Abilene Listeners React to Pantera Reunion Tour in 2023
It's official. Pantera will reunite for a tour in 2023. The news shocked the entire rock world who had mixed emotions. Check out what some of our listeners in Abilene thought about the news.
Billboard first reported the story on July 14th. The report states that surviving original members, Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown will reunite Pantera, with Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante.
The news not only shocked Pantera fans, but many had different outlooks on the story. I'll give you my thoughts on it below. In the meantime, check out what some of our listeners said on the Rock 108 Facebook page.
Abilene Listeners React to Pantera Reunion Tour
Those that know me, know how much of a Pantera fan I am. So it's no surprise how devasted I was not only when Pantera broke up, but to lose two of the most awesome rockers of our time in Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul.
That said, I'm definitely stoked to see Rex, Phil, Zakk, and Charlie celebrate the music of Pantera. I'm just not too crazy about them using the name Pantera. I think the tour should have been something like "Phil and Rex's Tribute to Pantera" or something like that.
Personally, when Dime died in 2004, I held on to the chance that Vinnie Paul would reunite the band in some way as a celebration of the music. But, after Vinnie died, to me Pantera was no more. I compare it to if Van Halen carried on without Eddie and Alex. It's just weird.
Don't get me wrong. Zakk Wylde is a beast on the guitar, and one of the best. And, Charlie Benante is an amazing drummer. They are just not Pantera to me.
Still, I'm definitely happy to see the music of Pantera celebrated in 2023.