RockMusicStar.com's Thomas Stanley Orwat Jr. has issued an interview with ANHRAX / BELLADONNA singer Joey Belladonna. The following is an excerpt:

Q: Your solo band Belladonna has just scheduled a few shows in the upstate NY area and the mid-west. Why did you decide to do solo dates at this time?

A: "Well, I’m always putting dates together. Right now, I’m working with some agents and we found some places to play. But, I’m always pursuing that, regardless. I’ve been doing this solo for so long and even though I’m with Anthrax now, I’m still doing it. It’s not just because I have nothing to do, but because it’s what I do. We really aren’t working that much (with Anthrax) anyhow, but at the same time it really doesn’t have anything to do with that. But, the dates are just falling in this year, as opposed to last year. I also play out every weekend, locally. I have a cover band called CHIEF BIG WAY. And we do a classic rock covers from BOSTON, JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, LED ZEPPELIN and bands like that."

Q: When you perform with the Belladonna band, do you play any Anthrax or cover songs or do you just stick to your solo material?

A: "Well, it’s all of the above. Depending on the night and what everyone feels comfortable with. Some nights we could do all Anthrax, and it’s totally different with Belladonna because we are a three piece. Everyone’s take on the songs is a little different. So, it’s kind of cool that way. But, we’ve been leaning towards doing Anthrax material, because it just feels comfortable banging them out."

Q: Do you plan any releasing a new Belladonna CD anytime soon?

A: "I have about ¾ of a record ready. And we are trying to finish it up. It seems like it takes forever, but it’s really a matter of who is available to work on it and finish it. And of course, I have to start working on some Anthrax material as well. I have been, but there is still more work to do on that one. So that’s going to take some time, but that shouldn’t interfere with what we are doing to finish up the Belladonna release. But, I’m really enjoying the music that we are creating."

Read the full interview here.

As previously reported, Joey Belladonna has confirmed the following solo dates with his band Belladonna:

January

29 - Bogie's - Albany, NY

February

19 - 95X Screamfest @ Lucien's Entertainment Complex - Cicero, NY

March

17 - Carriage House - Louisville, OH
18 - Chicago City Limits - Schaumburg, IL
19 - The Token Lounge - Westland, MI

April

8 - Quixotes - Denver, CO
9 - Downtown Grill & Venue - Casper, WY