OK, WTF is happening?! It has now been announced that Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante will not be making the trip for Soundwave 2013 on account of personal reasons, bringing the total Soundwave tap-outs to FOUR drummers and one vocalist.
The legendary Scott Ian broke the news over Twitter this evening, explaining that, “Charlie is dealing with personal issues right now and can’t leave the country… He’s really bummed about not being able to head down there.”
Similar news was announced earlier regarding Six Feet Under drummer Kevin Talley’s dirtbike accident, with that announcement very quickly followed by the band dropping out all together. That doesn’t look like the case with Anthrax, however, with Jon Dette of Slayer rising to the occasion according to a follow-up tweet.
The Anthrax news comes a matter of hours after Six Feet Under and a day after The Vandals drummer said he won’t be coming, and within the same week as Travis Barker’s heartbreaking announcement.
More updates to come.
Charlie is dealing with personal issues right now and can't leave the country. He's really bummed about not being able to head down there.
— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) February 19, 2013
Trust me about @jondette. He's an animal and he's going to make history this week.
— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) February 19, 2013
Due to prior obligations I wont be in OZ w/ @TheVandals. My apologies. The always fabulous @derekrgrant from @Alkaline_Trio will be drumming
— Josh Freese (@joshfreese) February 17, 2013