ArtistDirect News
Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Out of European Tour After Hand Injury, Darby Todd Steps In
Anthrax’s long‑time drummer, Charlie Benante, announced on June 20 that a right‑hand injury will sideline him from the majority of the band’s current European tour. The injury, described as requiring medical rest, will keep Benante out of shows from June 20 through July 4, according to a statement posted on the band’s social media. “I wanted to let everyone know that I unfortunately injured my right hand and, following my doctor’s orders, I’ll be sitting out a handful of shows from June 20 through July 4 to give it the proper time to heal,” Benante wrote. He added, “I’m incredibly grateful that Darby Todd will be stepping in behind the kit for these dates and helping keep the shows rolling while I recover. I’m already focused on getting healthy and look forward to being back on the road soon. Thank you all for the support and understanding.”
Benante’s absence comes as the band is touring in support of its 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, released earlier this year. The tour, which includes festival appearances and a co‑tour with Iron Maiden, was originally scheduled to run through mid‑July. Darby Todd, a seasoned session drummer who has performed with The Darkness, Gary Moore, Joe Lynn Turner, Robert Plant, Paul Gilbert, Jordan Rudess, Martin Barre and Devin Townsend, has already deputised for Benante on the tour. Todd first stepped in at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, last month when Benante was engaged with Pantera’s reunion tour.
The injury will cause Benante to miss several high‑profile dates, including the 19th edition of Hellfest in Clisson, France, and Copenhell in Copenhagen, Denmark. He will also be absent from the Iron Maiden Run For Your Lives tour shows that Anthrax is scheduled to play. The band’s remaining European dates are listed below, with Benante expected to return to the stage on July 7 at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
Benante, born November 27, 1962, has been the backbone of Anthrax’s rhythm section since the band’s formation in 1981. He is credited with popularising double‑bass drumming and the blast beat in thrash metal. In addition to his work with Anthrax, Benante has toured with the reunited Pantera since 2022, which has occasionally conflicted with Anthrax’s schedule.
Anthrax, formed in New Jersey, is one of the “big four” of American thrash metal. The band’s 2026 tour is part of a broader effort to promote Cursum Perficio, the follow‑up to 2016’s For All Kinds. The tour includes festival slots at Hellfest, Copenhell, and a co‑tour with Iron Maiden, giving the band exposure to both dedicated metal audiences and mainstream festival crowds.
With Benante’s return slated for July 7, the band will resume its European run after a brief hiatus. The tour schedule continues through September and into October, covering venues in Spain, the United States, Mexico and Canada. Fans of Anthrax and the broader metal community will be watching the band’s performance in Lisbon to see whether Benante’s hand has fully recovered.
The full tour itinerary includes dates in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Canada, the United States, Mexico and beyond. In addition to the European leg, the band will perform in Montreal, New Jersey, Kentucky, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Mexico City later in the year.
Benante is also the primary composer for Anthrax, contributing to most of the band’s songwriting over its four‑decade career. Todd’s experience spans rock, metal and progressive genres, and he has been a sought‑after drummer for touring and studio work.
The tour’s partnership with Iron Maiden’s Run For Your Lives tour has drawn attention from metal fans worldwide, as the two bands share a long history of collaboration and mutual respect.
The injury occurred during a rehearsal in early June, and Benante has been undergoing physical therapy to regain full function. The band has confirmed that the hand will be monitored closely and that the decision to pause touring was made in consultation with medical professionals.
Fans and industry observers will be watching the July 7 show in Lisbon to gauge Benante’s readiness to resume full touring duties. The band’s management has stated that no further changes to the schedule are anticipated beyond the temporary replacement by Todd.
Overall, the situation underscores the physical demands placed on touring musicians and the importance of health management in sustaining long‑term careers in the music industry.
Benante’s absence comes as the band is touring in support of its 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, released earlier this year. The tour, which includes festival appearances and a co‑tour with Iron Maiden, was originally scheduled to run through mid‑July. Darby Todd, a seasoned session drummer who has performed with The Darkness, Gary Moore, Joe Lynn Turner, Robert Plant, Paul Gilbert, Jordan Rudess, Martin Barre and Devin Townsend, has already deputised for Benante on the tour. Todd first stepped in at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, last month when Benante was engaged with Pantera’s reunion tour.
The injury will cause Benante to miss several high‑profile dates, including the 19th edition of Hellfest in Clisson, France, and Copenhell in Copenhagen, Denmark. He will also be absent from the Iron Maiden Run For Your Lives tour shows that Anthrax is scheduled to play. The band’s remaining European dates are listed below, with Benante expected to return to the stage on July 7 at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
Benante, born November 27, 1962, has been the backbone of Anthrax’s rhythm section since the band’s formation in 1981. He is credited with popularising double‑bass drumming and the blast beat in thrash metal. In addition to his work with Anthrax, Benante has toured with the reunited Pantera since 2022, which has occasionally conflicted with Anthrax’s schedule.
Anthrax, formed in New Jersey, is one of the “big four” of American thrash metal. The band’s 2026 tour is part of a broader effort to promote Cursum Perficio, the follow‑up to 2016’s For All Kinds. The tour includes festival slots at Hellfest, Copenhell, and a co‑tour with Iron Maiden, giving the band exposure to both dedicated metal audiences and mainstream festival crowds.
With Benante’s return slated for July 7, the band will resume its European run after a brief hiatus. The tour schedule continues through September and into October, covering venues in Spain, the United States, Mexico and Canada. Fans of Anthrax and the broader metal community will be watching the band’s performance in Lisbon to see whether Benante’s hand has fully recovered.
The full tour itinerary includes dates in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Canada, the United States, Mexico and beyond. In addition to the European leg, the band will perform in Montreal, New Jersey, Kentucky, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Mexico City later in the year.
Benante is also the primary composer for Anthrax, contributing to most of the band’s songwriting over its four‑decade career. Todd’s experience spans rock, metal and progressive genres, and he has been a sought‑after drummer for touring and studio work.
The tour’s partnership with Iron Maiden’s Run For Your Lives tour has drawn attention from metal fans worldwide, as the two bands share a long history of collaboration and mutual respect.
The injury occurred during a rehearsal in early June, and Benante has been undergoing physical therapy to regain full function. The band has confirmed that the hand will be monitored closely and that the decision to pause touring was made in consultation with medical professionals.
Fans and industry observers will be watching the July 7 show in Lisbon to gauge Benante’s readiness to resume full touring duties. The band’s management has stated that no further changes to the schedule are anticipated beyond the temporary replacement by Todd.
Overall, the situation underscores the physical demands placed on touring musicians and the importance of health management in sustaining long‑term careers in the music industry.