The heavy metal band Anthrax's last remaining original and founding member explains why the metal genre is intergenerational and timeless.

Anthrax is one of the founding bands of the thrash metal genre, alongside legends like Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. On "Salon Talks," Amanda Marcotte asked Ian why metal bands last so long. He replied simply, "Cause we're a bunch of stubborn idiots. I don't know, cause we love what we do. I still love playing. I love being in a band."

Co-founded by Ian in 1981, Anthrax has released 11 studio albums and has been touring for over 30 years. The band's fan base is still going strong, according to Ian. "A fan asked me at this Q and A, she said 'I see like suburban 50-year-old dads at your shows and 12-year-old kids wearing Pierce The Veil t-shirts in the mosh pits at your shows. How do you stay relevant?'" For Ian, being a metal fan is a lifelong commitment. "Once you're hooked, you're hooked. It never goes away," he said.

Ian chronicles tales of debauchery, booze and mayhem in his new memoir "Access All Areas: Stories of a Hard Rock Life." Some of his wildest moments off stage include blacking out with chef Mario Batali, accompanying Madonna to a strip club and playing a zombie on the hit TV show "The Walking Dead."

Watch Salon's full interview with Ian to hear some of the crazy stories.