CHARLIE BENANTE: 'This ANTHRAX Reunion Is About The Fans And The Music'

June 21, 2005

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"Sorry I've been laying low with the blasts, I really had nothing to say I do have some shit to talk about now. We've been over here for a bit now and the shows are going really well. I would have to say that Download [festival in the U.K.] was a very special experience for me. The last time we were there was 18 years ago; many of you weren't even born. I sat on my drums and freaked out for a bit, it was very emotional. The crowd was so amazing for us — I can't put it into words. Making music is one of the greatest things you can do. The feeling of moving someone spiritually and physically is a gift that can't be taken lightly.

"This ANTHRAX reunion is not about me, Scott, Frank, Joey, Danny, Bush or Rob — it is about two things — the fans and the music. Think about it, if you didn't come to see us, we wouldn't exist. I told everyone before we did this that 'it's not about us; it's about the music that is ANTHRAX.' I am not one for nostalgia but I do cave in from time to time on certain things — KISS! Need I say more? So basically what I'm trying to say is ENJOY IT! You may never see this again. If you hate it, HATE IT! That's your thing but I don't want to hear it, there is too much negativity in the world.

"I have a day off here in Madrid, I am using it to my advantage — sitting in Starbucks on the Internet. I am so jacked up on coffee right now, I think I could fly — HA HA!

"Did anyone see that triumph piece on 'Conan' at the Michael Jackson trial? Classic! Tour buses suck in Europe, they will never ever ever ever get it together. I am basically sleeping on a comfortable shelf. The worst American bus blows the best one over here away... sorry, it's the truth.

"OK, I gotta go, the coffee has taken effect!"

Check out some of Charlie's photos from the Download festival at this location.

Meanwhile, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has posted the following message on the band's MySpace.com page:

"Hola from Barcelona. Hope you're all well. I also hope you like the new site. El Brente [webmaster] worked his ass of on this. Kudos!!!! There's loads of content coming. Band member pages, gear pages, more skins, photo archives etc. The shows have been kicking ass. Mallorca was amazing. Metal es muy fuerte en Mallorca! All over Spain actually. Madrid was crazy as usual and you Bergarans stepped it up as well. Barcelona should be just as good tomorrow. We've never done five gigs in Spain before and I can't wait to come back and do more. I'll have a new Alpha Mail over the weekend. ACCEPT ruled at Gods of Metal. Dio is the man. Brian from SHADOWS FALL did 'New Level' [PANTERA] with us at the Metal Hammer awards in London. Fucking brutal. Pics coming."

Check out a photo of ANTHRAX performing at the Download festival at this location.

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