of several of the band's more popular songs from the pre-Bush era.


= Bush departed from "Anthrax" in 2005, when Joey Belladonna rejoined for the band's reunion.


= In 2009 Bush returned to "Anthrax" for a series of live performances but did not rejoin full-time.


= In 2010 he released the album "La Raza" with "Armored Saint".


= In 2011 he performed with "Metallica" at their 30th anniversary show, singing "The Four Horsemen."


= The same year he was featured in the German instrumental band "Long Distance Calling" self-titled album, performing vocals on "Middleville" - the only track with vocals on that album.


= In 2013 he provided vocals for the "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" video game soundtrack.


= Bush has done commercial voiceovers for the fast food chain Burger King.


= In 2015 he released "Win Hands Down" with "Armored Saint".


= In 2018 he was featured on "Metal Allegiance’s" album "Volume II – Power Drunk Majesty".


= He appeared on the 2019 David Ellefson album "Sleeping Giants", supplying lead vocals for the track "If You Were God".


= He released the excellent "Punching the Sky" with "Armored Saint". in 2020.



= He joined the supergroup "Category 7" in 2024, with veteran musicians from bands as "Adrenaline Mob", "Machine Head", "Overkill", "Exodus", and "Shadows Fall". They released their debut eponymous album the same year.


= The same year he released a cover version of "The Four Tops" song "One Chain (Don't Make No Prison)" with "Armored Saint" fulfilling his love for the band and the genre he grew up on.


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