Pantera has dominated the hard rock and heavy metal news in the past week in the lead-up to and following their first concert in 20 years. The reformed lineup of Phil Anselmo (vocals), Rex Brown (bass), Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums) performed this past weekend at the Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in Mexico.
Benante commented on the debut show via his social media: “If I say I wasn’t nervous I’d be lying. The excitement , the fear, the emotions, the love and the work that went into doing this all played a part of what was in my head. When I got up there it had all seemed to disappear ( except for the cold 50 degree weather, 🥶) I looked at @philiphanselmo @rexbrownofficial and @zakkwyldebls and felt the connection, Bam!!!! New Level started and we were off. I kept looking down at my set list and was getting hyped up for the next song .”
“Thank you #sterlingwinfield for bringing me an old @dimebagdarrell wristband and a pair of @vinniepaul3 old gloves . I wore the wristband and brought the gloves up with me. I had some moments up there like I felt I wasn’t there, I went to some other place. I think I was Metal meditating, don’t laugh… I’m serious.”
Benante continued: “Thank to the @panteraofficial family, thank you to the crew and the amazing fans who have always been so positive about this. Thank you to @carlaharvey and @miacbenante for listening to me play Pantera songs day in and out. I look forward to seeing you all and having a great time playing these songs and reliving the feeling of what a great band they are!”
Numerous peers of the group commented on the band’s performance including KISS frontman/guitarist Paul Stanley.
“THRILLED to see Phil, Rex and PANTERA back and KILLIN’ it!” Stanley wrote on Twitter. “Zakk and Charlie clearly did their homework with love and commitment. PANTERA did shows with us years ago and were ferocious and explosive. Others tried but NOBODY could be them. Dime and Vinnie would be proud. @Pantera”.
The band’s setlist consisted of: “A New Level,” “Mouth For War,” “Strength Beyond Strength,” “Becoming,” “I’m Broken,” “Use My Third Arm,” “Drag The Waters,” “This Love,” “Yesterday Don’t Mean S*it,” “F*cking Hostile,” “Planet Caravan” (Black Sabbath cover), “5 Minutes Alone,” “Cowboys From Hell,” “Domination/Hollow” and “Walk.”
Pantera performs again on Tuesday night at the Monterrey Metal Fest in Monterrey, Mexico and again on Friday at Knotfest in Bogota, Columbia.
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