In a recent interview with “THAT Rocks!”, a weekly YouTube series, former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy discussed the PANTERA reunion.
He praised the performing members – Philip Anselmo, Rex Brown, Zakk Wylde, and Charlie Benante – stating that the reunion is ‘phenomenal’ and that they are carrying on the band’s legacy with respect and great taste.
Portnoy, having attended one of their concerts, commended the band’s performance and brushed off the naysayers, asserting that they are ‘eating their words’. He also expressed his belief that if Dimebag Darrell Abbott hadn’t tragically passed away, PANTERA would have likely reunited by now.
When asked if he had a chance to catch a show from newly reunited PANTERA, Portnoy responded: “I caught the show in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was fricking phenomenal. I loved it. Absolutely loved it… Charlie and Zakk are absolutely killing it, really. I couldn’t be happier for them. I think all the naysayers that came in this skeptical at the beginning are now kind of eating their words and realizing how badass this is and how important it is, to keep that legacy alive.”
“I know it was a tough pill for a lot of people to swallow, but I think the reality is if Dimebag hadn’t been killed, I think they surely would’ve reunited at some point by now. And I understand Vinnie, once Dimebag was killed, I understand Vinnie never wanting to do it without him; it’s his brother, so I get that. But now that Vinnie isn’t with us either — it’s Phil and Rex‘s band as well, and I think wanting to carry on the legacy for a whole new generation is a great, great thing. They’re an important band and important to metal, and why shouldn’t they be out there doing it, you know? And actually, they’re doing it so tastefully and with so much honor and respect to Dime and Vinnie. They’re there each and every show right there on Charlie‘s bass drum heads. So I think they’re doing it right.”
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.
