ANTHRAX / PANTERA Drummer CHARLIE BENANTE In Praise Of KISS - "If This Really Is The End, All I Can Say Is 'Thank You'"

On December 1st, Anthrax and Pantera drummer Charlie Benante paid tribute to KISS via Instagram, celebrating the band's iconic career, which spanned five decades. KISS played their final two shows in New York at Madison Square Garden on December 1st and 2nd.

Benante: "Well, if this really is the end, all I can say is 'Thank You.' I watched those two up there - Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley - and applauded them for always giving 100%. I mean, think about this: all these years, they’ve put on the makeup, the costumes, the 7-inch leather heels, etc. Could you do it?? They are not just rockstars, they are the epitome. I saw them when I was a kid and it left such a lasting impression, it’s what I wanted to be. I wonder if anyone reading this will know that when you said 'meet me at the Ace poster at the Garden' what we were talking about? Such a landmark. From 1973-1979, what they did in those 6 years, that still resonates with me now. Thank you Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace; you inspired so many, and the best part is you were all from New York!"