BILLY MILANO: ‘SCOTT IAN Is A Soulless Piece Of S**t And CHARLIE BENANTE Is An Evil F**ing Woman’

In a blistering new interview with Robb’s MetalWorks, Billy Milano—the outspoken frontman of crossover thrash pioneers STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.) and current frontman of M.O.D.—has launched a scathing attack on his former bandmates, particularly ANTHRAX mainstays Scott Ian and Charlie Benante. As S.O.D. marks its 40th anniversary, Milano claims it’s time to expose what he describes as decades of “unethical business,” creative theft, and profound personal disrespect. Milano even confirmed that legal action is underway to reclaim what he insists is rightfully his—and bassist Danny Lilker’s.

Milano’s grievances trace back to S.O.D.’s formation in 1985. Despite the band’s legendary status, Milano claims the collaboration with Ian and Benante was fraught from the start. “We only did three shows and then I was like, ‘You know, these guys are a**holes,’” he recalled (as transcribed by Metal Stop), singling out Scott and Charlie as the main culprits. According to Milano, their self-serving behavior was evident early on—from creative decisions to financial dealings.

Milano contends he was the driving force behind S.O.D.’s iconic identity, including the band’s name and its controversial debut album Speak English or Die. “I made him use STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH. I made him use Speak English or Die. I made him write the intro for ‘March of the S.O.D.,’” he insisted, countering Ian’s version of events. When Ian allegedly downplayed Milano’s role, the frontman didn’t mince words: “He’s a f**king liar.”

Financial disputes also loom large in Milano’s accusations. He recalled selling $8,000 worth of merchandise in just 40 minutes at a reunion show—far more than Ian or Benante had bothered to move. He further alleges widespread financial deception involving management and booking agents, including withheld royalties from Japanese deals and merchandising. “They stole the Japanese record deal from JVC Victor. They never give us the money,” he stated, implicating multiple industry figures.

Milano’s frustration wasn’t limited to finances. He shared stories of personal slights, including Scott Ian allegedly refusing to sign autographs for fans in a freezing sleet storm, and the time Ian and Benante allegedly abandoned Milano and Lilker in a hotel while taking the tour bus and crew to open for SLIPKNOT as ANTHRAX. “Scott Ian is a low-life c*cksucker. Period,” Milano seethed.

Perhaps the most inflammatory moment came when Milano accused Ian and Benante of exploiting the tragic murder of late PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell for their own gain. He claims that ANTHRAX’s classic-era reunion was planned months before Dimebag’s death but was publicized as a tribute. “Even Rob Caggiano said to me, ‘Yeah, that’s pretty low that they said they did it for Dimebag,’” he alleged.

Milano also challenged Ian’s originality, echoing Dimebag’s supposed frustration: “Why is Scott biting my stuff?” He further accused Benante of stealing the main riff of ANTHRAX’s “Indians” from the theme song of F Troop. With legal proceedings now underway, Milano aims to reclaim unpaid publishing rights and royalties for S.O.D. material, some of which has been used by ANTHRAX.

Milano’s words leave no room for ambiguity: “Scott Ian is a soulless piece of s**t and Charlie Benante is an evil f**king woman.” Whether these accusations will result in legal victories or further deepen the rift between these thrash veterans remains to be seen.

You can watch the entire interview below.

Earlier this month, Milwaukee Metal Fest attendees at The Rave / Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, May 16th witnessed a unique performance by STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH. This tribute to the politically incorrect mid-1980s project STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.) featured a special lineup including two original S.O.D. members: guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Danny Lilker. They were joined by HATEBREED‘s Jamey Jasta on vocals and Scott’s son, Revel Ian, on drums.