CHARLIE BENANTE from
ANTHRAX protect the artist as opposed to the record companies.
DC: I read that you mentioned that the late 90’s were a difficult time to be in the music business. Did you ever consider leaving the band and doing something else? Charlie: I never thought of doing something else. We just had to weather the storm. I think all bands go through that at some point and if you stay in it long enough you find hard times and you either stay the course and weather the storm or you bail. Some people can’t handle that and the panic and quit. I’ve always been a very loyal person and always believed in the power of the band, so it was never an option for me to bail on it. DC: I notice you got a Grammy nomination for “I’m alive”. Is this the first one or is this a common experience for Anthrax. Charlie: Well it’s not the first one, but wouldn’t not say it’s common. I’m not taking it too lightly. I was honored that
they recognized us. My only issue is that it’s very political and not always the best artist wins. I mean for them to pick one band or one style of music to win just because the want TV ratings kind of defeats the purpose of giving out achievement awards. I’ve been behind the scenes at these shows and watched the rehearsals and let me tell you it can be a kin to watching paint dry.
For over 30 years Anthrax has been inspiring mosh pits all over the world. Since the days before anyone even know what a mosh pit was, these guys were mixing double bass drum beats with 32nd notes to create the infectious sound that has become their signature. Since 1983 Charlie Benante has been the purcussionary force that drives the band and works fans into a metal frenzy. Detroit Live had the opportunity to talk with Charlie to discuss the bands upcoming Detroit appearance. DC: How have things changed with the band over the years Charlie: Well we have all evolved musically and as people. We’ve become part of this whole rock world. The thing about being in a band that gets to travel the world is that it’s probably one of the greatest things a musician can achieve. I mean it’s a lot of work and there are a lot of peaks and valleys. But over all it’s a great honor to be able to share our music with fans all over the world and earn a good living doing it. But things have definitely evolved in ways we could have never anticipated. I mean we could have never thought there would be a need to include things in our contracts that involve digital downloads or streaming audio. I mean these are things that are, at least from the perspective of who we were when the band started, totally futuristic to us. I think as things are today there are definitely things that need to be changed to 14 LIVE - DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
DC: So some of the bands who are nominated or even win are not as impressive as many people might expect? Charlie: Yes…the term “underwhelming” comes to mind. DC: You are considered on of the pioneers of the double bass. Who were some of your influences as a young drummer? Charlie: it wasn’t until around 82/83 that I decided to get into the kick drum. I remember hearing a Judas priest album has Simon Phillips playing on it and I heard him play double bass and I remember thinking “What the hell is that?” He seems to have a drum beat going but he’s throwing in an extra bass drum and I had to learn it. Also Motorhead was another band that made me want to get another kick drum. DC: Tell me about the “Anthems” CD where you guys cover Rush, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy and other great classic bands can you tell me about that. Charlie: Well yeh. The whole idea was to have fun. This CD was a long time in the making we just wanted