Posts Tagged ‘jason bittner’

Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Bows Out of Current European Tour

Kevin Winter, Getty Images / Facebook: Jon Dette It’s been somewhat of a roller-coaster year for Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante . The band has made a huge comeback with the critically acclaimed 2011 album ‘Worship Music,’ but the stickman has dealt with some tough issues along the way. The group has revealed that Benante is at home taking care of some “personal stuff” while they’re on their current European run. Anthrax have tapped Animetal USA and former Testament and Slayer drummer Jon Dette to fill in while they travel through Europe. Guitarist Scott Ian delivered the news to fans when it became noticeable that Benante was not behind the kit. In a tweet , he stated: Many of you asking who is playing drums… Our friend Jon Dette is kicking ass while @ skisum is home taking care of personal stuff. — Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) November 6, 2012 In February, Benante mourned the death of his mother , missing some shows on Anthrax’s winter tour. At that time, Testament’s Gene Hoglan filled in for Benante. Then, a hand injury and the recovery time forced him out of the group’s Mayhem Festival dates. During that period, Shadows Fall drummer Jason Bittner stepped in to help out. While off the road, Benante was involved in an altercation with his wife at a baseball game in which both he and his wife were arrested for the bust-up that occurred in front of their daughter. According to a statement released at the time , Benante was treated at a local hospital for a gash to the back of the head that required staples when his wife allegedly assaulted him as he was walking away with her cell phone. Footage of Jon Dette behind the kit with Anthrax overseas can be seen below. Watch Drummer Jon Dette Performing With Anthrax [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-bassist-frank-bello-talks-reissue-of-worship-music-covering-journey-more/” title=”Frank Bello Talks Anthrax ‘Worship Music’ Reissue + Cover Songs” align=”center”]

Shadows Fall Drummer Diagnosed With Acute Pancreatitis, Cancels PASIC Appearance

Razor & Tie Shadows Fall drummer Jason Bittner will be unable to perform at the 2012 PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) due to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The band is currently on a short break from their headlining tour with God Forbid, Thy Will Be Done and Trumpet the Harlot, but Bittner assures fans that he will return to the road. PASIC is the largest percussion event in the world, which consists of over 120 concerts, clinics, panels, presentations and much more. Bittner was scheduled to perform at the Austin, Texas event, but the drummer announced that he’s under doctors orders to rest instead of making the trip. Bittner writes : “Due to my recent health issues, I am under doctors orders to cancel my trip to Austin Texas this week to perform at PASIC 2012. For over a week, what I thought was a stomach bug (and i was still on tour when all of this started), I came home last week and went to the doctors, and it was written off as just that, a bug. This past Saturday the pain came back and lingered into Sunday which forced me into the emergency room yesterday. After a day in the hospital I was poked, prodded, tested and it turns out I have acute Pancreatitis, which I’m told can be very serious if left untreated. They’re not sure what brought it on (my Dr thinks it was viral), but I have been told by my doctors to not leave this week because I need to be sent for more tests/mri, etc to make 100% sure I’ll be road ready for the second leg of the SF tour which starts Nov. 8th — I should be fine, but needless to say I’m very disappointed I will not be able to come perform in Austin this week! Maybe Pasic 2013??” Shadows Fall will return to the road with Bittner once again in Norfolk, Va. on Nov. 8. Click here for the rest of the tour dates. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/shadows-fall-thoughts-without-words-top-21st-century-metal-songs/” title=”Next: Shadows Fall – Top 21st Century Metal Songs” align=”center”] ?