Anthrax once again had a temporary replacement behind the drum kit during its latest concert with Iron Maiden, this time bringing in Derek Roddy for the band’s October 2 performance in Mexico City.
Roddy handled drumming duties as Anthrax took the stage at Estadio GNP Seguros on Friday night. The concert was part of the band’s current run of dates supporting Iron Maiden.
He later reflected on the performance, thanking both bands and Anthrax members.
He wrote: “Well, that was a rager. Haha.
“Thank you Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, Joey Belladonna, Jonathan M Donais, Frank Bello. Y’all rule. Epic!!!!! Thank you again.”
Roddy‘s appearance came just days after Mike Heller filled in for Charlie Benante at Anthrax‘s September 29 concert at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Heller, who previously played with Fear Factory and is currently a member of Raven, was reportedly brought in only hours before the show.
According to the available information, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren contacted Heller that afternoon. Heller then took the stage with Anthrax in front of a massive crowd later that day.
As of now, Anthrax has not publicly revealed why Benante was unable to perform at either the San Antonio or Mexico City concerts.
Benante has periodically stepped back from select dates over the years due to an ongoing battle with carpal tunnel syndrome. More recently, his busy schedule filling the drum throne for the reunited Pantera since late 2022 has also led to occasional live absences.
Anthrax is currently on the road supporting their 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, which was released on September 18 via Megaforce Records in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast in Europe.
