It still seems bizarre that we are but mere days away from Pantera playing their first live show since August of 2001. The storied Texan left an indelible mark on the metal scene, wholly popularizing groove metal and leaving a lasting legacy that ultimately ended in bitterness and tragedy—at least until now.
For their resurrection, the group’s vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist/vocalist Rex Brown have opted to return to the stage under the Pantera ,oniker, despite the passing of two of their famous members, the late guitar great “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and his brother Vinnie Paul Abbott.
While it has been reported that Anselmo and Brown have received the blessing of the estates of the Abbott brothers, the decision to tour as ‘Pantera‘ again certainly managed to stir up some strong reactions.
Of course, it’s widely known by now that Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy Osbourne) will be filling in for his late friend Dimebag on guitars. In a further show of tribute, Dimebag‘s former guitar tech Grady Champion has been brought onboard to assist with the tour. Meanwhile, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante will be sitting behind the drum kit in place of Vinnie Paul.
Overnight, Rex Brown took to social media to tease the impending reunion run, which is due to commence on December 02nd at the ‘Hell & Heaven Metal Fest‘ in Toluca, Mexico. Brown stated:
Today (November 26th) also saw the band’s social media get in on the hype train, sharing the below video tease for the upcoming first leg of touring from the beloved outfit:
As it currently stands, the group have the below shows booked with a tour of North America also expected in 2023 as well.
12/02 Toluca, MEX – Foro Pegaso (‘Hell & Heaven Metal Fest‘)
12/06 Monterrey, MEX – Monterrey Metal Fest
12/09 Bogotá, COL – Knotfest Colombia
12/11 Santiago, CHL – Knotfest Chile
12/12 Santiago, CHL – Movistar Arena
12/15 São Paulo, BRA – Vibra São Paulo (feat. Judas Priest)
12/18 São Paulo, BRA – Knotfest Brazil
05/26 Sofia, BUL – Armeets Arena
05/27 Bucharest, ROM – Metalhead Meeting Open Air Festival
05/30 Budapest, HUN – Barba Negra
05/31 Vienna, AUT – Gasometer
06/02-04 Nürburg, GER – Rock am Ring
06/02-04 Nuremberg, GER – Rock im Park
06/05 Lodz, POL – Atlas Arena
06/08-10 Hyvinkaa, FIN – Rock Fest
06/10 Solvesborg, SWE – Sweden Rock Festival
06/12 Prague, CZE – O2 Arena
06/13 Berlin, GER – Verti Music Hall
06/15 Copenhagen, DEN – Copenhell
06/21 Hamburg, GER – Edel Optics
06/22-24 Oslo, NOR – Tons Of Rock
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