Earlier this week, the estate of late Pantera drummer “Vinnie Paul” Abbott issued a statement in support of the band’s upcoming shows. Pantera, which features surviving members in vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, will be joined by guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante for numerous festival shows and their own headline and support concerts over the next few years.
Billboard reports that the new lineup has been given the thumbs up by the estates of band founders “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul.
“There can never be a Pantera reunion without Vinnie and Dime,” read a statement from Vinnie Paul’s estate. “However, there is no better way to celebrate and honor Vinnie and Dime’s legacy, than to bring the music of Pantera directly to the fans. We are honored that Charlie and Zakk, their very close friends and musical brothers, will share the stage with Philip and Rex, to unleash the power of Pantera live around the world.”
Longtime Pantera producer Sterling Winfield also shared a message after attending a private Pantera rehearsal. “I wasn’t prepared for how classy, thoughtful and honorable it was presented to me and the other fine folks in attendance,” he said. “I don’t think other people, the general public, are going to be prepared for it. All of these people that have been talking negatively about it either online or in the media, without knowing a single thing about it. I honestly hope it either knocks them on their collective asses and that they eat their words, or that they simply regret not going as it passes them by.”
Benante was asked by BraveWords if there was a possibility that the new lineup would record an album. “Oh man, who knows?” he said.
“Creatively, if we are just flowing and getting going, and things are starting to be really good, musically speaking, you never know what could happen. I’ve got tons of riffs.”
Benante added, however, “We’re putting the cart before the horse. I like the positivity there, but I don’t know how people would react to that either at this point. I think first, let’s get out there and establish that we can play. I’m always open to the future.”
Pantera’s first show back is set for Dec. 2 in Texicoco, Mexico at the Hell & Heaven Metal Fest.
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