ANTHRAX Drummer Charlie Benante Injures His Hand and Steps Away From Summer Shows
This marks the second injury-related story to emerge from the metal world today. Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante revealed in a social media update that he has suffered an injury to his right hand, forcing him to step away from the band’s upcoming performances while he recovers.
Benante shared the news directly with fans, writing:
“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.”
The injury will sideline Benante for a limited stretch of Anthrax’s European tour, with drummer Darby Todd stepping in to cover the affected dates while the veteran musician focuses on recovery.
Anthrax are currently touring across Europe, having launched the run on May 23 in Athens, Greece, where they appeared alongside Iron Maiden. The tour has been one of the band’s most anticipated outings in recent years as excitement continues to build around their long-awaited new studio album.
That excitement is set to grow even further with the upcoming release of Cursum Perficio, Anthrax’s first full-length studio album in more than a decade. The record follows a series of live releases and marks a major new chapter for the thrash metal legends.
Speaking recently about the project, Benante said the material was simply too strong to keep on the shelf, explaining that Cursum Perficio was “too good to hold back and wait.”
The album is scheduled for release on September 18 through Nuclear Blast and Megaforce Records, giving fans plenty to look forward to while Benante works toward a full recovery.
For now, Anthrax’s tour remains on track, and the band appears confident that the temporary lineup change will keep the momentum going until Benante is ready to return behind the drum kit.
Anthrax 2026 Tour Dates
June 20 – Clisson, FR @ Hellfest
June 21 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg @ Den Atelier
June 24 – Stockholm, SE @ Gronä Lund
June 25 – Oslo, NO @ Tons Of Rock Festival
June 26 – Copenhagen, CPH @ Copenhell Festival
June 28 – Leon, FR @ Groupama Stadium
June 30 – Ramonville Saint Agne, FR @ Le Bikini
July 1 – Boardoux, FR @ LE ROCHER DE PALMER
July 2 – Viviero, ES @ Resurrection Festival
July 4 – Cartegena, ES @ Rock Imperium Festival
July 7 – Lisbon, PT @ Estádio da Luz
Sep 3 – Montréal, QC @ Parc Jean-Drapeau
Sep 5 – Harrison, NJ @ Sports Illustrated Stadium
Sep 6 – Harrison, NJ @ Sports Illustrated Stadium
Sep 17 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival
Sep 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ BMO Stadium
Sep 27 – Los Angeles, CA @ BMO Stadium
Sep 29 – San Antonia, TX @ Alamodome
Oct 3 – México, MX @ Estadio GNP Seguros
