In a union that’s as bold and electrifying as their music, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and singer Carla Harvey have tied the knot in a rock ’n’ roll wedding for the history books. But here’s where it gets even more legendary: the ceremony was officiated by none other than KISS icon Gene Simmons, who, thankfully, had fully recovered from his recent car accident just in time to preside over the nuptials. The couple exchanged vows on Sunday, October 12th, at The Secret Garden in Las Vegas, surrounded by a star-studded guest list that included members of Pantera, Mötley Crüe, Dream Theater, and Nickelback. People magazine, which scored exclusive photos of the event, reported that the celebration was nothing short of magical.
Benante described the reception as “an elegant Russ Meyer movie with a rock and roll twist,” a phrase that perfectly captures the blend of sophistication and rebellious energy that defined the day. And this is the part most people miss: what started as a plan for an intimate wedding quickly snowballed into a larger affair, as the couple realized their circle of friends wouldn’t let them keep it small. “We just wanted our closest in a room together celebrating,” Benante shared, highlighting the heartfelt essence of the event.
The pair’s love story is as captivating as their music careers. Benante proposed to Harvey during a U2 concert at Las Vegas’ Sphere in January 2024, capping off years of dating with a moment as epic as their sound. Now, as newlyweds, they’re diving right back into their passion projects. Benante is putting the finishing touches on a new Anthrax album, while the couple is also working on a follow-up to The Violent Hour’s debut EP, Harvey’s band. “We’ll be getting right back to work after the wedding,” Benante confirmed, proving that for these two, love and music are inseparable.
But here’s the controversial question: Can a rockstar wedding ever truly be ‘intimate’? With a guest list like theirs, it’s hard to imagine keeping things low-key. Still, the couple managed to infuse the day with personal touches that made it uniquely theirs. Check out a glimpse of the celebration in the tweet below, and head over to People.com for more exclusive photos. This wedding wasn’t just a union of two people—it was a celebration of rock ’n’ roll culture itself. What do you think? Could you ever pull off a small wedding if you were in their shoes? Let us know in the comments!
