The untold history of Anthrax, ft. Charlie Benante

The untold history of Anthrax, told by drummer Charlie Benante.

Originally appearing on Metal and Monsters and now restored in 4K, this rare interview gives fans an inside look at the rise, struggles, and 40-year history of Anthrax from one of the musicians who lived it: iconic drummer Charlie Benante.

▶ Watch the full episode here: Metal & Monsters: Featuring Kirk Hammett of Metallica | https://bit.ly/45xhCJb

Charlie Benante looks back on his earliest memories of playing drums, discovering KISS, teaching himself guitar so he could turn the music in his head into songs, and his early dream of becoming a comic book artist.

He also shares the story of joining Anthrax after meeting Scott Ian and former bassist Danny Lilker, and how playing together for the first time changed the direction of his life. Charlie remembers the band’s first shows, their early demos, working with Ross the Boss, and the van tours that tested who was truly ready to keep going–something any band member trying to “make it” can understand.

Charlie then takes us inside some of the biggest moments in Anthrax history. He recalls writing Spreading the Disease before the band had a singer, the arrival of Joey Belladonna, and writing “A.I.R.” after feeling that something was missing from the album.

He also looks back at the making of Among the Living, the rise of thrash metal, and why the band knew they had something special. From the rushed recording of State of Euphoria to the darker period that shaped Persistence of Time, Charlie explains how each era reflected what was happening around the band.

The story also covers Anthrax’s groundbreaking crossover with Public Enemy on “Bring the Noise.” Charlie reveals how Chuck D initially turned the idea down, why he changed his mind after hearing Anthrax’s version, and how the collaboration quickly led to a tour together.

Charlie also speaks openly about major changes within the band, including Joey Belladonna’s departure, the arrival of John Bush, hearing him sing “Only” for the first time, and the difficult period when metal became a bad word, and Anthrax found themselves fighting to stay above water.

From We’ve Come for You All and the reunion that repaired old relationships to Worship Music, For All Kings, and four decades of Anthrax, Charlie reflects on how the band survived it all.

For Anthrax fans, Charlie Benante fans, and anyone interested in the real history of thrash metal, this restored interview offers a rare look at the music, lineup changes, friendships, setbacks, and perseverance behind one of metal’s most important bands.


???? Related Videos To Watch Next:

▶ Metal & Monsters: John 5 of Mötley Crüe, Actor Bill Moseley & Type O Negative: https://youtu.be/ASeCwBVabgc
▶ Metal & Monsters: Featuring Kirk Hammett of Metallica | https://bit.ly/45xhCJb
▶ Metal and Monsters: Featuring Robert Englund and Don Dokken | https://youtu.be/FPuxfPgsvmg

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