The rock scene has witnessed many artists who could not attend their concerts due to health problems. But when this concert is a Pantera reunion that has been anticipated for years, it would probably be hard to find the words to describe the fans’ sadness. Unfortunately, Rex Brown missed the reunion’s fourth concert due to an unspecified illness. The team decided to continue, although he was not with them, and Cattle Decapitation bassist Derek Engemann replaced him.
Since Pantera made the announcement last summer, this is probably the biggest reunion the rock world has seen in a long time and has been awaited with great excitement. After 20 years, the big day came, and at the beginning of December, they gave the first of these unforgettable shows. As they finished their three concerts and everything was near perfect, this sad news came.
Rex Brown’s illness was not specified. However, it was reported on Chilean radio station Futuro FM that Brown had tested positive for COVID-19 after their gig in Bogota and had returned to the US for quarantine. However, there was no comment from the band members regarding Brown’s condition, except an Instagram post of Charlie Benante, reading ‘We missed Rex tonight, get better buddy!’
As for Derek Engemann, who took his place at the Knotfest show in Chile, he is someone the Pantera frontman has worked with before, so he knows his playing style closely. They played together in Anlsemo’s side project Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals and united for the black metal supergroup Scour.
Although Brown’s health issue remains unknown, the concerts will continue, with the band playing at the Santiago Movistar Arena, Chile, on December 12 and two more dates later in Brazil. Then they’ll hit the road for the European leg next spring.
