Twenty years after breaking up, surviving members of Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown have reunited under the Pantera banner for a series of concerts at various venues and festivals. The news first appeared in Billboard magazine on 07/13/2022. To replace the deceased guitarist Dimebag, the longtime friend of the band, virtuoso guitarist Zakk Wylde, was invited to replace the late Vinnie Paul, another friend of the band, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante. Not only that, Zakk is assisted by the late Dimebag’s former assistant, guitar technician Grady Champion. But despite their approval of the concerts, relatives of the late Pantera musicians recently released the following statement clarifying that the concerts are not a reunion:
There can never be a Pantera reunion without Vinnie and Dime. 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.
Finally, on December 2 at the Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in Mexico, the revamped live Pantera did their first show, and it was something special. Pantera was one of the headliners for the festival, which featured bands like Venom, Possessed, Cradle Of Filth and Arch Enemy. You can see from the video below that a lot of effort and energy was expended, and they sound just great and very close to the original. On the bass sides of the drum kit were photos of the late brothers Vinnie and Dime, whose image and spirit was present at this concert. A classic selection from the entire 1990-2000 studio catalog was performed, and the stage was decorated with a giant red backdrop with the band’s logo. After playing the first two songs, Phil Anselmo said the following:
There are a million things I could say right now, but all I’m gonna say is that every note we hit, every lyric and every melody are for Vinnie and Dime.
Concert setlist:
“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 Shit”
“Fucking Hostile”
“Cemetery Gates”
“Planet Caravan”
“5 Minutes Alone”
“Cowboys From Hell”
In 2023 the band will visit Europe, where it will perform several concerts and visit major festivals. In addition, in 2023-2024 Pantera will also be touring with Metallica. Pantera will also tour with Metallica.
