The possibility of new PANTERA music remains uncertain, but drummer Charlie Benante says he has no doubts about his ability to contribute if the opportunity ever arises.
Speaking in a new interview with Talk Is Jericho, the podcast hosted by wrestling superstar and FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho, Benante was asked whether he and guitarist Zakk Wylde could create riffs in the classic PANTERA style should the band decide to work on new material.
“Oh, I can do it, no doubt,” Benante replied (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “But I just don’t know yet if that’s where this is going. I would hope, at some point. We’ll see. It’s all up to Philip [Anselmo, vocals] and Rex [Brown, bass], really, where they wanna take this. Zakk and I are just there for the ride, and [to help], whatever we can do.”
While speculation about new material continues, Benante emphasized that decisions regarding the future of the band ultimately rest with vocalist Philip Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, the two surviving original members of PANTERA.
The topic of new music also came up earlier this year during Benante‘s appearance on the Hot Metal podcast. At the time, he revealed that discussions had taken place, but stressed that nothing concrete had developed.
“There was some talk — but nothing, really,” he said.
“I would love to release a live album of this lineup so we can document what we did and just have it,” he added. “I think that would be a great thing.”
Since returning to the stage, the revived PANTERA lineup has sparked debate among fans, largely due to the absence of original members Dimebag Darrell — who was tragically killed in 2004 — and Vinnie Paul, who passed away in 2018. Wylde himself has often referred to the project as a “PANTERA celebration” in interviews.
Benante acknowledged the criticism, but also shared his perspective on why he embraced the opportunity.
“I feel I was put in this PANTERA situation for a reason and that’s why I embraced it so much and that’s why I love it so much, because it’s something bigger than the band,” he said. “And I wish people nowadays would be more caring and loving towards us all, you know? Not just musicians, but to each other. Stop being so rotten about things, because I’ll tell you this much: [in] 10 years’ time, a lot of this stuff is gone. So if you don’t enjoy it now, that’s it: it’s done.”
Reflecting on the early backlash, Benante encouraged skeptics to experience the shows firsthand before forming an opinion.
“I think in the beginning of the whole thing there were naysayers and all I would say is ‘just come [to one of the shows]’,” he explained. “If you like it, great. If you don’t like it, okay. You never have to come again. But the thing is, the people who were coming were bringing their kids who never saw PANTERA before. This isn’t the same. Dime and Vinnie are not there, but we are just playing these songs that need to be played again, and it’s giving people smiles on their faces again and it’s a great thing.”
As for what lies ahead, Benante made it clear that plans remain uncertain beyond a handful of scheduled performances.
“I don’t really know. I know we have a few shows this summer and then maybe some shows next year, but that’s as far as it goes.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.