Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante will be missing multiple European tour dates, leaving fans disappointed and the band's rhythm section in flux. Benante's injury, affecting his right hand, has forced him to take a break from the road, with his doctor's orders dictating a period of rest and recovery. This is a significant setback for the band, especially given the high-profile nature of the shows they are missing, including festival appearances at Hellfest in France and Copenhell in Denmark, as well as dates on Iron Maiden's Run For Your Lives tour.
The band has responded by enlisting the services of Darby Todd, a seasoned drummer with a diverse range of credits, to fill in for Benante. Todd's experience with bands like The Darkness, Gary Moore, and Joe Lynn Turner, among others, makes him a capable replacement. However, the absence of Benante, a cornerstone of Anthrax's sound and live performances, will undoubtedly leave a void that Todd will struggle to completely fill.
This is not the first time Todd has stepped in for Benante. He previously deputised for the drummer when Benante was working with Pantera, and his familiarity with the band's material and style will no doubt be a help. Nonetheless, the loss of Benante's presence on stage is a blow to the band and their fans, who have come to expect a certain level of consistency and quality from Anthrax's live performances.
The tour dates affected by Benante's absence are as follows: June 24: Stockholm Gröna Lund, Sweden; June 25: Oslo Tons of Rock, Norway; June 26: Copenhagen Copenhell Festival, Denmark; June 28: Lyon 01 Groupama Stadium, France; June 30: Ramonville-stagne Le Bikini, France; July 1: Bordeaux Le Rocher De Palmer, France; July 2: Viveiro Resurrection Fest, Spain; July 4: Cartagena Rock Imperium Festival, Spain; July 7: Lisboa Estádio da Luz, Portugal.
Despite the setback, Anthrax fans can take heart in the fact that Benante is expected to return to the band's lineup in time for their scheduled shows in September and October, including appearances in Montréal, Harrison, Louisville, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Mexico City. The band's resilience and the support of their dedicated fan base will no doubt help them navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger on the other side.
