Derek Engemann, Philip Anselmo’s bandmate in Scour, shared his perspective on a controversial Dimebash incident in an interview with John The Ninja.
“Yeah, that was an unfortunate event, to say the least. [Scour’s] John Jarvis and I were actually there at the ‘Dimebash’ that night. We were backstage hanging out and drinking. There was a lot of drinking involved. It is what it was back then. But a lot of people don’t really realize what happened,” Engemann said.
“So, they jammed all night for Dime, bringing out supergroups of [different] people. Rex [Brown, Pantera bassist] was there; all kinds of people were there,” he continued. “And Phil came out at the end for three songs.”
“I think they did [a cover of a] Motörhead [song], they did [Pantera’s] ‘A New Level’, I think, and something else,” Engemann explained. “The second [Phil] came out on stage, there was a group of these three guys that were just — they were just heckling him from the second he walked out on stage, like, You racist. You f*cking racist,’ blah, blah, blah.”
“And everyone’s, like, ‘Yo, shut the f*ck up. We’re trying to enjoy Pantera. This is for Dime. This isn’t about your bullsh*t,'” he stated. “And they just kept on heckling him the entire time he was out. And at the end, he just lost it. And he was a little drunk and he did the most offensive thing he could to those people. And they were there with their camera.”
“It wasn’t like he had pure hate in his heart, and he’s, like, ‘This is what I’m gonna say tonight. I’m gonna make a statement,'” Engemann added. “It was, like, these motherf*ckers were heckling him all night long, and he just threw gas on the fire. And it was super unfortunate. I know he feels terrible about it. [It was] probably a little embarrassing, I’m sure.”
The incident took place during a tribute performance for late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Anselmo performed several songs, including a Motörhead cover and Pantera’s ‘A New Level.’
The controversy significantly impacted Anselmo’s musical projects. A report from Metal Injection revealed that the incident almost derailed Scour’s plans. Several labels hesitated to associate with Anselmo, causing months of delay in their debut release.
Following the event, Anselmo demonstrated sincere regret. Coverage from Loudwire documented the Pantera frontman’s wish to take back his actions. He fully acknowledged how the incident affected his standing in the metal community.
The incident marked a crucial shift in Anselmo’s career. His past behavior and statements faced increased scrutiny. Music festivals and venues received pressure regarding his appearances.
Engemann’s recent statement provides new context to this widely discussed incident. His firsthand account illuminates the circumstances that led to this controversial moment in metal history.
