ANTHRAX Fill-In Drummer DARBY TODD Shares ‘Among The Living’ Drum-Cam Video From 2026 HELLFEST
Session drummer Darby Todd has released drum-cam footage of himself performing Anthrax's "Among The Living" at this year's Hellfest festival in Clisson, France. Todd stepped in as a temporary replacement for longtime Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, who missed a run of European shows after injuring his right hand, highlighting the wider network of session musicians who keep touring bands on the road when regular members are unavailable.
Todd, who is based in the UK, initially covered a single Anthrax show in Athens in May due to a scheduling clash with Benante's other band, Pantera, before going on to fill in for around ten further dates after Benante was advised to rest his hand injury. The Hellfest performance took place on 20 June 2026, and Todd described the experience as "unforgettable" despite admitting the recording's audio quality was not ideal. Benante, who has drummed for Anthrax since 1983, remains the band's regular member ahead of the release of their new album "Cursum Perficio" on 18 September, their first in ten years.
In short
- Darby Todd shares drum-cam clip of Anthrax's "Among The Living" at Hellfest 2026
- He filled in for injured drummer Charlie Benante on around 11 shows
- Anthrax's new album "Cursum Perficio" arrives 18 September, their first in a decade
Explained simply
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band that formed in the 1980s and remains active on the touring and recording circuit. When regular band members become unavailable due to injury or scheduling conflicts, touring bands typically hire session musicians to perform their shows. This allows tours to continue on schedule and gives fans the opportunity to see the band perform.
Charlie Benante has been Anthrax's drummer since 1983 and remains the band's permanent member. In 2026, he sustained an injury to his right hand that prevented him from performing at several European tour dates, including the Hellfest festival in France. Darby Todd, a UK-based session drummer, stepped in as his temporary replacement for approximately eleven shows.
Session musicians like Todd are a standard feature of the touring industry, hired by bands to cover performances when regular members are unavailable. Most of these arrangements are temporary, with the permanent member returning once they recover or their other commitments are resolved.
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