During a recent conversation with THAT Rocks!, Mike Portnoy addressed doubts regarding Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante’s involvement in the new version of Pantera.
After revealing that he caught their show in Pennsylvania, the drummer went on to share his thoughts on the performance of Wylde and Benante:
“Charlie and Zakk are absolutely killing it. I couldn’t be happier for them, and I think all the naysayers that came in this skeptical at the beginning are now kind of eating their words and realizing how bada** this is and how important it is to keep that legacy alive.”
Portnoy also supported Pantera’s decision to reunite with the following words:
“It was a tough build for a lot of people to swallow, but I think the reality is if Dimebag hadn’t been killed, I think they surely would have reunited at some point by now, and when Dimebag was killed, I understand Vinnie never wanting to do it without him. It’s his brother, so I get that, but now that Vinnie isn’t with us either, it’s Phil [Anselmo] and Rex’s [Brown] band as well, and I think wanting to carry on the legacy for a whole new generation is a great thing.”
He continued, explaining why Pantera has the right to keep performing:
“They’re an important band, and they’re important to metal. Why shouldn’t they be out there doing it? They’re doing it so tastefully and with so much honor and respect to Dime and Vinnie. They’re there each and every show right there on Charlie’s bass drum meds, so I think it’s they’re doing it right.”
Earlier, the musician responded to a question about whether his name had ever come up for the drumming role in the new Pantera. Portnoy explained:
“You’d have to ask those guys; I have no idea. Obviously, I would have done it in a heartbeat of a**, but Charlie is absolutely the right guy for the gig. He’s doing a great, great job, and I don’t think it was ever my gig to be had; it was always Charlie’s, as far as I’m concerned.”
You can watch his full interview below.
