Watch: Gene Simmons Officiates the Las Vegas Wedding of Charlie Benante and Carla Harvey

Anthrax and Pantera drummer Charlie Benante married longtime partner Carla Harvey, vocalist of The Violent Hour and former Butcher Babies singer, in a star-studded ceremony on October 12 at The Secret Garden in Las Vegas. The wedding was officiated by KISS bassist and co-lead singer Gene Simmons and attended by over 200 guests, including members of Kiss, Pantera, Anthrax, Mötley Crüe, Dream Theater, and Nickelback.

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Celebration Like No Other

Describing the vibe of the event to People magazine, Benante said, “The wedding is like an elegant Russ Meyer movie with a rock and roll twist.” What was originally planned as an intimate gathering quickly evolved into a grand affair once word got out among their friends in the music industry.

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.”

Bruce Kulick, former Kiss guitarist and wedding guest, shared photos and videos from the night, calling it “a fun rockin’ time.” He noted the presence of Elvis impersonators, Las Vegas showgirls, great music, delicious food, and even a drone light show above the dancing crowd. “Thank you Charlie and Carla for an amazing evening in Las Vegas,” Kulick wrote on social media.

How It All Began: From Festivals to Forever

Benante and Harvey’s romance began years before their 2024 engagement at a U2 concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The couple first met years earlier, though Benante admitted in a 2021 interview with Audio Ink Radio that he didn’t recall their initial meeting.

“He says, ‘She interviewed me at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards,’ but I don’t remember it,” Benante said. “Then we played a festival in San Bernardino together. I think it was Knotfest. Our manager mentioned that Butcher Babies covered one of our songs, and that’s how I met her.”

Their connection deepened over shared interests, emails, and eventually in-person meetings in Los Angeles. “We were both kind of interested in the same type of things — like goofy, nerdy shit,” Benante recalled. Though both were previously in relationships, their friendship slowly blossomed into romance.

Creativity and Togetherness During the Pandemic

Carla Harvey reflected on how the pandemic gave the couple time to bond creatively and personally in their home in Illinois. “It was so awesome to be able to create art together during the pandemic,” she told Shows I Go To. “We created art and music. It brings your relationship to a different level of intimacy.”

Harvey continued:

“Neither of us have been home that much during the course of our relationship, and to be settled in a place together for a couple of years now — it has been such a gift.”

The couple has also collaborated musically. Harvey contributed vocals to Benante’s 2021 covers album, Silver Linings, which featured various prominent artists from the metal and rock scenes. Earlier this year, Benante co-wrote and played every instrument on The Violent Hour’s debut EP, released in July through Megaforce Records.

Charlie Benante is also a father to 19-year-old Mia Charley Benante from a previous marriage.