Charlie Benante’s mother is terminally ill. Although I know I’ve busted Anthrax’s collective chops over the years, this is obviously terrible news. We are deeply sympathetic, and our hearts go out to the guy. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that there really isn’t anything anyone can say to make you feel better in a situation like this one. But, hopefully, the old cliché is true — time heals all wounds.

Understandably, Benante has opted to leave Anthrax’s currently-in-progress tour with Testament and Death Angel to go be with his mother — but the silver lining, if there is one, is that current Testament drummer/all-around legend Gene Hoglan will be filling in for Benante on the remainder of the tour.

Here’s a statement from Hoglan:

“I am honoured to have been asked by Charlie to fill in for Anthrax in his time of need. We are all Metal Brethren, and this is what we do. Unite for the cause, unite for the fans, and unite for metal. Everybody on this tour has pulled together to keep this tour rollin’, everybody is kicking ass. And everyone on this tour is sending our love and respect to the Benante and Bello families. And Charlie, we can’t wait to have ya back where you belong, my man. I’m just keeping your throne warm for ya bro.”

Hoglan is obviously no slouch behind the kit, and although the circumstances are obviously very sad, these shows will now be of the Elseworlds/”What if?” variety, and the results should be fun for Anthrax fans to check out.

Here are the remaining dates of the tour:

1/30 — The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC

2/2 — Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

2/3 — Promowest Pavilion, Columbus, OH

2/6 — Crocodile Rock, Allentown, PA

2/7 — Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD

2/8 — Best Buy Theatre, New York, NY

-AR

[via Metal Underground]