In a recent discussion with Sweetwater, Pantera bassist Rex Brown delved into the decision to embark on the road with a reimagined version of the band, revealing a profound sense of connection with the departed spirits of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell.
Brown recounted moments onstage where he sensed the ethereal presence of the late band members, describing it as a chilling sensation:
“At our last show, I experienced something eerie, like a sudden chill passing by. It felt like a cold presence enveloping me. I’ve felt this a few times before. When Charlie and I were recording, before Zakk joined us, we put in countless hours fine-tuning the bass and drums. There was this same inexplicable chill.”
Referring to these sensations as “angels,” Brown expressed his belief that Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell are watching over and approving of the band’s current endeavors:
“To me, they’re like guardian angels. I believe you know who I’m talking about. I sense that they’re watching over us, alongside us, and they’re pleased with what they see. That’s the only way I can make sense of it, as we strive to emulate their spirit with Charlie and Zakk. And let me tell you, it’s getting better and better. There’s so much untapped potential for us to become even tighter.”
Interestingly, Zakk Wylde, who joined Pantera for their resurgence in 2022, echoed similar sentiments about receiving signs and messages from Dimebag Darrell urging the band’s reunion. In an interview with On The Record, Wylde recounted the unmistakable signs he encountered:
“Even during rehearsals and preparations for the tour, there were signs everywhere, like license plates with the number 333 or chance encounters with Dimebag-themed plates. It felt like he was guiding us, pushing us toward this reunion. He’s always present, nudging us forward.”
