Tampa, Fl. (February 5th, 2024)
In the late eighties, the heavy metal scene had stagnated. Between the hair bands of the era and the new genre that was beginning to gain traction that would become grunge, things were looking bleak. Then one band broke through and changed everything, and that was Pantera. When Cowboys From Hell was released the entire landscape changed.
Fast forward several albums and years, and the well documented tragedy that befell the band it was fait accompli that the band was done. There would be no more music and certainly no more touring. As one may know about the music industry there are no absolutes such as never, just not right now.
After some twenty years it finally reached that time where Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown wanted to hit the road again. The question was now who would take the place of the beloved Abbott brothers Dimebag Darrell, and Vinnie Paul. Realistically there were only two people on the planet that could fill the roles, guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante. With them onboard it was now time to hit the road and celebrate and honor not only the Abbott brothers, but Pantera’s massive fanbase as well.
When the band finally came to their stop at Tampa’s Amalie arena, there would be only one logical choice to open for them; a band heavy enough to command the attention of a packed arena yet honor the main act, Lamb Of God. From the moment the band hit the stage it was pure heaviness. Lead singer Randy Blythe stalked the stage while growling out “Memento Mori”. Their performance was as relentless as it has ever been. From “Resurrection Man” to “Walk With Me In Hell” to “Now You Have Something To Die For” the band wrought all their fury on the crowd and everyone in the audience loved it. They saved their best for last though with an absolutely wicked performance of their hit song “Redneck.”
As the changeover was happening the arena was filled with restless energy. Fans were wondering if the magic and fire had gone out and this tribute would just be a shell of itself or would the sonic brutality of the band be there front and center for all to see. When the house lights finally went down, video screens played old footage of the band especially the Abbott brothers. Indeed the perfect way to start the show. When the curtain finally dropped, There they were Phil Anselmo center stage flanked by original bassist Rex Brown and guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante behind his kit. They immediately launched into “A New Level” from their Vulgar Display Of Power album.
Within the first few notes, any concerns about the validity of the band would be waylaid. The original ferocity of the band was still there. While it was devastating to lose Vinnie and Dime, Charlie Benante more than held his own and was locked in tight with Rex. Of course there was never a concern about Zakk filling in as he is such a well known beast of a guitar player as well as a close personal friend and contemporary of Dime’s. Phil’s vocals were everything that people had hoped for and more. His trademark snarl was fully intact, and it seemed as though he turned back time to the bands heyday. But one thing that was noticeable was his energy. Instead of the manic anger that fueled him, you could see he understood and appreciated the moment. One moment he would be in mid snarl, then the next he would be seeing the love from the crowd which brought a smile to his face.
The night was filled with fan favorite after fan favorite. Whether it was “Mouth For War”, “Becoming”, “I’m Broken”, “5 Minutes Alone” or “This Love” everyone loved every song that they heard. While their famous catalog was covered, there would be some surprises as well. The band pulled out a classic and for the first time in twenty three years they played “Floods”, for all their hardcore fans this was truly an unforgettable moment. Another fun moment of the show happened during the performance of “Walk”. As this nights show was in Tampa, the hometown of a well known hard rock singer and wrestler it was no surprise that Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho would be there. But he also joined the band on stage for the chorus. The night ended with two of their most well known songs “Cowboys From Hell” and “Fucking Hostile”.
As one of the most Iconic bands in the heavy metal realm, most would place them on their Mount Rushmore of bands. With that kind of weight placed upon shoulders, anything short of a full reunion is fraught with unreasonable expectations. Then replace two of the most beloved individuals, and this will just add fuel to the fire. But in typical Pantera fashion, they have proved everyone wrong with this reunion of sorts. The show delivered the full power aural body blow that their fans not only wanted but needed. Whether you consider this a reunion, or a tribute either way it is a devastatingly powerful performance and celebration of the music that Pantera created.
Pantera:
Lamb Of God:
Amalie Area: