Reunions of metal and rock bands are not uncommon, but they often raise questions about whether they can recapture their magic without all of the original members. This is especially true in the case of legends like Pantera, whose fans may have strong opinions about who should have been involved in a reunion. It seems like Skid Row’s Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo has also formed an opinion on this issue, as he recently expressed his support of Pantera’s decision to reunite with Charlie Benante and Zakk Wylde while speaking to Rock Of Nations with Dave Kinchen & Shane Mceachern.
“Philip Anselmo, Rex Brown, Charlie Benante, and Zakk Wylde are friends of mine, and I’ve known those guys forever,” the guitarist said before sharing his views. “I first met Zakk at the music store in Toms River when he was 18 years old, so we have a history, and I played in Anthrax for a short period of time, filling in. And, obviously, Philip and Rex, Pantera toured with Skid Row, and I manage Down. So there’s very close-knit friendships there.”
The rocker also highlighted that they never viewed the reunion as anything other than a celebration of the band’s legacy. Dave explained, “Those guys are so invested in it too, and for all the right reasons. It came to a point where they decided, ‘You know what? It’s 20-some years. And this music has a life of its own. It’s our music. Let’s go out, put a great band together and perform it and remind everybody of this legacy and how great Vinnie and Dime were and still are, because their music lives on. I think it’s really special.”
Sabo’s support for Pantera’s reunion and his belief that it is a celebration of the Abbott brothers’ legacy further underlined that it is an event to be cherished and celebrated by fans and fellow musicians. Last month, Pantera played several shows in Mexico and South America and is scheduled to headline Japan’s Loud Park festival this year and then tour the U.S.A. and Europe. These shows will certainly provide a great opportunity for fans to see the band live and celebrate their music.
