Charlie Benante

Career

Benante joined Anthrax in 1983, prior to the recording of the band's debut album Fistful of Metal, and has appeared on every release by the band. He is known for having a very fast double kick technique and has been credited as one of the pioneers of double bass, as well as with popularizing the blast beat technique with thrash metal.

He is also a guitarist, having contributed lead guitar to S.O.D.'s Speak English or Die album. Along with his musician duties, Benante is also a graphic artist and has created many of Anthrax's album covers and T-shirt designs.

In 2021, Benante released a solo album entitled Silver Linings. Paul Stenning referred to the album as "a very worthy memento of attacking a crazy year with a positive outlook."

On July 14, 2022, it was announced that Benante had joined the reunited Pantera by filling in for original drummer, and his close friend, Vinnie Paul.

Personal life

Benante is a fan of the 1975 film Jaws, and owns a sizeable collection of the film's merchandise. He was featured in the documentary The Shark Is Still Working, which was included on the Jaws 2012 Blu-ray release.

Throughout the course of 2012, Benante faced several personal issues that forced him to miss several concerts with Anthrax. Early on in the year his mother died, which also resulted in Frank Bello (Benante's mother being Bello's grandmother) taking some time off during the band's tour in Argentina. Benante stepped out again during the summer's Rockstar Mayhem Fest run after suffering a "minor hand injury". Also during the summer, Benante was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife in front of his daughter which had them both arrested. Benante later missed the band's UK and European tour in order to take care of "personal stuff" according to Scott Ian. In 2013, it was announced that Benante would be sitting out Australian tour dates, also for personal reasons. Concern was raised in 2012 by MetalSucks over Benante's well-being and future with the band.

In 2020, Benante had a cameo in the music video for "Everything She Wants," a Wham!-cover performed by Alien Ant Farm.

In 2025, Benante married musician Carla Harvey.

Equipment

Benante uses and endorses Tama drums and hardware, Paiste cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans Drumheads, and Roland electronics.

Prior to switching to Tama's Speed Cobra pedals in 2010, Benante was one of the few drummers who used Tama's HP35 Camco chain-drive pedals, equipment he had used since 1984.

Discography

Solo

Stormtroopers of Death albums

Stormtroopers of Death videos

With Anthrax

Main article: Anthrax discography

Others

• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – When the Keyboard Breaks: Live in Chicago (guest drums)

References

References

1. Weatherhead, Austin. (2024-10-21). "The Charlie Benante TAMA Drum Kit from Iconic Tours Now for Sale".
2. Shpakovych, Anastasiia. (2024-03-30). "Charlie Benante, one of the fastest drummers on the world stage".
3. (2009-10-23). "CHARLIE BENANTE: ANTHRAX is "regrouping with JOHN BUSH"".
4. (2018-06-23). "Anthrax's Charlie Benante Remembers Vinnie Paul: He "Was the Glue in Pantera"".
5. Eglinton, Mark. (March 9, 2009). "Anthrax's Charlie Benante Talks About The Birth Of The Blast Beat".
6. (2021-05-18). "CHARLIE BENANTE: How I Became ANTHRAX's Main Music Writer".
7. Prato, Greg. (February 26, 2013). "Charlie Benante of Anthrax".
8. (June 3, 2021). "CHARLIE BENANTE – Silver Linings".
9. (July 14, 2022). "It's Official: ZAKK WYLDE And CHARLIE BENANTE To Tour With PANTERA's Surviving Members".
10. [http://www.metalinsider.net/metal-musical-chairs/shadows-fall-drummer-jason-bittner-to-play-with-anthrax-in-argentina Shadows Fall Drummer Jason Bittner To Play With Anthrax In Argentina]
11. [http://www.metalinsider.net/metal-musical-chairs/members-of-slipknot-and-anthrax-to-miss-mayhem-fest-dates Members Of Slipknot And Anthrax To Miss Mayhem Fest Dates]
12. [http://www.metalsucks.net/2012/07/30/anthraxs-charlie-benante-and-wife-arrested-for-domestic-battery-in-front-of-a-child/ ANTHRAX’S CHARLIE BENANTE AND WIFE ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY IN FRONT OF A CHILD]
13. [http://www.metalsucks.net/2012/07/31/more-details-on-the-arrest-of-charlie-benante-and-wife/ MORE DETAILS ON THE ARREST OF CHARLIE BENANTE AND WIFE]
14. [http://loudwire.com/anthrax-charlie-benante-sitting-out-australian-tour-dates-personal-issues/ Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Sitting Out Australian Tour Dates Due to ‘Personal Issues’]
15. [http://www.metalsucks.net/2012/11/07/what-is-going-on-between-charlie-benante-and-anthrax/ What’s Going on between Charlie Benante and Anthrax?]
16. (May 29, 2020). "Alien Ant Farm Deliver Cameo-Filled Video for Wham! Cover".
17. (13 October 2025). "Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Marries Singer Carla Harvey in 'Elegant' Wedding with a 'Rock and Roll Twist' (Exclusive)". [[People (magazine).
18. [http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/benante.php Vic Firth Signature Artist: Charlie Benante.] {{Webarchive. link. (September 19, 2012 Retrieved on May 10, 2011.)
19. link. (July 10, 2011 Retrieved on May 24, 2009.)
20. link. (February 4, 2009 . Retrieved on September 25, 2008.)