In a recent interview with *Rolling Stone Australia*, PANTERA bassist Rex Brown opened up about the band’s reformation and their current tour, featuring fellow surviving member Philip Anselmo, along with Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) on guitar and Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) on drums. This new lineup has received approval from the estates of the late founding members, Vincent “Vinnie Paul” Abbott and “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott.
Brown addressed the absence of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, acknowledging the profound impact of their loss. Despite this, he emphasized that the current iteration of PANTERA is not a tribute band but rather a continuation of the legacy, allowing Anselmo and himself to reconnect with their past music in a way they haven’t been able to for over two decades. He described the experience as both surreal and exhilarating.
Regarding the new lineup, Rex praised the selection of Wylde and Benante, noting the meticulous preparation involved to ensure they fit well with the band’s sound. He shared that he and Benante spent extensive hours rehearsing to recreate the tightness and intensity that characterized PANTERA’s original music. Brown expressed his satisfaction with the band’s performance, stating that they are “on fire” and he couldn’t be happier with the current setup.
Brown also touched on the excitement of playing PANTERA’s classic songs to a new generation of fans. He expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response from younger audiences and noted that the band’s recent shows have been a celebration of their music and its enduring impact. Despite initial skepticism from some fans, the band’s performances have been well-received and have solidified their presence in the current metal scene.
When asked about the possibility of recording new music, Brown hinted at the potential for future projects but did not provide specific details. His openness to new music suggests that there might be future developments, but this is still uncertain.
Zakk Wylde, who has also commented on the idea of new music, has suggested that any new material should be presented under a different name rather than PANTERA, to respect the legacy of the original lineup. Brown’s response indicates that while there is a desire to honor the band’s history, any new creative endeavors would need to be approached with careful consideration and respect for the band’s past.
Sterling Winfield, a longtime PANTERA producer and involved with the estates of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, has mentioned that while new music isn’t off the table, the current focus is on the world tour. The possibility of new music remains open but would need to be handled thoughtfully.
In summary, the reformed PANTERA is currently focusing on celebrating their classic material and connecting with fans, both old and new. The prospect of new music is still a topic of discussion, with careful consideration given to how it might be approached to honor the band’s legacy.
