Thrash metal legends Anthrax received a notable nod in Stephen King's latest collection of short stories, "You Like It Darker," as highlighted in a social media post by guitarist Scott Ian. King, known for weaving pop culture into his narratives, referenced Anthrax in the short story "Finn," where the band's song "Madhouse" is ingeniously used as a torture device within the plot.
Ian expressed his excitement on social media, sharing a photo of the excerpt and emphasizing King's recurring appreciation for the band across his literary works. This nod is not the first time King has acknowledged Anthrax. In 1991, he referenced them in "The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands," showcasing his enduring connection to their music and influence.
Anthrax's profound connection to King's literature profoundly shaped their 1987 album, "Among the Living." The album's title track was inspired by King's novel "The Stand," for which Ian later wrote a foreword. "A Skeleton in the Closet" also drew influence from King's novella "Apt Pupil."
Ian recalled how encountering King's work shaped his early years and continued to influence his life significantly. From reading "Carrie" and avidly seeking out more of King's books to integrating these inspirations into Anthrax's music, King's stories remain a constant thread in Ian's personal and artistic journey.
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Scott Ian's admiration for King is boundless and enduring. King's literary works have inspired several Anthrax songs and led Ian to collect a staggering array of rare King books.
In an interview with Metal Hammer Magazine, Ian shared that his collection totals approximately 108 volumes, including editions such as "The Green Mile" originals, which are counted as one story rather than six separate books. He estimated that if one were to collect only the hardback editions of King's novels, it would amount to around 60 books.
Ian stated the holy grail for King enthusiasts is "The Plant," one of the rarest items he has ever released. Initially, these were small chapbooks produced using a rexograph. King would write a part of the story, and during Christmas, he would rexograph a few hundred copies with his signature to send to his Christmas card list. There were six installments in total. Even if one were to come up for sale, which rarely happens, it would fetch around $20,000.
Ian expressed his aspiration to meet King someday, emphasizing his admiration for the renowned author. He highlighted his deep connection with King's works, describing reading his books as a lifelong and consistent passion that predates his involvement with Anthrax. Ian expressed a desire to shake King's hand and engage in a conversation, particularly about music, given King's stature as an influential figure in literature and popular culture.
The synergy between Anthrax and King epitomizes the intersection of music and literature, where cultural references and mutual admiration enrich both fields.
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