Skid Row’s bassist, Rachel Bolan, in a recent interview with Harley Roxx from the KOZZ Mörning Krëw shared his thoughts on the reformed Pantera lineup. When asked about the possibility of touring with the current Pantera lineup, which includes original members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, as well as Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, Bolan expressed his wholehearted support.He defended Wylde and Benante against criticism. When asked if Skid Row would tour with the reformed Pantera, he replied:
“We would do it in a heartbeat. Those guys are, they’re out there killing it now. And you know what? People, the purists are not happy with what’s going on, and I say screw them, because you couldn’t find two more perfect people to represent those guys and pay tribute to Dime and Vin.
Mentioning the strong bonds between Charlie, Zakk, Dimebag, and Vinnie, Rachel Bolan continued:
“They were all like brothers, first of all, and literally those guys were family. Every night at a Black Label (Society) show, Zakk wrote a song to Dime and they play it every night and images of Dime are on stage. And Charlie and Vin were close, and Charlie and Dime were close, and it’s the perfect way to pay tribute. And if it had been any other people, maybe not — I don’t know — but I love it, and I’m glad they’re doing it. And to hell with anyone that doesn’t agree with it, because they are doing a really good job, I think.”
Bolan On The Relationship Between Old And New Pantera Members
One of the first supporters of the reformed Pantera was Rachel Bolan. The rocker, who has respected Pantera’s decision since day one, couldn’t wait to see Pantera in action just last year. He praised the initiative to keep Pantera’s music and the spirits of Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott alive. He talked about his happiness for Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown and his long-standing friendship with Zakk Wylde.
Speaking to Ruben Mosqueda of We Go To 11 a year ago, he also recalled the deep friendship between Dimebag Darrell and Charlie Benante and mentioned Benante’s touching speech at Dimebag’s funeral. He said:
“I think it’s really great that they’re doing this and keeping the Pantera music alive, keeping Dime and Vinnie‘s spirit alive. It’s not like they’re doing it without the okay of the Abbott estate and everything like that, and Rita (Haney, Dimebag‘s longtime girlfriend). So I think it’s a great thing. I’m just so happy for Phil and Rex. I’m buds with all these guys, but Phil and Rex…”
He conveyed excitement about them playing Pantera’s songs together after so many years, anticipating that their performances would be remarkable. Bolan shared his eagerness to see these live shows and added:
“And I’ve known Zakk for such a long time. I’m really happy for everyone involved, especially Phil and Rex. They’re going and playing those songs… I mean, how many years has it been since they played ’em? Especially Phil and Rex together. It’s gonna be frickin’ amazing, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it.”
You can watch Rachel Bolan’s full interview with Harley Roxx below.
