Drummer Charlie Benante ( Anthrax ), who joined forces with remaining Pantera Rex Brown (bass) and Phil Anselmo , along with renowned guitarist Zakk Wylde ( Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society ), said in a recent interview with The Vinyl Guide Podcast (via Blabbermouth.net ):
“For me, Pantera is something very special. I think it’s one of those opportunities to honor your friends, play some songs you love, and give the audience a chance to hear those songs in this environment again. Some had never seen Pantera before. And yes, I know this isn’t the original Pantera. You’d have to be an idiot not to know that. This version of Pantera is clear, with me and Zakk, and we’ve stayed true to what the band was.”
Regarding the possibility of the current lineup releasing a live recording, Benante said: “Yes. We’ve talked about it. We’ll see. We record a lot, and it’s probably a matter of letting some time pass and seeing what happens. Live shows are good, or taking a song from this show or that show and compiling it into a live album. I would love to do that.”
According to Billboard, the current lineup received the "OK" from the estates of both brothers, Vinnie Paul (drummer) and Dimebag Darrell (guitarist), who are the founders of the band.
Criticism Charlie Benante received for being in Pantera.
Charlie discussed whether Vinnie Paul wanted to play with Pantera again and commented on the criticism the current lineup has received.
“I never had a full conversation about it, because we never mentioned it when we were together. We talked about different things – never about reforming the band. And that was it. His brother wasn't there anymore. So I don't know. I heard that at some point Vinnie was open to doing it again, but I don't know if it was true or not. That's it.”
It's worth remembering that until his death, Vinnie Paul did not speak to Phil Anselmo, whom he indirectly blamed for the death of his brother Dimebag.
Regarding the criticism he received after the announcement of the Pantera tribute reunion, Charlie said on the THAT Rocks! hosted by Eddie Trunk : “People had preconceived notions about what they were going to think: 'Oh, I don't like this without Vinnie and Dime.' And sure… But when we start playing the songs and you see the faces in the crowd, all that crap goes out the window, or negative things that were said. Man, this is all I ever wanted to do. It's just to come and make people listen to these songs again,” he explained. “And that's what it's really about. It's about the music.”
Pantera will continue touring in 2024, with several festivals scheduled for the first half of the year, and will embark on a joint tour with Metallica in the United States
READ ALSO : Pantera at Knotfest Brazil: watch videos of the performance here
