Last week, it was reported by Billboard that a Pantera tour would take place in 2023 involving surviving members Rex Brown, and Phil Anselmo. It was later revealing that guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante would be joining Phil and Rex for the tour. Now, Wylde has spoken about the new lineup, marking the first official comment from any of the four members about the planned tour.
Wylde sat down with Danny Wimmer Presents hosts Jose Mangin and Matt Pinfield at the Inkcarceration festival in Ohio for an interview. Mangin explained the deep connection both Wylde and Benante have with Pantera, referring to the two musicians as “family,” which is important when considering the group’s legacy. His comments are viewable below as transcribed by Loudwire.
“When Vinnie [Paul] was still alive, when the fellows were all talking about doing it,” Wylde begins (transcription via The PRP), “I just always told them, I said, ‘Of course I would… If you asked me, why would I not do it? I’m going to honor Dime.’ It could be like Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell asking Eric Clapton if he would go out and honor Jimi [Hendrix] and Eric playing Jimi‘s stuff and singing Jimi‘s songs and they’re going out as the ‘Jimi Hendrix celebration.’ And he’s going honor his buddy and he’s going play his songs. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”
“When we do the ‘Dimebash‘… it’s a celebration of Dime‘s greatness. It’s a Pantera celebration — that’s what it is. Just like playing Saint [Randy] Roads’ stuff or Jake [E. Lee’s] stuff or any of the guys, When I’m involved with the Experience Hendrix [tour] you learn the songs…,”
“Obviously, it’s not Pantera. Pantera is those four guys — it’s Phil [Anselmo], Rex [Brown], Dime and Vinnie. But it’s just like when [Led] Zeppelin went out with Jason Bonham playing, it was phenomenal. It told Jason, I was just, like, ‘Dude, you crushed it, man. Your dad is probably bawling.’ It’s a great thing just to hear them play that music again. I’m beyond honored to be a part of it.”
The full interview is available below.
No dates have been confirmed as of yet nor have any other members of the band spoken about the upcoming tour.
