Anthrax’s Charlie Benante will sit out the first few weeks of the band’s upcoming North American tour that starts today, April 24th, in Denver, CO. Benante has been dealing with ongoing issues with the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome he had surgery for nearly two years ago and is still undergoing physical therapy.
“This was a difficult decision to make,” said Benante, “especially as I had to miss dates on the last cycle because of my hand surgery. But the fact is, playing a show five or more times a week just isn’t realistic right now, I found that out when we were making our new album, and I don’t want to let the fans down by not being able to give it everything I have at every show. I was driving the other day and my hand went numb, so unfortunately, it’s just not 100% yet. I figure I can play for maybe three weeks at a time but then I have to let it rest.”
“The guys in the band have been incredibly understanding and supportive, and I hope the fans will be as well. The positive side is that I plan to use the time off the road constructively and focus on our upcoming album, continue to work on the package artwork and develop a number of other ideas I’ve got for the campaign.”
Drummer Jon Dette (Slayer, Testament, Iced Earth), who has filled in for Benante in the past, will be along on those upcoming dates. Benante plans to join the tour for the May 17th Rock On The Range date in Columbus, OH.
source: bravewords.com
5 Responses
Take your time Charlie, have another cup of coffee.
I might be crossing the line here but…
I saw Anthrax play in Spokane, WA on their last tour. Charlie was there. Two days later I saw them again in Vancouver, BC, CANADA. Charlie wasn’t there.
The “first few weeks” of this upcoming tour have a lot of Canadian dates in them. The Columbus date that Charlie is rejoining them on happens to be after the final Canadian date in Oshawa, Canada.
I don’t think this has much to do with carpal tunnel syndrome. I don’t think Charlie can cross the border into Canada. Maybe it has something to do with his legal problems he had a couple years ago with his ex. I don’t know for sure… but something’s fishy about this. Whatever it is, I hope he works it out soon because we’d love to see the complete Anthrax lineup up here in Canada.
Eh, I’m not gonna speculate on anything like legal issues. My brother is a drummer and he’s got carpal and back issues, playing stuff a lot less aggressive than Anthrax (and he’s younger) so I’m inclined to believe him. Get well soon Charlie, hope you can get back out with the band soon. And if I can find your coffee I’ll give it a try!
“…sources say that the carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by stirring coffee beans instead of writing good and memorable drum patterns.”
Thank you, Dana, for fixing my typos…! : )