My Favorite Riff with Nikki Sixx: Scott Ian (Anthrax)

Scott Ian, from Anthrax, joins Nikki for this episode of "My Favorite Riff". Scott plays some Anthrax riffs, talks about the power of the chord, and how he became a rhythm guitarist.
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[@MrChuckd6]

The smile on Scott’s face while he is playing AC/DC riffs is why we play guitar

[@LaszloVarga-msc]

Indeed

[@TJPenitencia]

I know, big dumb kid grin. Totally cool.

[@jerseysucks6158]

Chuck Dickens - AC/DC is phenominal!!

[@cainm8808]

Malcom will live forever

[@hiighway_chile4080]

Let There be Rock is my fav AC/DC riff

[@jcw91371]

How cool is it that two musicians from such opposite sides of the 80's fence can get together and discuss the "ties that bind"? I really love this show.

[@hilalabbas2648]

This meeting wouldnt have happened back then. It is great to see 2 guys from different styles having fun together and talking music

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

Pretty sure In the 80's Anthrax and Motley Crue would be in a fight outside The Ritz just because.

[@sodica81]

only Scott Ian is a musician not Mikky Suxxx

[@sretePtraB]

In practically all other bands, the lead guitarists are the "legends" With Anthrax the Rhythm guitarist is. Scott's the man!

[@michaellamneck2116]

On Bon Scott, "He sounded like a pirate yelling at you." LOL

[@ozzydoop1473]

Michael Lamneck perfect 👌 descriptor lol 😂 never thought of him like that but its so true

[@rockyh3425]

Nikki Sixx is really a good interviewer I like how he doesn't always have to be the center of attention with his questions sometimes he'll be in the background in the riffs are louder than his dialogue

[@wolfey4138]

Similar to when my wife is talking and I have a guitar in my lap

[@TonyMcClelland2]

There should be no dialogue during a riff. Zip it Sixx.

[@alfaman4113]

You know your a legit rockstar when you have an amp on your kitchen bench and plug it in when you are drinking your coffee

[@Travis-pf3gt]

My first two serious girlfriends were both dumped over both Anthrax and Motley. The first one was around Christmas and she wanted me over for dinner with her family. But Motley was playing at the Moscow peace festival on MTV, and it would have been hell or high water if I missed their performance. The second thought it was a joke when I got us Anthrax and Iron Maiden concert tickets. (Persistence and Tailgunner tours), so it was my buddy's lucky day. Never regretted either one. ROCK N ROLL BABY!!!

[@shawnthornton_]

The Moscow Music Peace Festival was in mid-August. Not December (Christmas time)..

[@Travis-pf3gt]

Shawn T , ya come to think of it your right had to have been another memory in the mix.

[@robertrodriguez5804]

Dadrock 80 I went to the IM/ Anthrax concert. Tailgunner was a single but the tour I believe was No Prayer On The Road of course because the album was No Prayer For The Dying.

[@Travis-pf3gt]

Robert Rodriguez, it was NPFTR I was just summarizing being drunk at the time, but that's cool you caught the tour, I saw them in Massachusetts U.S. at the Worcester Centrum. (That's what the building used to be called anyway.) I've seen a lot of concerts , but to this day I've never been more satisfied for the money than an Iron Maiden show personally. I think that was the last time I saw Anthrax with Joey as well.

[@Travis-pf3gt]

4:3 Forever , yup, thank you. Thought I was crazy but that's exactly when it was...but yes, that would be an AWESOME upload.

[@steevkelly]

you can tell when a guitarist is totally into the riff they're playing by the look of sheer joy when they're playing. scott's face lights up on every acdc riff he plays. he's lovin' it.

[@resolve222]

War Dance!!!!!! Nothing like an Anthrax pit,I've been in MANY! 🤘

[@danacoleman4007]

I LOVE listening to Scott talk about music. Especially ACDC

[@creatifetudes8553]

Anthrax's Sound of White Noise is a jewel.

[@ryanduray1]

Great album

[@davidferrullo7824]

My fav album by these thrashers

[@icemike874]

Agreed

[@gilguerreiro8816]

Favorite Anthrax. Bush Rules.

[@waynehand4600]

Absolutely. John Bush era tops

[@in5d]

Finishing off with "I Am The Law" was perfect. Thank you, Nikki and Scott!

[@nogoogleplus]

I agree with Scott "March of the SOD" is tops. That whole SOD album is sooo bad ass. And his guitar tone is epic on it as well.

[@FreshHorses]

Also, Milk introduced us to blast beats - Speak English Or Die is an under-appreciated landmark for metal!

[@undinism69]

Have loved that album ever since release! Fantastic

[@Spthomas47]

Ridiculously heavy album. I still, and probably always will, pop it on a couple times a year or so

[@LilSirAxolotl]

Both SOD albums, MOD's first album and Slayer's Undisputed Attitude are still my favorite metal albums ever

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

I remember watching Headbanger's Ball on MTV back in the late 80's when Adam Curry hosted always loving all the theme songs. It wasn't until the mid 1990's when I was a teenager that I found out that S.O.D. is the band that did all those Headbanger's Ball theme songs. I had made a comment to an older friend of mine at that time that I wish all that music was on a CD and he told me that it has been on CD probably already for at least ten years. I have never gone to a music store faster and purchased a CD so fast. I still really enjoy Speak English Or Die album a lot.

[@_zoinks2554]

Most proud of his SOD riff. Indeed that recording is heavy.

[@AdamSteinzOfficial]

I LOVE how he gave props to Danny Lilker, too. He went on to form Nuclear Assault, but he is also on the S.O.D. album, if I'm not mistaken. That album, Speak English Or Die, is STILL hard-fucking-core.

[@jeffn9825]

Nikki is one of the greatest songwriters ever. I dont care what anyone else thinks. Those first 4 motley albums are classics, front to back.

[@sodica81]

Lol, only a fanatic of Mikky Suxxx could say that

[@jabberdouche]

When I was watching this, when he played AC/DC, then Strutter, then at the end with I Am The Law, he had a huge smile on his face. 40+ years and he still smiles that big while playing stuff he's played since he was a kid. Thats just awesome!

[@prchurch13]

Scott Ian has never changed in all the years Ive listened to Anthrax/S.O.D. I dont think the man has aged in 30 years. Cool dude.

[@podge1617]

The smile on Scotts face when playing the SOD riff. Class. :-)

[@chrisyoder5546]

That March of the S.O.D. riff is iconic

[@paulmclovin2279]

I had the pleasure of seeing ACDC as a opening act for Cheap Trick. Bon Scott was the singer still, and I was just blown away. Before that, I had never heard of them, and afterwards, I could never forget.

[@donnyswanson]

I saw SOD in Toronto at a now defunct place called The Big Bop/ Reverb. It was a small place and Charlies drums took up most of the stage, I'm not at all exaggerating. It was loud and heavy as fuck! So much fun!

[@Spthomas47]

Missed them Every Fuckin Time Lol

[@johnnytruck2009]

What a humble guy! Always loved Anthrax...

[@gregg4164]

You can see the joy in Ian's face when he is playing a Malcolm riff . It is just infectious.

[@brewt1mer]

I love Scott..he’s a great guy..always comes across as down to earth and nice

[@hunterbashline3253]

R.I.P malcom young he will always live on in our hearts forever

[@sepulmattica7649]

As a kid growing up in the 80’s...I would’ve never thought I’d be watching Nikki Sixx interviewing Scott Ian😂😂😂 Almost like an alternate reality or some shit. But I loved Motley and Anthrax and this is too cool! I can die now...

[@jamesmerritt5562]

Always liked Scott Ian, even when I wasn't necessarily an Anthrax fan; that came years later. I appreciate good artists and have always felt that Scott was one of them. Seems like a genuinely good guy, too.

[@ginleeuchiha7674]

😂 I love it!!!... "it's not like we hangout in a club together after work" Scott is hilarious!

[@charlesclark5997]

Love old school thrash... Scott is definitely one of my Favs

[@EyeTunz]

Damn I wish he played Medusa. One of the greatest metal riffs ever.

[@sleevelessace]

i love how when scotts playing a riff n hes just having so much fun nikki goes to ask a question and he cant help it to just keep playing LOL , musicians are the best people man im proud to be one

[@LinkRocks]

Big fan of Scott Ian. He loves music and I can relate to that.

[@thehmc]

Down Payment Blues is one of the most underrated AC/DC songs.

[@waynehand4600]

Powerage 👍

[@liveatyourlocals2978]

Nikki love your show. Get Mick Mars in there.

[@AnAmericanGuitarist]

Doug Aldrich, Michael Schenker, Vivian Cambell, Eddie Van Halen, Jake E Lee, Billy Gibbons, Adrian Vandenburg, Ty Tabor, Brad Gillis and Neal Schon!

[@markonurkkala6669]

Definitely.

[@TonyMcClelland2]

Hell yes!! Mick makes playing look effortless..like his axe is another limb. One of the best ever.

[@jameyhibberd6659]

I CAN NOT FIND IT ON MY LOCAL RADIO AND I SEARCHED FOR SIXX SENCE ON IHEART RADIO BUT COULD NOT FIND IT

[@neddevine4681]

Its been off the air for about a year.

[@1Goobertron]

Cracks me up that Nikki is trying to talk, but Scott has that passion where he doesn't want to stop playing

[@JoseVelasquez-dt5cn]

AWesome video. Thanks for this awesome interview. Can't wait to read the new book. Never seen this series can't wait to see the other videos!!

[@daniellubben1528]

Hearing the March of the SOD gave me the chills. Heading over to see LIVE video.

[@lionhartd138]

ikr

[@remster151]

first thing I seen was the Malcolm Young signature 🖤🤘 RIP

[@sufferer442]

I've never actually listened to Sixx talk before but he seems like a very genuine guy and a real fan of this music.

[@ifdmedic7479]

I was in high school in mid eighties, loved Motley Crew and Anthrax. Nikki and his song writing abilities, I've always admired. I would love to meet Nikki, what a cool dude.

[@yudhasancaka9568]

thx Nikki for bringing another legend

[@BrothersOfAlienRock]

my very first real tour with my old band was when we went out with Scott in his SOD project and then a few years later touring with Anthrax. I was such an immense fan of his as a player and performer, i was beyond myself as i grew up learning his riffs..love that dude!

[@fracturedude]

Scott Ian is the absolute best human being in all of music!

[@kellyrsmith9011]

Rhythm, I love how all the parts come together and complete the sound. Awesome! I love my favorite Riff!

[@MIZORAM_mafaka_hnamte]

_Scott Ian T-shirt is (Martin) Scorsese in Scorpions' logo style_

[@tommymoore5138]

I saw someone else wearing this shirt the other day. Did a double take!

[@revolutionday1]

Thank you, Captain Obvious.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

MIZORAM - Mafaka Hnamte lol 3/4 of video I was look in at his shirt thinking " something just isn't right with his shirt ". Good call man

[@user-gs9hl9sh8x]

That's what I thought too ! lol ..

[@lastwordTSS]

Mos of regular folks realized, some of them needs an explanation; not me.

[@michaelr.4878]

Fabulous video. Long time fans of both guys..so it was super cool to see and hear them talking about what music turned them into the musicians that they are today. It is always really cool when you are able to hear 'stars' have a normal conversation. Usually, we only hear them when they are being formally interviewed by someone from the tv or radio news channel. But here, we get to see two friends sit down and chat. Super cool. I really, really hope that this series keeps going........

[@JohnDAyen]

awsome ...love see'in you talk to these guys..they all seem so cool. can't wait to see who is next. im 49..grew up with all you guys

[@dcs2690]

It's so amazing to watch two cool guys talking about their passion and enjoying themselves.

[@jerseysucks6158]

Scott Ian has always delivered with the riffage. Love it!!

[@junq]

I want to see Mick Mars. See his blues influence. That would be nice

[@unwinsis]

Mick doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He's a great guitarist

[@j.c.mhardcoremetalfan413]

unwinsis no he doesn't and it's s fuckin shame.hes such a better guitarist then what he played in crue.dont get me wrong he played some badass shit definitely from too fast album.starry eyes playing he did on that song alone is amazing and is up there with some of the greatest guitarist to play on any song, IMO.

[@blakehansen4333]

Yeah bring on Mick!

[@junq]

It would be a good interview!

[@robertdegraaf8708]

Does NIkki Sixx have a close enough relationship with Mick Mars to get him to come on the show?

[@snowblindu]

Love you Nikki Sixx - another great show!

[@Ean9881]

These videos make me feel so much better about my guitar playing!! Seeing these guys struggle with certain riffs and say how hard they are... I realize even the best players have to practice a lot and work at it, it doesn’t come easy

[@andyroid5028]

*I love it when these guys (all of Nikki's guests, not just Scott Ian) get together & just spill the beans on their old war stories/tales from the road, etc.* It's consider it a taste/sample of a TRUE/REAL 'Behind the Music' episode. Thanks Nikki for sharing this brilliant channel with the world. And a nice session/interview with Scott Ian.

[@ozzydoop1473]

This was awesome thanks guys & yeah we are so proud of ACDC downunder / its great to see you pay tribute to them ... respect ✊!

[@christophergrant5456]

Scott's passion for rock&roll is very inspirational!! He seems very down to earth. Keep Rockin.

[@ChefsBackyard]

Two of my biggest hero’s!

[@copykon]

Scott's guitar on' "Medusa" is legendary. And the clean tone sound ac-dc had. People don't get how brutally loud it was with vintage tube amps

[@IrLosin]

Gene was thinking "Oh really, we charge a fee for that"

[@therealq6629]

I’m glad someone is making this show while the legends are still around

[@littlefrogwithacoolhat]

It was only a matter of time! Scott Ian is everywhere!!

[@nickgivent3157]

Seriously! Scott Ian, Mustaine. These guys are so badass

[@mbaile1984]

Bingo to both of you...AC/DC are kings of the blues and rock n' roll....no one does it better!

[@ikillyouu2]

Great show. It was like going over to a friends house and sitting down just talking with each other. I grew up listening to AC/DC, Motley and Anthrax. Great bands. You guys rock.

[@schecterseven3894]

Nikki you do the best interviews keep them coming.

[@FrankCastle-he8fl]

This is my favorite interview to date

[@afterburner2869]

Frank Castle Same here.

[@tambor76]

Would love to see Jake E Lee on an episode.

[@j.c.mhardcoremetalfan413]

tambor76 now your talking about pure greatness.jake is probably my favorite guitarist ever.

[@Spthomas47]

he's there playing the part of Sixx's wig. Heh. Sorry, couldn't resist hahaha

[@god6384]

Jake E Lee, Warren Demartini and George Lynch

[@j.c.mhardcoremetalfan413]

WhatSideOfTheBed DidYouWakeUpOn ? I've heard many guitarist, what's that have to do with anything?im a big Jake fan since I was a kid.i never said no one is better or he's the greatest ,just probably my favorite and he definitely is one of the best players to play.not understanding the remark

[@srrings]

I don't know why SHARRON and ozzy haven't done a tour with Jake e lee after RR he was the one....i do think at that time sharron and oz figured great song writer's are a dime a dozen and they might have even told jake something to that affect...

[@davidbenasulin]

Very good interview and conversation! Two amazing musicians with a lot of "road" covered, still excited to talk music, their heroes, guitars, and so on! That's really cool and humble at the same time!

[@kashmerelove5748]

I am not a musician but love music it keeps me sane from this crazy world. Rock on guys luv hearing the stories of learned riffs. Great interviews always thank you. Rock on for life.

[@rjc7289]

I remember when Motley Crue, Anthrax and Megadeth toured together back in the day, and in the aftermath of the tour, Motley and Anthrax had some rather caustic things to say about each other. I guess that's all water under the bridge now.

[@THECLARENCES]

Great episode! Love Scott’s shirt! Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick would be an awesome guest!!! xoxo The Clarences

[@mikehink4062]

Scott always seems so down to earth and genuinely happy to be doing whatever he's doing. Never got into Anthrax but kudos to him.

[@Wyckerman]

The absolute joy that rock and metal brings to someone's life is sometimes hard to describe, but it's right there for all to see when Scott is jammin' out those classic AC/DC riffs. That's what rock and metal does. \m/

[@peanutbutterisfu]

1980’s thrash and speed metal rhythm players like Ian are on a different level of rhythm players because the speed and how complex some riffs are. They could play lead guitar for many other genres lol

[@pcisme1813]

Wish list: Jerry Cantrell, Schenker Bros., Tipton and Downing, Murray and Smith, John Frusciante, Mick Jones.. And many more. This is a cool show.

[@nastyhardcore7641]

Yeah the show ended two yeara ago dude isn't doin any more

[@stephanechenier1]

Great job Nikki!!!! Anthrax, Crüe and AC/DC in one episode... Feel like I'm sixteen again... Thank you! Great show!

[@toddtedder5095]

I love Scott and his work. You know he loves what he is doing because he couldn’t stop smiling

[@rogerphilabaum4563]

Scott Ian is a cool dude. Don't care a lot for Anthrax but do like Scott.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Roger Philabaum went to show in Chicago this summer and anthrax was on 2nd stage....i was like wtf !!!!!

[@nowone666]

they came to my country a few months back and it was amazing, but yeah, scott ian is the shining sun in that band

[@davidstewart4310]

Love Anthrax....Frank and Joey are great guys. Scott Ian is a total jerk though.....doesn't care about the fans unless he's getting paid. Ask for an autograph and he'll ignore you.....total jerk!!

[@tigerclawthunderdome4823]

David Stewart I met him once at a meet and greet. He was a total prick. Fuck that guy.

[@davidstewart4310]

john holt Still a prick at a Meet and Greet?? Thats no way to treat fans. I wish he would read this. I wonder how he would have felt if any his heroes such Van Halen, AC/DC or Black Sabbath would ignore him. A total jerk!

[@Big_Uncle_Randy]

Loving that he plays EVH 5150 III's!!

[@Stu-SB]

Great interview, Scott Ian is always a good shout on a TV show...

[@wesleysixx5435]

Scott Ian is one of the nicest guy in Rock n Roll history! Congratulations for this episode! Love you Scott and Anthrax!

[@GabrielRamirez-fk3ww]

Get warren dimartini on here please!!

[@wolfpack9958]

Gabriel Ramirez, agree, I love Warrens tone and riffs and his leads.

[@cofieleven]

warren sucks ass

[@suhijo]

6:22 as soon as he started to tune down to D I was like "It has to be the march of SOD" and yes, that riff is amazing.

[@rocknrollrecovery7402]

The show's a great idea, I love it!!! I think it's every musicians dream to have people take interest in the riff's they grew up with and love! Scott's their, smiling away like a big kid, REALLY WANTING to show Nikki the riffs he loves!

[@danielcousins8872]

Never been a big fan of Anthrax, but every interview where Scott Ian is in he seems like a pretty cool guy. Nikki these interviews are great keep em up if possible

[@davidallen346]

Scott Ian is up there with Jamez Hetfield in the early thrash metal genre as the best rhythm guitarist with few others

[@thaidozy]

A lot of James' vocals over contrasting rhythm guitar are pretty damn impressive too.

[@DethThrasher1]

Jon Schaffer is up there too

[@walkingdude87]

Agreed..I'd put eric peterson up there as well...very underated imo

[@michaelr.4878]

To me, it is hard to top Dave Mustaine as a rhythm player. His riff writing, structure and arranging skills are on another level. Add on to that the fact that he is singing when playing those rhythm parts and he has his hands fun. A lot of those older riffs are nearly impossible to play when singing. The rhythm riffs are essentially like lead lines.

[@jumpfart666]

@monokhem 😂😂😂go ride James face

[@scottbarker9058]

POWERAGE--MY BEST AC-BC ALBUM.

[@jbird3223]

Anthrax my favorite band. Never stop making music with Anthrax. One of my top bands. I must go listen to some Anthrax. Great video.Thanks Nikki. Sent an email to Nikki when 97.1 was playing his show and asked why the Eagle doesn't play more Anthrax and no response. Image that.

[@dougchillquist1956]

Thanks Niki for being sober so us fellow rockers can listen to your awesome kick ass interviews. I'm from Seattle so a home boy here digging you . ROCK ON

[@TheFireblade1000RR]

Love to see Nuno on the show...

[@gungriffen]

My favorite Anthrax Riff is Medusa, that Riff just sounds evil.

[@Deadspawns]

Can not get enough of this show

[@UBRLND-X]

Scotty has been my favorite rhythm guitarist since I was a teen metal fan and saw them with W.A.S.P. and Black Sabbath in '85. They opened and blew both other bands away. I was an instant Anthrax fan once I first heard "spreading the disease"

[@muriloninja]

Damn, that Gretsch sounds so good!

[@jrmarrero96]

For $10 grand, it goddamn well better be good! I must say, it sounds so resonant on this video, you dont even need an amp!

[@ERICF66]

if you want blood........YOU GOT IT!!!!!

[@Strugen.]

The beast may be the most iconic guitar in rock

[@lucifer73]

How to explain AC/DC in 4 words: Chuck Berry on steroids.

[@jonesy2111]

....and Hendrix - Chuck Berry on acid

[@aronhallam6449]

@Klaus Ebner he doesn't use major 6ths does he ? rockabilly is made by combining the minor 7 and major 6 and sliding the minor 3rd up to a major 3rd...ive never really spent any time trying to emulate angus but it seems to me its based around a minor pentatonic

[@anthonyhoffman6052]

Harry Vander, George Young (The Easybeats and Alberts). much like the entire 70's/80's rock scene in Australia

[@weirdsideelly3111]

JTA 1973 chuck berry on whiskey and cocaine

[@miti314]

Exept Angus Young d'ont drink whisky but tea, and his favorite drug is chocolate !!!

[@FormulaKimball]

6:31 LOVE THIS. I love that whole intro with the progressions and back to the "main" simple riff. Reminds me of the intro for Hell Awaits kinda. Nice long beginning section of driving chords.

[@avsky837]

This series is really going to kick-off. Looking forward to some more legends.

[@Big_Uncle_Randy]

Great Show Sixx!!...Should try getting Mikael Arkfeldt from Opeth! He's a bad ass!!!....also Brent Hines from Mastodon....two Dudes with bad ass chops that are not on major radio play everyday ...

[@eldiego68]

That moment of hesitation when talking about his AC/DC tattoos and he realizes he’s about to bring up Kat von D but he can’t stop himself

[@timothycormier3494]

Nikki!! Dude thank you!! I’ve forgotten how much influence anthrax had on my playing. Not to mention. Malcolm young basically taught me how to play guitar. Love this show!!!

[@WBSTUDIOS71]

This is my favorite “my favorite Riff”. Scott is so genuine and he loves what I grew up with. AC/DC was such an influence to me as much as he. I would love to have a beer and one hour with Scott Ian to chat about Rock & Roll.