PANTERA is set to commence their reunion tour with four South American festival dates this coming December
As revealed last month, the lineup for PANTERA will include original members Phil Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), and will now also feature longtime ‘Dimebag’ Darrell guitar tech Grady Champion.
Champion revealed the news that he will be a part of the upcoming PANTERA tour in a recent Instagram post, running effects for Zakk Wylde and helping bring the “Dimebag” sound to the live shows.
Champion’s post reads: “Ok. For all the people i’ve ghosted, and anyone else who is interested. I’m doing a thing. I signed on for the Pantera tour. [Dimebag’s widow Rita Haney] has allowed me access to some of Dime’s gear and i’m bringing it for Zakk. I’m not his tech, he has a bad ass, long-time one. The plan for now is for me to run effects and help bring Dime’s tone to the party. The details of the rig and stuff are still to be worked out yet.
He continues: “I started with Pantera and I will end with Pantera. I didn’t know the ‘right’ thing to think, to say, to do. When I saw the headline like everyone else, I threw up, sweaty palms, heart was freaking out, I had seen that headline 1000 times in my nightmares. After it sunk in and I spoke to everyone, I felt like I would be crazy to turn my nose up and say f that. I need to be involved IF I am needed, turns out I am needed, and i’m fkn doing it.
“Thanks to my family, @bossladychampion Garrett Champion Landon Champion for understanding and LETTING me do this for me, for the cause, for my fallen brothers. I wouldn’t be ANYwhere in life if it hadn’t been for Dime and his belief in me. So I HAVE to go represent.”
PANTERA will perform at Hell & Heaven Metal Fest on Friday, December 2 at Foro Pegaso in Toluca. Soon after, the band will play Knotfest Colombia on Friday, December 9, Knotfest Chile on Sunday, December 11 and Knotfest Brasil on Sunday, December 18.
The recent announcement comes after it was confirmed last month that surviving PANTERA members Phil Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) would tour under the PANTERA name with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX).
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