anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Weds Carla Harvey in Star-Studded Las Vegas Ceremony
LAS VEGAS – Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante married singer Carla Harvey in a wedding officiated by KISS bassist Gene Simmons on October 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. The ceremony drew a notable crowd of rock musicians, including members of Pantera, Mötley Crüe, Dream Theater, and Nickelback, according to People magazine, which published exclusive photos from the event.
The nuptials followed a recent car accident that briefly sidelined Simmons, but he recovered in time to preside over the ceremony. Benante described the reception as “an elegant Russ Meyer movie with a rock and roll twist.” The couple, who became engaged in January 2024 during a U2 concert at the Las Vegas Sphere, had initially envisioned a small, intimate gathering. Though, Benante explained, “The initial idea was a small, intimate wedding with just a few friends and family, but we knew that we would not be able to get away with a small wedding once other friends heard about it. We just want our closest in a room together celebrating.”
Benante and HarveyS first dance was to U2’s “All I Want is You,” a tribute to the location of their engagement. A post-ceremony jam session featured Anthrax bandmates Scott Ian and Frank Bello,alongside Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater),Zach Throne (Jerry Cantrell’s band),and Chris Jericho (Fozzy).
The couple is foregoing a traditional honeymoon to focus on their respective musical projects. They are currently working on a follow-up EP for Harvey’s band, The Violent Hour, and benante is finalizing a new Anthrax album. “We are finishing the second EP for Carla’s band, The Violent Hour, and we will be releasing an Anthrax album shortly, so we will be getting right back to work after the wedding,” Benante revealed.
