Thrash metal band Anthrax has announced a temporary lineup adjustment for its ongoing European summer festival tour, as veteran drummer Charlie Benante will be forced to miss a series of performances to recover from an injury sustained to his right hand. Benante will sit out ten European tour dates, including the Rock Imperium Festival in Spain.
Benante disclosed the physical setback in a social media update over the weekend, categorizing it as “An Ouch post” and stating, “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. 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.”
Medical restrictions affecting Benante’s touring availability are not unprecedented for the veteran metal musician, who previously navigated extended performance breaks – most notably undergoing surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in 2013, and experiencing subsequent recurring hand numbness during tours in 2012 and 2015.
As noted, British drummer Darby Todd has stepped in during Benante’s absence. Todd, whose extensive musical resume includes touring with progressive rock artist Devin Townsend, recently performed with Anthrax at the Hellfest festival in Clisson, France, and will remain behind the kit through early July.
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