KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz recently gave his opinion on surviving PANTERA members Phil Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) teaming up with guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante and touring under the PANTERA name
In a new talk with the RRBG Podcast, Adam said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Obviously, I’m a firm believer that the two guys that are missing are two of the most crucial [members].”
Adam went on to say that new PANTERA music wouldn’t appeal to him, but he does think it’s a good thing the surviving members are back on the road and celebrating the band’s history.
“I think as long as it’s done tastefully and with respect to the two brothers, I feel like it’s a good thing,” he says. “Because it can be seen as a celebration of their music, and I think that’s good.”
“I think as long as it’s done tastefully and with respect to the two brothers, I feel like it’s a good thing. ‘Cause it can be seen as a celebration of their music, and I think that’s good,” he continued.
“I grew up with PANTERA, and I’ve always thought Dimebag was one of the greatest guitar players in metal ever. [He was] another one of those guys, you just hear him play and you’re, like, ‘That’s Dime.’ You know exactly who’s playing. Such personality.
“PANTERA just put that stamp in metal music so hard, and its importance is so tremendous,” Adam added. “You just make sure you do not disrespect that legacy, man. Don’t do it, man. Don’t do it. As long as it’s done tastefully. Do everything the right way.”
Dutkiewicz also went on to add that he stopped listening to PANTERA for awhile, after the January 2016 incident when Phil Anselmo made a “white power” gesture onstage during his appearance at that year’s “Dimebash”.
“I’ll be honest, I stopped listening to PANTERA for a while after that whole thing with Phil,” Adam said. “I don’t agree with that. So, yeah, I stopped listening to PANTERA for a while.”
PANTERA are headlining a number of major festivals across South America, North America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts. They will also support METALLICA on a massive North American stadium tour in 2023 and 2024.