Heavy metal legends Pantera will play select shows in 2023. The lineup, which features singer Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, is rounded out by Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde, and has been formed to pay tribute to the band’s legacy and to late guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and late drummer Vinnie Paul.
Pantera’s current live plans include Knotfest Colombia, Knotfest Chile, Knotfest Brasil, and Hell & Heaven Metal Fest, all which take place next December.
Recently, iconic Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford spoke about the shows with Cutter’s Rockcast. “If you know about the way Charlie feels about Pantera, you know the way Zakk feels, the skill that they both have to do the songs justice,” he said.
“Man, this is important — it’s important. And Phil’s voice is the voice of Pantera. What Rex does is as important. So, what’s not to love about this really special moment that we’re all gonna go nuts [for]?” Halford later added: “I’m gonna be on the side of the stage, ’cause we’re both on the same bill that night [at Mexico’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest]. I’m gonna be banging my head like a maniac. I’m so happy for them.”
Anselmo talked with The Pit about the celebration of Pantera and what he thought “Dimebag” and Vinnie would think of the upcoming shows. “Dimebag and Vince always wanted this band to be a legacy band, to be massive, to be our own conduit to success, simply put,” he said. “I think Dime and Vince — I know Dime and Vince — would want the legacy and the name of Pantera to go on and on and on and in everybody’s damn face. I know that for sure. Abso-f*cking-utely, dude. That would be their biggest dream.”
Benante was asked during an Anthrax meet-and-greet what he thought of the flak from some fans on social media regarding the shows. “Why is there flak?” Benante asked. To which the fan responded, “People are stupid.” Benante agreed, saying “There you go” and directly addressed the naysayers by telling them, “Don’t come.” Ian then joked that Benante’s words would make the news on music sites reporting on Pantera’s return. Ian said: “That’s the line online tomorrow: ‘Charlie Benante on Pantera tour: don’t come’.”
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