Back in 2009, Asphalt Valentine drummer Skazz sat down with The Classic Metal Show and said something that still sparks debate today.

Was hard rock being pushed out of the spotlight?

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Or were bands refusing to evolve?

The answer depends on who you ask.

If you're watching this here, you're already late.

The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals:

https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

In this conversation, Skazz discusses:

- The frustration of being a hard rock band in Atlanta
- Why Asphalt Valentine refused to chase trends
- Comparisons to Motley Crue
- The decline of MTV as a music platform
- Rocklahoma chaos and the infamous storm disaster
- Why some musicians succeed by staying authentic

The public clip barely scratches the surface.

The real discussion happened on Locals.

#CMS #AsphaltValentine #ClassicMetalShow #HardRock #Rocklahoma

For years, metal fans have argued about one of thrash metal's most divisive questions: Was the John Bush era actually Anthrax at its best? Whether you agree or not, one thing is becoming impossible to ignore—the demand for Bush-era Anthrax material is real, and John Bush appears ready to give fans even more of it.

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After successfully performing shows celebrating his 1993-2003 Anthrax years, Bush says he'd like to take the concept overseas, telling interviewers that Europe is absolutely on his radar. For fans who have spent decades defending albums like Sound Of White Noise and We've Come For You All, that's welcome news.

Here's the reality:

The John Bush era has aged far better than many critics wanted to admit.

Back in the '90s, Anthrax took a hard turn from the band's classic sound. Some fans rejected it immediately. Others embraced the heavier, darker, more modern direction Bush helped bring to the table. Thirty years later, those records have developed a passionate following that refuses to go away.

What's especially interesting is that Bush isn't treating these shows like a nostalgia cash grab. He's openly talking about digging beyond just the obvious hits and potentially pulling out deeper cuts that longtime fans have been begging to hear for years. At the same time, he understands there's a balance between fan-service and delivering songs that connect with an entire audience.

And let's be honest:

The fact that people are still passionately arguing about the Bush era in 2026 says everything.

Most bands would kill to have multiple eras that inspire this level of loyalty.

Meanwhile, Category 7 Isn't Slowing Down

As if the Anthrax celebration shows weren't enough, Bush also confirmed that work is underway toward a second Category 7 album. The band's self-titled debut generated strong interest among traditional metal fans, and a follow-up could further establish the project as more than just a side venture.

That creates an interesting situation.

Bush is simultaneously celebrating one of the most debated periods in Anthrax history while building something entirely new. Few veteran singers are managing both as effectively.

The Bigger Story Nobody Wants To Admit

For years, discussions about Anthrax have largely centered around the Joey Belladonna years versus everything else.

But fan demand keeps telling a different story.

The Bush-era catalog isn't being rediscovered because of nostalgia alone. Fans genuinely connect with those records, and every successful celebration show adds more fuel to that argument. The old "underrated" label may no longer apply when thousands of fans continue showing up specifically to hear that material.

What Happens Next?

If European dates become reality, expect the debate to get even louder.

Every sold-out room, every festival appearance, and every enthusiastic crowd reaction becomes another piece of evidence that the John Bush chapter of Anthrax history remains far more influential than some critics ever expected.

And judging by the reaction these shows continue to generate, this conversation isn't ending anytime soon.

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POLL

Which Anthrax era deserves the most respect in 2026?

A) The John Bush era was the band's peak and finally getting its due.

B) Joey Belladonna IS Anthrax, and always will be.

C) The fanbase should stop choosing sides and recognize both eras as essential.

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For years, Joe Holmes has been one of metal's most overlooked stories. While fans endlessly debate Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and Zakk Wylde, Holmes often gets treated like a footnote in Ozzy Osbourne history. That's a mistake. His newly released self-titled solo album is a reminder that some of the best players in the genre never got the spotlight they deserved.

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Here's the reality: most former sidemen disappear once the big gig ends. Holmes didn't.

Instead, he quietly assembled a lineup that should immediately get metal fans paying attention. The album reunites him with former Ozzy bandmates, including Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo and Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin, alongside vocalist Robert Locke and longtime collaborator Brent Hoffort.

And that's exactly why this release matters.

This isn't another nostalgia cash grab. This isn't a recycled collection of demos. This is a guitarist with decades of experience finally putting his own identity front and center.

Holmes recently explained that every stage of his career—from studying under Randy Rhoads to playing alongside David Lee Roth and Ozzy Osbourne—helped shape this record. That influence is all over the album.

The Biggest Question: Why Was Holmes Never Given More Credit?

That's the debate fans should be having.

During his years with Ozzy, Holmes wasn't simply filling a spot. He eventually co-wrote songs that appeared on Ozzy's Down To Earth album and spent years touring with one of the biggest names in heavy metal.

Yet when discussions about Ozzy's greatest guitarists happen, Holmes rarely gets mentioned.

Why?

Because he followed legends.

Because he wasn't flashy.

Because he never chased celebrity.

And in today's music business, those things often matter more than talent.

The Emotional Connection To Ozzy

One of the most striking aspects of this release is Holmes' acknowledgment of Ozzy's impact on his life.

According to Holmes, he thought frequently about Ozzy while creating the album and ultimately dedicated the record to Ozzy's memory, saying he wished he had another opportunity to speak with him.

That adds a level of emotional weight that goes beyond another new album announcement.

This isn't just a comeback record.

It's a tribute from a musician whose career was forever shaped by one of metal's most influential figures.

The Timing Couldn't Be Better

Metal has become obsessed with celebrating legacy artists, reunion tours, and anniversary releases.

Yet sometimes the most interesting stories come from the musicians who were standing right there during those legendary eras but never became household names.

Joe Holmes fits that description perfectly.

And with Trujillo and Bordin once again involved, this album feels less like a solo project and more like a long-overdue statement from a musician who deserves far more recognition than he's received.

What Happens Next?

The real test starts now.

Will metal fans finally give Holmes the credit he's earned?

Or will he remain one of the most overlooked guitarists ever connected to Ozzy's legacy?

Drop your thoughts in the comments because this debate is long overdue.

For bonus episodes of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, early releases of CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS, exclusive giveaways, members-only content, and a community of diehard rock and metal fans, join:

https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

POLL

Was Joe Holmes unfairly overlooked in Ozzy Osbourne's guitar legacy?

A) Absolutely — he's one of Ozzy's most underrated players

B) No — Randy, Jake, and Zakk were simply on another level

C) Holmes deserves more credit than all of them for pure musicianship