Drummer Mike Portnoy is a massive supporter of the new lineup of PANTERA
Former drummer of DREAM THEATER and current member of THE WINERY DOGS, Mike Portnoy, has shared his thoughts on the recent development involving the remaining members of PANTERA. Vocalist Philip Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, both original PANTERA members, have come together with renowned guitarist Zakk Wylde from OZZY OSBOURNE and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, as well as drummer Charlie Benante from ANTHRAX, to embark on a global tour under the iconic PANTERA name.
The quartet of Anselmo, Brown, Wylde, and Benante is set to headline several major music festivals spanning South America, Asia, North America, and Europe. Additionally, they have scheduled standalone headline performances. Notably, they are also slated to join METALLICA as support for the latter’s extensive stadium tour throughout North America from 2023 to 2024.
In a recent interview on “THAT Rocks!“, a weekly YouTube series hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine, and Don Jamieson, Mike Portnoy delved into the debates surrounding PANTERA‘s comeback.
When asked if he has had a chance to catch a concert from the new PANTERA yet, the 56-year-old drummer said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I caught the show in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was fricking phenomenal. I loved it. Absolutely loved it… Charlie and Zakk are absolutely killing it, really. I couldn’t be happier for them. I think all the naysayers that came in this skeptical at the beginning are now kind of eating their words and realizing how badass this is and how important it is, to keep that legacy alive.”
He continued: “I know it was a tough pill for a lot of people to swallow, but I think the reality is if Dimebag hadn’t been killed, I think they surely would’ve reunited at some point by now. And I understand Vinnie, once Dimebag was killed, I understand Vinnie never wanting to do it without him; it’s his brother, so I get that. But now that Vinnie isn’t with us either — it’s Phil and Rex‘s band as well, and I think wanting to carry on the legacy for a whole new generation is a great, great thing.
“They’re an important band and important to metal, and why shouldn’t they be out there doing it, you know? And actually, they’re doing it so tastefully and with so much honor and respect to Dime and Vinnie. They’re there each and every show right there on Charlie‘s bass drum heads. So I think they’re doing it right.”
Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell were the co-founders of the legendary band PANTERA. Following the disbandment of PANTERA in 2003, they came together to establish DAMAGEPLAN. However, tragedy struck on December 8, 2004, during a performance by DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. Dimebag Darrell was tragically shot and killed on stage by an individual with schizophrenia who was grappling with delusions that the PANTERA members were intruding upon his thoughts.
Subsequently, on June 22, 2018, Vinnie Paul passed away at his alternate residence in Las Vegas, marking his departure at the age of 54. His cause of death was attributed to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by an enlarged heart, compounded by severe coronary artery disease. His passing was the consequence of a prolonged weakening of the heart muscle, leading to diminished blood-pumping capacity in comparison to a healthy heart.