ANTHRAX and PANTERA drummer Charlie Benante and his longtime partner, Carla Harvey—former BUTCHER BABIES and current THE VIOLENT HOUR vocalist—tied the knot on Sunday, October 12 at The Secret Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. The star-studded ceremony was officiated by KISS legend Gene Simmons, with more than 200 guests in attendance, including members of KISS, PANTERA, ANTHRAX, MÖTLEY CRÜE, DREAM THEATER, and NICKELBACK.
Describing the theme of the wedding, Benante told People, “The wedding is like an elegant Russ Meyer movie with a rock and roll twist.”
He added that while the couple initially planned a smaller gathering, it quickly turned into something much bigger: “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.”
Among the many highlights of the night were appearances by an Elvis impersonator, Las Vegas showgirls, great live music, and even an elaborate drone show lighting up the sky above the celebration.
Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick shared photos and clips from the evening on social media, writing: “A fun rockin’ time was had by all last night at Charlie and Carla Benante‘s beautiful Wedding. Gene officiated, Elvis appeared, Las Vegas Show girls entertained. There was great music, delicious food, an elaborate drone show in the sky above while everyone danced. Thank you Charlie and Carla for an amazing evening in Las Vegas. #charliebenante”.
DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy also shared on Instagram: “What an amazing time yesterday at @charbenante & @carlaharvey’s wedding! Hands down the most metal wedding ever…Officiated by the Demon himself @genesimmons and a late night jam session w Charlie, myself, @chrisjerichofozzy, @scottianthrax, @thefrankbello, @zachthrone & @rexbrownofficial Congrats to the beautiful bride and groom and to many more decades together”
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