Fathers, Brothers, and Sons

Surviving Anguish, Abandonment, and Anthrax

By: Frank Bello, Joel McIver

Narrated by: Frank Bello

Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Born into a family of five, Frank Bello grew up in difficult circumstances. His father abandoned his wife and children. Left with no male role model, Frank found inspiration in heavy metal bass players, following their example and forging a career with Anthrax from his early teens - first as a roadie, and then as the group's bass player.

International stardom came Frank's way by the mid-to-late 1980s, when he was still in his early 20s, but tragedy struck in 1996 when his brother Anthony was murdered in New York. Although the case went to trial, the suspected killer was released without charge after a witness, intimidated by violent elements, withdrew his testimony.

Two decades later, Frank is a father himself to a young son. Like many men who grew up without the guidance of a dad, he asks himself important questions about the meaning of fatherhood and how to do the job well. This is the wisdom which Fathers, Brothers, and Sons offers listeners.

Frank doesn't preach or seek sympathy in his book. Instead, he simply passes on the wisdom gained from a lifetime of turbulence, paying tribute to his loved ones in a way that will resonate with us all.

©2021 Frank Bello (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Seems like a genuine dude...

Wasn't too sure what the quality of the book/performance
would be, since musician bios/memoirs can be hit &
miss.

Pleased to say that both are very well done. Worth the
listen if your a fan.

I've seen a few comments complaining about the length of the book, but I'd rather have a shorter book that doesn't feel forced... The same way I'd rather have an album with a shorter track list, as opposed to being full of filler, just to pad the length.

More Than A Memoir (Of A Rock Star)

After listening to this book, I feel as though I have a new friend. One that just happens to be the bassist for one of the world’s biggest metal bands; Anthrax! Frank Bello and co-author Joel McIver have amazed me with their conversational approach to documenting Frank’s integral part in Anthrax and heavy metal as a whole. I cried, I laughed out loud, and what surprised me the most were places in the text where I not only learned about Frank and Anthrax from the artist’s perspective, I paralleled his life experiences with those of my own. If you’re a die-hard Anthrax fan, this is a “must read”. If you’ve never heard of Anthrax, this is an even bigger “must read”.

In a culture where the differences in people are sought out and somewhat exploited, “Fathers, Brothers, and Sons” hones in on the similarities of people; even if those people have nothing but one small-ish thing in common. I enjoyed reading, well in this case listening to the book from the mouth of Frank himself. It was like we were sitting down somewhere conversing about music, parenting, love, loss, social calamities, and what I loved about this book was my ability to relate to everything Frank wrote.

He is candid , humble and didn’t hide behind his bass in order to tell me how he championed through some pretty hefty instances that would have crippled some. Humility, honesty, and a need to be a better human being for his wife and son, push Frank through life. Breaking those barriers that are often repeated is a feat and I could tell that he was proud to have reached the point in life where acknowledging the wins isn’t hot air spewing from his blow hole. You can tell that from the jump!

Thanks Frank. I really appreciate the message you conveyed with this book. Thank you for taking the time to share how hard you have worked in your profession and to achieve your dreams. I’ve definitely received some takeaways that I didn’t realize and some that mirrored my own journey in this life catapulted by my love of music.

So, horns up on your book, music career, and I wish you the best in all your endeavors!

AWESOME!!!

Loved this book. It kinda hits home with me. Very humble and I appreciate his respect of others.

Touching...

This book hit me way more than I expected. Glad that this book was released. Much respect.

great book! very short though

this book is great my only gripe is its only 5 HOURS!!!
wish it was longer cause frank bello is a cool cat

GREAT BOOK!!

Thank you Frank. It’s a great look inside the life of one of the world’s greatest bassist.

Emotional memoir by a genuine artist

Anthrax bassist Frank Bello's memoir is well worth listening to whether you're a fan or not. Just a regular, humble Italian guy who loves his family, worked for everything he has and appreciates life. Despite a rough childhood and a tragedy in his 20's, he's persevered and grown emotionally to the great man he is today. This one really hits home if you're a parent - especially a father. His narration is very conversational and warm, making you feel like you're talking to an old friend. I could listen to him read the phone book and be happy. Give it a listen just don't expect any crazy heavy metal road stories involving sex or drugs - Frankie's too responsible to get involved in that business.

Frank is a hellava good dude!

Thanks for sharing your story Frank! I'm blessed to have been an Anthrax fan for decades, and I can't tell you how much your story inspires me. You tell it well and kept me hooked through the whole book. I'm a better man for knowing the story of one of my heros. You and Anthrax will forever be present in my own story, and I'm thankful to have been on this journey with you!

Absolutely amazing!!

You sir are a true inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You inspire me to be a better father, husband and human being. God bless you and your family and I pray that you have nothing but success and blessings. Keep on rocking dude!!

Bravo!!!!

What a treasure Frank is. His humility, candor, sincerity, and love for others inspire me.

Thank you my friend!