Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante has confirmed that he will step away from part of the band’s ongoing European tour after injuring his right hand.
The veteran drummer shared the update in a statement on social media, explaining that he will miss a string of dates between June 20 and July 4 while the hand heals.
In his message to fans, Benante kept things straightforward, thanking the drummer stepping in for him and stressing that he intends to be back as soon as he is able.
“An Ouch post”
“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.”
Darby Todd is no stranger to the Anthrax camp. The British drummer had already filled in for Benante on the opening night of the band’s European run in Athens on May 23, a date Benante missed because of a scheduling clash with his other band, Pantera. Now Todd will once again take over duties behind the kit while Benante sits out.
Benante is set to miss the following European festival appearances and headline dates:
- June 20 – Clisson, France – Hellfest 2026
- June 21 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – den Atelier
- June 24 – Stockholm, Sweden – Gröna Lund
- June 25 – Oslo, Norway – Tons of Rock 2026
- June 26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell Festival 2026
- June 28 – Lyon, France – Groupama Stadium
- June 30 – Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France – Le Bikini
- July 1 – Bordeaux, France – Le Rocher de Palmer
- July 2 – Viveiro, Spain – Resurrection Fest 2026
- July 4 – Cartagena, Spain – Rock Imperium Festival 2026
Assuming his recovery stays on track, Benante is expected to rejoin the band on July 7 for the Anthrax show at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
The injury arrives at a pivotal moment for the band. Anthrax is preparing to release their twelfth studio album, Cursum Perficio, on September 18 — out through Megaforce Records in North America and via Nuclear Blast in Europe.
The record marks the thrash metal pioneers’ first full-length since 2016’s For All Kings, the longest gap between studio albums in the band’s career. For the new release, Anthrax once again worked with producer Jay Ruston, who previously handled For All Kings and Worship Music. Part of the recording and mixing took place at Dave Grohl‘s well-known Studio 606 in Northridge, California.
Anthrax 2026 Live Shows & Tour Dates:
European & UK Leg
- June 20 – Clisson, France – Hellfest 2026
- June 21 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – den Atelier
- June 24 – Stockholm, Sweden – Gröna Lund
- June 25 – Oslo, Norway – Tons of Rock 2026
- June 26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell Festival 2026
- June 28 – Lyon, France – Groupama Stadium
- June 30, – Ramonville-St-Agne, France – Le Bikini
- July 01 – Bordeaux, France – Le Rocher de Palmer
- July 02 – Viveiro, Spain – Resurrection Fest 2026
- July 04 – Cartagena, Spain – Rock Imperium Festival 2026
- July 07 – Lisbon, Portugal – Estádio da Luz
North American Leg
- September 03 – Montréal, QC, Canada – Parc Jean-Drapeau
- September 05 – Harrison, NJ, USA – Sports Illustrated Stadium
- September 06 – Harrison, NJ, USA – Sports Illustrated Stadium
- September 17 – Louisville, KY, USA – Louder Than Life 2026
- September 25 – Los Angeles, CA, USA – BMO Stadium
- September 27 – Los Angeles, CA, USA – BMO Stadium
- September 29 – San Antonio, TX, USA – Alamodome
- October 02 – Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio GNP Seguros
