Alice in Chains guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell has shared his thoughts on Pantera’s reunion tour, which sees surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) teaming up with guitarist Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and drummer Charlie Benante (Anthrax). Speaking on the Lipps Service With Scott Lipps podcast, Cantrell commended the new lineup for honoring Pantera’s legacy.
“I think it’s a cool celebration of the music,” Cantrell said, reflecting on what it means to perform under the Pantera banner without original members Vinnie Paul and “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott. “Being in a band with a couple of key members who are not here, I know that that takes a certain type of courage to get up there and celebrate what you did… And Zakk and Charlie do a great job. I don’t think it could have been done with either one of those guys out of the mix.”
A Tour Backed by Legacy
The Pantera lineup has the blessing of the estates of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell. The band has been headlining festivals across the globe and serving as a support act for Metallica’s massive stadium tour. While some fans remain divided over the idea of a Pantera reunion without its late co-founders, Cantrell’s endorsement adds weight to the band’s efforts to preserve and celebrate its groundbreaking legacy.
A Friendship Forged in Metal
Cantrell’s connection to Pantera runs deep, dating back to his early days in the music scene. He first met Vinnie and Dimebag in 1985 while working in Texas. “I knew Vinnie and Dime longer than I’ve known the guys in my own band,” Cantrell revealed in a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone.
He recalled their shared sense of humor and unwavering commitment to their fans. “They always went out of their way to make every person feel welcome and create a good time for them,” Cantrell said.
The Tragic Loss of Dimebag and Vinnie Paul
Dimebag Darrell’s tragic death in 2004 marked one of the darkest days in heavy metal history. While performing with Damageplan, Dimebag was fatally shot onstage by a disturbed fan. The incident left Vinnie Paul devastated, and he passed away in 2018 due to heart-related complications.
Reflecting on their loss, Cantrell said, “When Dime was killed, that was such a shock to all of us. But the fact that Vinnie had to live with the vision of that, it still haunts me to this day.”
Pantera’s Enduring Legacy
Formed in 1981, Pantera reshaped heavy metal with their signature groove-laden sound. Albums like Cowboys from Hell, Vulgar Display of Power, and Far Beyond Driven became cornerstones of the genre. Now, through Anselmo, Brown, Wylde, and Benante, the band’s spirit lives on, inspiring new generations of metal fans.
Cantrell summed up the reunion best: “It’s about doing it as well as you can for the fans that want to see it.”
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