Yesterday’s story of the departure of Anthrax Vocalist Dan Nelson following a battle with a mystery “serious illness” was both sensible and/or shady, depending on how you look at it. Something was just off about the whole thing, and now it’s just plain bizarre. Nelson has released a statement denying any illness, claiming

On the advice of counsel, I have remained silent to the statements issued by Anthrax in recent days and now must address these issues to my loyal fans and others. I want to set the record straight.

I was never seriously ill or sick at all, as reported in Anthrax’s July 17 press release. This extremely inflammatory statement hurt me tremendously. This statement misled fans, friends and family members into believing that I was seriously ill when I was not. I was not aware such a statement was being issued and it came as a total shock to me, as I’m sure it did to all of you. It was the other band members’ decision to cancel the tour dates, not mine. I was ready, willing and able to do my job.

After issuing the press release, the other band members decided, on their own accord, that I had ‘resigned’ from the band. I never resigned from the band.

Even in view of this action and stance taken by the band, as late as earlier today I made it clear that I was ready willing and able to continue to fulfill my obligations. After that offer was made, the most recent press release was issued which announced my ‘confirmed’ departure from the band. I was not aware of the contents of this release until after it was issued, nor was I aware that Anthrax was canceling the European and Slipknot tours.

I regret any disappointment and confusion this situation has caused.

Meanwhile, close friend of the band, notorious 80’s apologist and VH1 host/radio jock Eddie Trunk provided some insight and let us know we’re dummies for believing something we’re apparently not supposed to take seriously, like, you know…an official press release:

It’s also pretty obvious to any dummy that he was not sick as the press release stated. If he was legit sick, you don’t lose your gig. There were issues, and no doubt much more will come out about this story in coming weeks.

Obviously, I have a long history and friendship with the guys in Anthrax and I wish them well dealing with this crazy situation. As for Dan, he was great in the one show I saw and maybe there is a better opportunity for him down the line.

Like I said, there will no doubt be all kinds of rumor and speculation about what really went down, but it was not working off stage and singer #4 in Anthrax is a very brief footnote now in the band’s crazy history. But Anthrax has dealt with all kinds of stuff and they will no doubt come back strong.

Also, the new album is being pushed back to an undetermined date, no doubt to re-cut the vocals with whoever gets the gig. This is just plain weird. I can’t recall ever hearing of a band publicly faking an illness to kick someone out. We’re sure this isn’t the last we’ll hear of this, so keep checking back.