Pantera fans are excited for the next reunion of beloved thrash metal icons. The band’s first major tour in over 20 years kicks off in South America on December 2 when they perform at Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in Texicoco, Mexico. Over the weekend, we got our first look at the band’s new lineup.
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante – who replaces late original Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul – posted a photo from their reunion rehearsals on Sunday which featured him in the studio with longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, who will play late guitarist Dimebag Darrell’s parts. Longtime bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Phil Anselmo were also among the candidates.
“2 weeks in NOLA with these boys was a lot of work but how could it be otherwise? Benante wrote. “So much heart and soul goes into it. It’s about the love for Vinnie and Dime, the fans and the music these 4 have created. Charlie said he really loves performing the songs, that he promised “that sounds great! It’s very emotional and it’s just starting to hit me… see you soon, I need a drink.”
Pantera are one of the most successful and influential bands in metal history, combining elements of hardcore and thrash to create a menacing sound anchored by the late brothers Vincent “Vinnie Paul” Abbott on drums and ” Dimebag” Darrell Abbott on guitar; the reunion tour was given the green light by both men’s estates. The group broke through after the release of their fifth album, in the 1990s Cowboys from Hellwith new vocalist Anselmo and the 1992 sequel, Vulgar display of power. “Dimebag” Darrell was murdered in 2004 while performing on stage at a show with his band Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio, while Vinnie died in 2018 of natural causes, including heart disease.
In addition to shows in Latin America and Mexico, Pantera is playing three Knotfests (in Colombia, Chile and Brazil), as well as a series of European festivals in 2023.
Check out the photos and their tour dates below.
Pantera Tour Dates 2022-2023:
December 2 – Texicoco, MX @ Hell & Heaven Metal Fest
December 6 – Monterrey, MX @ Monterrey Metal Fest
December 9 – Bogotá, CO @ Knotfest Colombia
December 11 – Santiago, CL @ Knotfest Chile
December 12 – Santiago, CL @ Movistar Arena
December 15 – São Paulo, BR @ Vibra São Paulo
December 18 – São Paulo, BR @ Knotfest Brazil
June 2-4 – Nürburgring, DE @ Rock Am Ring
June 2-4 – Nuremberg, DE @ Rock Im Park
June 10 – Sölvesborg, SE @ Sweden Rock Festival
June 22-24 – Oslo, NO @ Tons of Rock
