If Charlie Benante Ever Needs a Break from Pantera, Disturbed’s Drummer Says He’s Down
The rigors of being in an internationally touring band can take a lot out of a person normally, but when you’ve also got responsibilities with another major band that’s got an album in the works, it’s amazing that Pantera/Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante’s got the energy to go as hard as he does. Dude’s in high demand — and rightfully so, given how insanely good he is at what he does.
That being said, something’s going to eventually have to happen once Anthrax’s album plans get underway. What’s Pantera to do if Charlie goes back to Anthrax to support the new record? Well, Disturbed drummer Mike Wengren said he’s willing to take up the mantle in Benante’s stead.
The offer came about during a recent interview with The Break Down With Nath & Johnny (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), in which Wengren said he and his band had shared the spotlight with Pantera during Knotfest Australia and said he’d love to get behind Vinnie Paul’s kit.
“Oh, I mean, honestly, if they told me, like, somebody took Charlie [Benante, PANTERA drummer] out tonight, I think I could step in. Actually, you know what? Let me make sure I clarify this. All respect to Charlie, ’cause he’s killin it, man. He is doing everything in his power to make it sound like Vinnie [Paul Abbott, late PANTERA drummer] is up there. There’s nobody in the world that could actually do that. Charlie was so, so close with the [Abbott] brothers, and it’s awesome. So, let me make sure I say that first. ‘Cause all those guys are my bros. I’m just saying as a huge PANTERA fan, I think I know most of the songs in the back of my head already. I can probably pull it off. I got probably 80 percent of [the set down already].”
Now to be clear, this was simply a hypothetical question posed by the interviewers. There’s no plan to have Benante walk away from Pantera or Anthrax at all. Wengren was simply answering a question regarding who he’d like to fill in for.
Yet if part of the criteria for playing with Pantera was being close with or inspired by the late Abbott brothers, it seems like Wengren would be a good candidate. Back when Vinnie Paul passed away in 2018, the Distrubed drummer posted on social media that he was sad to learn of his passing, calling Vinnie Paul “an idol of mine back in the 90s.”
“[Vinnie Paul] was a huge influence on my playing. Then Ozzfest 2000 Pantera is on main stage and Disturbed second stage. It was our first-ever major festival touring experience.
“As a second-stage artist, your laminates were restricted to certain areas.
“We met Vinnie and Dime. They welcomed us into their dressing room regardless of what our passes said. They took us under their wing and showed us how to treat your fellow touring mates. It never mattered that they were headliners and we were openers. To them, we were all brothers. We have continued to follow that attitude throughout our careers and treat our opening bands and crew as family.
“So many stories throughout the years.
“We used to jam together whenever our paths crossed on the road. They would join us during our set when we would cover ‘Walk’. I would have Vinnie play my kit and I’d join in on the floor toms.
“To have met him was a dream come true. To become his friend was an honor.
“Vin, I will be forever grateful for your impact on my life. Rest in peace, brother. Say hello to Dime for me. Until we jam again in the afterlife.”
With some history there, it makes sense. So there ya have it, Charlie — in case you need to get back to ‘Thrax.
