It turns out that Charlie Benante’s drumming has had a significant impact on some of the biggest names in metal.
In a recent interview, the Anthrax drummer shared insights into his playing style, his tour with Pantera, and his influence on other drummers. When asked about adapting his style to Vinnie Paul’s unique approach, Benante revealed a surprising truth: he had actually inspired Paul in the first place.
“I’ve never told this to anyone before,” Benante confessed. “But Vinnie told me many times that he took pieces of my drumming and applied them to Pantera. He said, ‘You know that part in [Anthrax’s] ‘Spreading The Disease’? I took that idea for this track.’”
Benante was initially stunned by the revelation. “When he told me that, I was like, ‘Dude, are you serious?’ And his response was, ‘Absolutely.’ Now, when I listen back, I can hear exactly what he was talking about.”
Reflecting on the exchange, Benante added, “If Vinnie were still here, I’d be showing him some of the drum parts I’ve used on a few Anthrax tracks. Some drummers have big egos and don’t usually discuss things like this.”
He continued, “The truth is, whatever you listen to during your life, from your teenage years to adulthood, that style and flair in the music inevitably becomes an influence.”
Benante also revealed that Vinnie Paul wasn’t the only drummer to draw inspiration from his playing. “Joey Jordison told me the exact same thing Vinnie did,” Benante shared. “He said he took some licks and ideas from my drumming for Slipknot, and I’m totally honored when I hear that. I do the same thing and tell other drummers, ‘Hey, I got this idea from your playing on this track.’”
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