Charlie Benante's Battle with Vertigo Forces ANTHRAX to Adapt on the Fly
In a gritty twist of fate, ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has been sidelined by a debilitating case of vertigo, forcing the iconic thrash metal band to scramble for a replacement during their North American tour supporting IRON MAIDEN. During an exclusive chat with Robert Cavuoto of MetalRules, Benante laid bare the chaotic circumstances that led to his unexpected absence from the last two shows in San Antonio and Mexico City, revealing that his health took a nosedive after the Louder Than Life festival.
"I started feeling sick after Louisville, and many others did too, but it wasn’t a traditional illness," Benante explained. After powering through shows in Los Angeles, he was hit with an overwhelming vertigo that left him incapacitated and unable to even lift his drumsticks. "It was the craziest version of vertigo. I felt like I was on the worst rocking ship in the ocean. I was a fucking mess," he lamented.
In his absence, the formidable Derek Roddy, known for his furious drumming with bands like HATE ETERNAL and NILE, stepped in for the Mexico City gig, while Mike Heller, former drummer for FEAR FACTORY, took over at the Alamodome show with only a few hours' notice. It’s a testament to the metal community’s camaraderie that Heller was able to rise to the occasion, with MEGADETH's Dirk Verbeuren putting in the call that set the stage for Heller's rapid ascent into the spotlight.
Roddy isn’t new to filling in for Benante, having already taken the throne during ANTHRAX’s Milwaukee Metal Fest appearance earlier this year. This has become a recurring theme, as Benante has dealt with health issues over the years, including a long battle with carpal tunnel syndrome that has plagued him since 2012. Despite the setbacks, Benante continues to fight back, finding a way to push through the chaos of life on the road.
As ANTHRAX gears up for their upcoming shows, Benante reflects on his journey, urging fellow drummers suffering from similar afflictions to seek out skilled surgeons and not shy away from necessary procedures. "We’re like athletes, and we suffer injuries. But it’s all about perseverance and not disappointing the fans," he stated, a mantra that resonates deeply in the heart of metal. Despite the hiccups, the band remains committed to delivering the thunderous sound that has made them legends in the metal scene.