ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has publicly pushed for the current PANTERA lineup to release a live album documenting their run of shows — and he is not shy about how much the project means to him personally.
Speaking to Hot Metal, Benante was asked about the possibility of the reformed lineup making new studio music. While acknowledging that "there was some talk — but nothing really," he floated a different idea: "I would love to release a live album of this lineup so we can document what we did and just have it. I think that would be a great thing."
The current lineup — featuring Philip Anselmo on vocals, Rex Brown on bass, Zakk Wylde on guitar, and Benante on drums — has been operating since late 2022, initially amid considerable controversy. Benante has consistently pushed back on critics: "In the beginning there were naysayers, and all I would say is 'just come to one of the shows.' If you like it, great. If you don't, okay."
He also reflected on his personal investment in the project: "I feel I was put in this PANTERA situation for a reason, and that's why I embraced it so much — because it's something bigger than the band."
As for the near future, the lineup has a few summer shows scheduled with potentially more on the cards for 2027.