UPDATE: Billboard are also reporting Zakk Wylde + Anthrax's Charlie Benante will join the Pantera reunion in Dimebag and Vinnie Paul's place!
In news that has set the metal world alight, Texan titans Pantera have announced a 2023 reunion tour with surviving members Philip H Anselmo and Rex Brown, with replacements for the late great Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, not yet announced. Speculation on who will actually stand in for the brothers has been thrown around for years, including Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) although that rumour had been quashed by Rex last year, and Zakk’s touring schedule is seemingly chockers anyway, with upcoming tours throughout this year and next.
First reported on Billboard, Pantera is said to have signed with Artist Group International to book their North American dates. Dennis Arfa and Peter Pappalardo will be the responsible agents. On the developing news, Pappalardo said:
“We are thrilled to be working with such an iconic band and bringing their music back to the fans,”
Anselmo had previously toured with his band The Illegals, which included a section of his show that was made entirely of Pantera’s finest. The tour came down under in 2019 and featured a classic show at Frankies Pizza by the Slice alongside King Parrot and Black Rheno.
This announcement comes off the back of the long awaited release of The Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird bass guitar, a four string monster that is sure to be a collection piece for Pantera diehards the world over to hang alongside any one of the multitudes of now rare Dimebag Washburn or Dean guitars.
Dean’s association with the Dimebag line of guitars ended last year on the back of a public split with Dime’s estate manager Rita Haney. Guitar and Pantera aficionados alike await further news on that front. But for now we just play the waiting game for this reunion tour, and pray that it includes a stint to Australia.
Who do you reckon will fill in for the Abbott brothers? Let us know on our socials and stay tuned for more. Until then, revisit our Gig Rewind - flashing back to the band's 1994 Sydney show here.
Words by Duane James @duanejames666
