The drummer was forced to miss performances in San Antonio and Mexico City after waking up unable to function.
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante revealed that a severe bout of vertigo caused him to miss the final two shows of the band’s North American run supporting Iron Maiden. Benante was absent from the group’s September 29 concert at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and their October 2 performance at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City. Drummer Mike Heller stepped in on short notice for the San Antonio date after being contacted by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren, rehearsing just a few hours before taking the stage.
In an interview with MetalRules, Benante explained that he began feeling ill following Anthrax’s appearance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Although he was able to play subsequent dates in Los Angeles and West Hollywood, his condition worsened after flying to San Antonio, where he woke up experiencing extreme vertigo that prevented him from lifting his head or drumming. Benante described the experience as the worst thing he has ever felt, but confirmed that he is now feeling much better.
