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Anthrax Quit Mötley Crüe Tour Due to Financial Pressures
Former Anthrax singer John Bush reveals the real reason behind the band's departure from the 1998 Maximum Rock Tour
Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:15pm
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In a recent interview, former Anthrax singer John Bush revealed the real reason behind the band's departure from the 1998 Maximum Rock Tour with Mötley Crüe and Megadeth. Bush explained that poor attendance numbers led to financial pressures, with Mötley Crüe asking the other bands to take pay reductions. Anthrax refused to do so, as they would have ended up losing money, leading to their exit from the tour.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the complex financial realities that touring bands face, especially during challenging periods for the metal scene. Even established acts like Mötley Crüe and Anthrax had to navigate moral hazard issues and balance artistic integrity with economic survival when commercial expectations didn't align with on-ground realities.
The details
Bush explained that the tour's financial struggles came to a head during the LA date at the San Manuel Amphitheater. He said that Mötley Crüe was "on their ass to take reductions" due to poor attendance, and Megadeth agreed to do so. However, Anthrax felt they couldn't accept a pay cut without losing money, so they decided to leave the tour.
- The Maximum Rock Tour featuring Mötley Crüe, Megadeth, and Anthrax took place in 1998.
The players
John Bush
The former lead singer of the heavy metal band Anthrax.
Mötley Crüe
An American heavy metal band that was part of the Maximum Rock Tour in 1998.
Megadeth
An American heavy metal band that was part of the Maximum Rock Tour in 1998.
Anthrax
An American thrash metal band that was part of the Maximum Rock Tour in 1998 but had to leave the tour due to financial pressures.
What they’re saying
“Well, it was the Maximum Rock Tour, right? And I feel like we played in San Bernardino at the big, well, it's called San Manuel now. So that was a big show. It was like the big amphitheater out there. Not the best time for all three of those bands, you know, as far as on the attendance, quite frankly.”
— John Bush, Former Anthrax singer (Lucky Star Radio)
“That's why the tour ended, because for us, because people don't probably like me to say this, but I'm always honest and candid. Motley Crüe was on their ass to take reductions because, because of the attendance. And I think Megadeth said, okay, and we were like, we can't. If we take any less money, we will lose money. We're not gonna lose money out here. So that's why we left the tour.”
— John Bush, Former Anthrax singer (Lucky Star Radio)
The takeaway
This incident highlights the complex financial realities that touring bands face, especially during challenging periods for the metal scene. Even established acts like Mötley Crüe and Anthrax had to navigate moral hazard issues and balance artistic integrity with economic survival when commercial expectations didn't align with on-ground realities.
