Guitarist Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) talked in an interview with Danny Wimmer Presents (Transcribed by Blabbermouth) about the Pantera reunion tour that will happen in 2023. As reported by Billboard, the classic living members of the group Phil Anselmo (Vocals) and Rex Brown (Bass) will tour next year as Pantera with Zakk Wylde (Guitar) and Charlie Benante (Anthrax – Drums).
Guitarist Dimebag Darrell was tragically killed back in 2003 at the age of 38 and his brother, the drummer Vinnie Paul died back in 2018 at the age of 54. The project reportedly received green light from the representatives of the late musicians.
Zakk Wylde talks about being part of Pantera’s reunion
“When Vinnie was still alive, when the fellows were all talking about doing it, I just always told ’em, I said, ‘Of course I would… If you asked me, why would I not do it? I’m gonna 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 gonna honor his buddy and he’s gonna play his songs. I think it’s a beautiful thing. It’s like when we do the ‘Dimebash’, it’s a celebration of Dime’s greatness. It’s a Pantera celebration — that’s what it is… You’re celebrating Vinnie and Dime’s greatness and you’re celebrating all the mountains that Pantera conquered and crushed.”
“Obviously, it’s not Pantera. Pantera is those four guys — it’s Phil, Rex, Dime and Vinnie. But it’s just like when Zeppelin went out with Jason Bonham playing, it was phenomenal. It told Jason, I was just, like, ‘Dude, you crushed it, man.’ It’s a great thing just to hear them play that music again. I’m beyond honored to be a part of it,” Zakk Wylde said.
There is still no official announcement from the band about the tour dates. The group was formed in 1982 in Arlington, Texas and started as a Glam Metal band, later on changing their sound. It was with the release of their fifth album “Cowboys From Hell” (1990) that the band became famous, releasing more four successful records: “Vulgar Display of Power” (1992), “Far Beyond Driven” (1994), “The Great Southern Trendkill” (1996), “Reinventing the Steel” (2000).