Apparently, Rockstar Mayhem Fest Tried to Book Pantera
The PRP reported today that the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival isn’t happening this year, which I’m not sure anyone is crushed about. I don’t think even the most energized of nu-metal bros was sitting at home crossing the days off of his Kerrang! calendar in anticipation of the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival.
However, what’s more important is that in an interview with Examiner.com, Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival co-founder John Reese mentions that he’d love to see a reunited Pantera play the fest with a new guitarist:
“Well with somebody on guitar. I think that hopefully it happens. I think the fans deserve it and who knows what the three remaining guys have to say, but I think it would be badass to see Pantera out there.”
And then he just casually mentions that he’s tried to get the band to do just that.
“I’ve even approached them about doing it. Do I think it’s going to happen? I have no idea. I know that a heavy, heavy tragedy happened and there are some hard feelings, but it’s up to those three dudes to decide if they ever want to do something or not. If they would decide to do I would support it wholeheartedly and I would do whatever I could to be involved. But it’s up to them.”
Reese treats this thing with kid gloves, and he’s smart to do so — you can’t rush anyone into reconciling their feelings about a tragedy like the death of a friend. That has to come naturally. This also isn’t TOO surprising. Pantera are the ultimate band of Rockstar’s fanbase. Of course they’ve approached the guys about reuniting.
But: if Pantera were going to reunite, would it be for the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Fest? Should it be? I personally don’t believe Pantera should reunite at all without Dimebag, but even if they do, shouldn’t it be for something a little more personal? Even a one-off show on Mayhem Fest would feel weird, and a bit like a money grab.
At the very least, bully for Reese to have the balls to even approach Pantera about reuniting. You can read the full interview here.
