During a recent episode of the Metallica Report, Philip Anselmo disclosed that he is not worried about letting down Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul while discussing Pantera’s comeback performance.
The vocalist said the following about having Charlie Benante and Zakk Wylde with them as the new touring members:
“Them two dudes, so enthusiastic. And they got their damn thing, and they got their own damn legacy, both of them, without us. It’s an honor to play with them. They’re the nicest frickin guys in the world, man. I’m just so… [Laughs] Zakk, he’s a crack-up, man. He’s a sweetheart. And fricking Charlie, we’ve known Charlie since ’87, man. It’s a long time.”
Anselmo On Pantera’s Essence In 2023
When the interviewer explained that Pantera in 2023 embodies the spirit of Vinnie and Dimebag, Anselmo responded:
“Only thing I can say is, man, I know for a damn fact Vince and Dime would want us to do this, hands down. They would want the Pantera brand or the legacy to go on. And I don’t know what you believe in, but sometimes, you know, you would like to think that them old fellas are looking down on us, giving us the thumbs-up.”
Anselmo’s Changed Views On Zakk Joining Pantera
Although he now thinks that it is an honor to play with Wylde, the singer had some different opinions on the same topic years ago when he spoke to WGRD 97.9 FM in 2012. He shared why he wouldn’t want to have Zakk in Pantera, stating:
“Well, look, before anything like that could possibly happen, Vince [Paul] and I would have to actually be in the same room; we’d have to sit down, hash out whatever differences, demons… Whatever… We’d have to hash it all out. And as far as Zakk Wylde goes, I’m not so sold on all that because I think he and I have to sit down and hash some crap out. That day has not come yet, and [when] that day comes, I can comment further on it. As of right now, it’s just talk.”
Overkill drummer Jason Bittner also agreed with Phil, speaking to Pod Scum in July. He discussed the criticism around Anselmo and Brown performing without Vinnie and Dimebag. Bittner believes that if Darrell and Paul were alive, they would approve of the band’s current lineup. He also complimented the new members, calling them some of the greatest in rock and metal.
You can listen to the entire chat below.
