Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Out of Upcoming Shows After Hand Injury, Darby Todd Steps In
On June 20, 2026, the rhythm section of thrash‑metal veterans Anthrax hit a sudden snag when drummer Charlie Benante announced a right‑hand injury would sideline him from the band’s next European tour dates. The announcement, posted on both Facebook and Instagram, explained that doctors had ordered a strict rest period from June 20 through July 4 to allow the hand to heal.
Benante’s post read, “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 Instagram caption appeared without comments, while the Facebook version sparked a flurry of supportive replies from fans and music journalists.
Darby Todd—known in the UK for session work with Devin Townsend, The Darkness and Dream Theater—has already tasted Anthrax’s groove. He filled in at the May 23 Athens, Greece show and debuted on the current tour during Hellfest in Clisson, France, on June 20. In a Facebook confirmation, Todd wrote, “I’m filling in for Charlie Benante until July 4th on their tour while he has been ordered to rest his hand injury in order to heal and not do any further damage. Let’s wish Charlie a quick recovery. It’s a pleasure to cover for him in such a great band.”
The tour schedule remains largely intact. Anthrax will continue to hit venues such as Tons of Rock in Norway and Resurrection Fest in Spain, with daily performances until July 7. After that, the group will head to North America for a September‑October run of concerts, all promoted as support for the band’s forthcoming album.
Cursum Perficio, Anthrax’s twelfth studio effort, is slated for release on September 18, 2026, via Megaforce Records. The album follows 2016’s For All Kings and represents the longest gap between studio releases in the band’s history. Lead single “It’s For the Kids” dropped earlier in the year and has already been incorporated into the current tour setlist.
Benante has repeatedly underscored the album’s importance. In a March interview with the Everblack podcast, he said the record contains “every song on this record stands on its own” and that the band intends to play as many shows as possible to promote it.
Scott Ian, Anthrax’s founding guitarist, echoed that sentiment in a March interview with Rockpit, noting that the writing and recording process for Cursum Perficio took roughly three years—typical for the group.
Todd’s seasoned background as a high‑profile session drummer provides a seamless bridge for the tour’s continuity. Musicians across the scene have welcomed the temporary replacement; Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy and other peers have praised Todd’s performance.
In short, Charlie Benante will miss Anthrax’s European dates from June 20 to July 4 due to a right‑hand injury. Darby Todd will fill the role, keeping the tour on track. Anthrax will resume touring in North America later in the year and will drop Cursum Perficio on September 18, 2026.
