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With the living members of Pantera about to play a show in Mexico today (Friday) that will be the first time the name has been used in a concert billing in 21 years, the estate of the band's late drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott issued a statement on Thursday clarifying their feelings about it.
They say that while they're "honored" that singer Philip Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown will be celebrating Vinnie and his late brother Dimebag Darrell's legacy with the help of Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, they feel "there can never be a Pantera reunion without" the two members who are gone.
In other words, while they're happy Vinnie's and Dime's legacy will be celebrated around the world, please, folks, don't call it "a reunion."
Vinnie Paul died in 2018 of what was called "dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease." Dimebag Darrell was murdered during a 2004 concert by his post Pantera band Damageplan, which also included singer Patrick Lachman and bassist Bob Zilla.
Today's Pantera concert will take place at the Hell and Heaven Metal Fest in Toluca, Mexico, about two hours from Mexico City, with more dates scheduled for Mexico and South America, and a European tour to follow. The band was just announced as the opening act for selected dates on the U.S. leg of Metallica's 72 Seasons Tour. (Blabbermouth)