ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian recently spoke with Derek Scancarelli at Under The Gun Review about his spoken word tour. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

Q: Have any other rock artists influenced this sort of spoken-word-esque thing you’re doing? I once saw HENRY ROLLINS do an intense spoken word and have seen ZAKK WYLDE do something similar with a Q&A.;

Scott: "Well, I did see Henry back in the early '90s because I was just a big fan. I’m pretty sure I saw him do when it was a lot of the stuff from his book Black Coffee Blues. I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure it was early '90s when I actually saw him do a talking show. I loved it. Because I’m a huge Rollins fan and to see him that much more intimate and personal and be able to entertain an audience for two and a half hours with just his tales- you know, he doesn’t have a band up there it’s just him talking and telling stories and he had the audience in the palm of his hand the whole time. I was just really impressed and inspired and I think that was probably the initial inspiration that kind of stayed with me forever, this idea that 'I think I’ll be able to do that someday, I’ve got fuckin’ great stories, I feel like I can tell a story.' I feel like I would definitely say Henry was an inspiration."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Don’t mistake this for your run-of-the-mill spoken word tour. In Scott Ian’s own words, “it ain’t no poetry reading” either. Speaking Words is an honest look at the insane life that Scott has led for the last 31 years, the people he’s met, and the events that coincide. During each show, Scott will take part in a special Q&A; session with the audience.

Scott adds, “England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Germany; I've been Speaking Words all over the world. My friends in the US and Canada, you asked for it and now I finally get to bring it home! I'm looking forward to talking with ya, talking at ya and telling you some amazing tales of drunken debauchery and ridiculousness. No punches pulled, no swear word left unturned, and no question avoided in the Q&A.; Let's do this!”

An official Speaking Words tour teaser, featuring professional footage from his upcoming Speaking Words: Live In Glasgow DVD (pre-order coming soon), can be seen below:

A special opportunity to join a VIP meet & greet at each date is available now via Scott Ian’s webstore. This unique and limited event will allow you to spend time with Scott like never before. It’s a veritable post show hangout with a metal legend - one that’s sure to enrich your knowledge of not only all-things Scott Ian, but Anthrax and metal history in general. The VIP meet & greet also includes a special VIP laminate, banner, and other goodies. Learn more and get your passes here.

Speaking Words dates:

February

24 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theater
25 - Toronto, ON - El Mocambo Club
26 - Kingston, ON - The Mansion
27 - Ottowa, ON - Ritual

March

1 - Baltimore, MD - The Ramshead Live: Power Plant Live
2 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
4 - Boston, MA - Hard Rock Cafe
5 - New York, NY - BB Kings
6 - Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon
7 - West Warwick, RI - Manchester 65
8 - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall