Metallica will kick off their 2023-2024 world tour next month, and one of the bands supporting their North American legs has recently reunited. panther. While Pantera’s return was met with some backlash, Metallica stickman Lars Ulrich thought they had the right man behind the drum kit.
Pantera toured with classic members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown along with guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante. The latter two replaced the late brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, respectively. While the band insists the reunion is a celebration of Dime and Vinnie’s legacies, some fans consider calling the band “Pantera” without the two brothers disrespectful.
of Metallica “M72 World Tour” hits North America this summer and fall, and again in the summer of 2024. Pantera will provide support at the first of two shows in each city, with tickets available is here.
In a new interview with Revolver, Ulrich commented, “I think the idea that they’re celebrating the music and the magic of Pantera is … I know there’s a lot of discussion in the community about whether people support that or not. But I’m the type of person, if Glenn Hughes wants to come out and play a Deep Purple set, I’ll support that.
He added, “I’m always in favor of people following their musical and creative ambitions; so this Pantera reunion, I think, is good. And obviously having Charlie there is good. I saw a video from one of the shows in Mexico that felt like they were in the pocket. It will be fun to get them out.”
The Metallica drummer went on to talk about Metallica’s history with Pantera, saying, “We met the brothers on the ‘Ride the Lightning’ tour and became friends with them. It’s in Dallas in – what – 1622 or something? About 400 years ago.”
He continued, “Obviously we love them both, and they have a posse there, and we see them when we come to Texas. We’ve watched the band evolve over the years from more rock vibes to creative , it’s an amazing force that they’ve been. So, we’ve had a relationship with them for decades and decades.”
Metallica is getting ready to release again 72 Time, their first album in almost seven years. The highly anticipated LP arrives on April 14.
Benante, on the other hand, opened up about playing Pantera in Modern Drummer interview below.