Lips from Anvil Wonders Why Anthrax Keeps Charlie Benante Around

In a new interview with the Thunder Underground podcast, Steve “Lips” Kudlow, guitarist/vocalist for Anvil and model for “Before” photos in dentists’ offices across the globe, wonders why Anthrax keep founding drummer Charlie Benante around (transcription via Blabbermouth):

“Talking about Anthrax, the guy that’s the real powerhouse musician is the singer, Joey [Belladonna]. Joey is the man. He can play drums and he can sing like a bird. That’s the talent. We did a show with [Joey’s solo band, Belladonna] quite a number of years ago, and Joey… The [drummer] didn’t show up, and they had Jack Frost on guitar, and Joey did all the singing from the drums. It was fucking unbelievable; he was playing as good as Charlie — maybe better. I almost wonder why [the Anthrax] guys got Charlie. You know, you don’t even need the guy. Your singer can play drums just as well, and [it’s] one less guy to pay.”

Sure, sure. You don’t even need Charlie Benante. Never mind that he’s been one of the band’s lead songwriters for decades (including periods that Belladonna wasn’t even in the band) and that Belladonna wouldn’t have anything to sing or play without him.

Not that anyone expects Anvil to understand the importance of good songwriting to a band’s success. Or to understand success.

But yeah Lips is right. Charlie is being paid for no reason. Thank Christ Anthrax have Anvil around to teach them the ins and outs of the music business.