Charlie Benante recently discussed his involvement in PANTERA’s comeback in an interview with The Vinyl Guide Podcast.
The band, featuring Phil Anselmo on vocals, Rex Brown on bass, Zakk Wylde on guitar, and Charlie Benante on drums, is gearing up to headline major festivals across North America, South America, and Europe. They’ll also perform solo concerts and join METALLICA on a stadium tour in 2024, marking a special moment for fans after two decades of waiting for the surviving members to reunite on stage.
Billboard reported that the lineup received approval from the estates of PANTERA’s founders, Vinnie Paul, and Dimebag Darrell Abbott, and from Rex Brown, who initially had doubts about Zakk Wylde joining the reunion tour.
Charlie expressed his feelings about being part of PANTERA again, saying, “It’s a special opportunity to honor our friends, play beloved songs, and give fans a chance to experience them live, especially those who never saw PANTERA before. While this isn’t the original lineup, Zakk and I stay true to the band’s essence.”
When asked about Vinnie Paul’s thoughts on reuniting PANTERA or revisiting their songs, Charlie explained, “We never had that conversation. When we were together, we focused on other things. I did hear that Vinnie was open to it at one point, but I’m not sure if that was real.”
Regarding a potential live recording from their current tour, Charlie mentioned, “We’ve talked about it. We record a lot, so we might compile songs from different shows for a live record.”
In a previous interview on “The Metallica Report,” Phil Anselmo shared his feelings about returning to the stage with PANTERA, expressing empowerment and love for performing without the anger of youth.
Anselmo and Brown praised Charlie and Zakk’s enthusiasm and skills, noting their long-standing friendships.
Rex Brown highlighted Charlie’s ability to capture Vinnie Paul’s drumming style, bringing back memories of their foundation in music.
When discussing the spirit of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag in the 2023 PANTERA lineup, Phil affirmed their desire for the band’s legacy to continue, suggesting their approval from above.
