Anthrax bassist will miss shows to be with terminally ill grandmother

Fri, 03 Feb 2012

Anthrax bassist Frank Bello will leave the band's tour to join his uncle, Charlie Benante, at the bedside of the Anthrax drummer's terminally ill mother - making him the third band member forced to withdraw from the bands current run of shows, reports RockNewsDesk

Last week it was announced that both Benante and Scott Ian where to miss upcoming gigs, with Ian's absence being down to serious viral infection which caused him to be hospitalized near his LA home.

Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson from tour mates Testament stood in until Ian returned to the fold. Their drummer Gene Hoglan is covering for Benante while Armored Saint’s Joey Vera will appear in Bello’s place.

Bello said of the situation:

"Hey friends, I’m sorry to tell you that I need to go home to be with my grandmother who is very sick, so I wont be playing the next few shows. My good friend Joey Vera will be filling in for me during this painful time. Please make him feel welcome. I’ll be back ASAP."