DISTURBED frontman David Draiman has shared his thoughts on PANTERA reunion show with surviving members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, who will unite with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) for a world tour under the PANTERA banner.
Draiman discussed his views on PANTERA‘s comeback in a new interview with Germany’s Rock Antenne, in which he said: “Oh, I can’t wait. I’m gonna go see it. I mean, look, there’s an entire generation of fans of the music that never got the chance to see it played live. They deserve the opportunity. And I couldn’t think of any two guys who are more appropriate and skilled to fill the shoes of the brothers than Charlie and Zakk.
“I think that was the respectful and smart way to go. Charlie was very, very close to Vinnie, very close to the PANTERA camp. And Zakk, basically, it used to be Zakk and the PANTERA guys in the dressing room backstage at Ozzfest that we’d always be hanging with all the time anyway. He was one of the closest guys to them as well.”
“It’s never going to be the same as Vinnie and Dime. That’s something we’ve lost forever, and we have to recognize that. But I think that this will be a great way to tribute all that they’ve accomplished.”
According to Billboard, the lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band’s founders, drummer Vincent “Vinnie Paul” Abbott and guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, as well as Brown, who last year said Wylde wouldn’t tour with PANTERA if a reunion were to happen. It’s unclear what changed his mind.
PANTERA will play its first shows in over 20 years in December 2022, starting with a co-headlining slot at Mexico’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest and at Mexico’s Monterrey Metal Fest, followed by appearances at three Knotfest festivals in South America. There will also be a one-off show with JUDAS PRIEST in São Paulo, Brazil.
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