ANTHRAX took the stage in Athens, Greece for the opening night of IRON MAIDEN's "Run For Your Lives" 2026 European tour on May 23 — but with a notable last-minute lineup change. The band recruited British session drummer Darby Todd to fill in for regular sticksman Charlie Benante, who was unable to perform due to his simultaneous commitment with PANTERA.
Benante, who serves as touring drummer for PANTERA alongside vocalist Philip Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, was required to be in Frankfurt, Germany on May 24, where PANTERA are co-headlining METALLICA's European M72 stadium tour. With overlapping schedules on two continents, ANTHRAX turned to Todd — a highly accomplished session musician with credits including Devin Townsend, The Darkness, Robert Plant, and many others — to step in rather than withdraw from the show.
Todd, who holds both British and American passports and operates a recording studio in London, was able to prepare and deliver on short notice. ANTHRAX, led by guitarist Scott Ian and vocalist Joey Belladonna, ran through a set of thrash classics and material from their upcoming 12th studio album "Cursum Perficio," due September 18 via Megaforce (North America) and Nuclear Blast (Europe).
The situation underscores the logistical tightrope that ANTHRAX are walking in 2026: balancing support duties on IRON MAIDEN's massive European stadium run while Benante juggles his high-profile role in PANTERA. It is a testament to the professionalism of all involved that both bands delivered full performances across Europe without cancellations.