Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante took to social media this past weekend to reflect on his first show sitting behind the drums for the reunited Pantera. That reconfigured Texan outfit took to the stage for the first show billed as Pantera in over 20 years this past Friday, December 02nd (see footage here.)
Benante was drafted to sit behind the kit in place of the late Vinnie Paul Abbott, while Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) was recruited to fill-in for the late “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott.
Returning classic Panera era vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist/vocalist Rex Brown were alongside the aforementioned new additions onstage for a set at the ‘Hell & Heaven Metal Fest‘ in Toluca, Mexico for their highly anticipated live return. Benante commented of that:
“If I say I wasn’t nervous I’d be lying. The excitement , the fear, the emotions, the love and the work that went into doing this all played a part of what was in my head. When I got up there it had all seemed to disappear ( except for the cold 50 degree weather, 🥶) I looked at @philiphanselmo @rexbrownofficial and @zakkwyldebls and felt the connection, Bam!!!!
New Level started and we were off. I kept looking down at my set list and was getting hyped up for the next song . Thank you #sterlingwinfield for bringing me an old @dimebagdarrell wristband and a pair of @vinniepaul3 old gloves . I wore the wristband and brought the gloves up with me. I had some moments up there like I felt I wasn’t there, I went to some other place.
I think I was Metal meditating , don’t laugh… I’m serious. Thank to the @panteraofficial family, thank you to the crew and the amazing fans who have always been so positive about this. Thank you to @carlaharvey and @miacbenante for listening to me play Pantera songs day in and out. I look forward to seeing you all and having a great time playing these songs and reliving the feeling of what a great band they are!”
Benante received high praise from one of his heroes for the performance: Kiss vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley. Speaking on social media, Stanley offered
THRILLED to see Phil, Rex and PANTERA back and KILLIN’ it! Zakk and Charlie clearly did their homework with love and commitment. Pantera did shows with us years ago and were ferocious and explosive. Others tried but NOBODY could be them. Dime and Vinnie would be proud. @Pantera pic.twitter.com/BwjH8xyWTp
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) December 4, 2022
Both Benante and Brown were both thrilled by Stanley‘s comments, responding as follows:
Thank you @PaulStanleyLive , you just made my year https://t.co/WLH5zd6YL9
— Charlie Benante (@skisum) December 4, 2022
Ditto @PaulStanleyLive !!
— REX BROWN (@REJASFROMTEJAS) December 5, 2022
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