Zakk Wylde recently addressed speculation about potential new Pantera material. He clarified the band’s current stance on recording unfinished songs in a statement shared on Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown.
The guitarist explained his perspective on working with leftover material. He used a hypothetical scenario to illustrate his point.
“Everyone’s always asking about something like that, but I always [compare it] almost kind of like if Eric Clapton was playing with [Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist] Noel Redding and [Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer] Mitch Mitchell, and if there was leftover material Jimi wrote that he didn’t record properly or whatever, and Eric is gonna play guitar on it and sing it,” Wylde said.
He continued with his analogy. He described how such a collaboration might work.
“If it was this unfinished ‘Purple Haze’ song he had, or ‘Hey Joe’ or ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ or ‘Little Wing’ or something — he just recorded it on a tape recorder, so the song’s all there; it’s just that he didn’t record it,” he explained.
Wylde then addressed the actual possibility of new Pantera recordings.
“So I think there was thoughts of that, if there was leftover things and then we’ll just record ’em properly. But that’s all up to Philip and Rex. Me and Charlie are just there to support ’em in whatever the fellows wanna do,” he concluded.
The decision ultimately rests with Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, the surviving original members of the band.
Wylde’s comments come as the reformed Pantera lineup continues to honor the legacy of the Abbott brothers through live performances worldwide.
Wikipedia reported that Wylde joined the reunited Pantera in 2022 as a touring guitarist alongside vocalist Philip Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante. The lineup was formed to honor late brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, who were integral to Pantera’s original sound and success.
The current iteration of Pantera has been actively touring since their debut performance in Mexico in December 2022. Blabbermouth noted that the lineup has been performing at major festivals and supporting Metallica on their stadium tour. They are bringing Pantera’s classic material to new and longtime fans alike.
Wylde has been transparent about the nature of this collaboration. He acknowledges that it’s not technically a reunion. Metal Injection revealed that he has described the arrangement as “Phil, Rex and two of their buddies” getting together to celebrate the band’s music.
The possibility of new material remains an open question. Wylde emphasizes that any decisions about recording would ultimately come from the surviving original members. His analogy to legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton demonstrates the reverence he holds for Pantera’s original creative force. He acknowledges his supportive role in keeping the band’s music alive for audiences worldwide.
