Could a Pantera Live Album Be in the Works? Charlie Benante Says It’s Been Discussed
In the pantheon of live records, few loom as large if you’re a certain age than Pantera‘s Official Live: 101 Proof. There’s something about that 1997 release that just managed to capture the sound and fury behind Pantera’s live show during their prime.
With the band having done huge shows all around the world since reforming, drummer Charlie Benante says there’s been talk about doing another one featuring the current lineup. He revealed as much during an interview with The Vinyl Guide Podcast (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
“Yeah. We talked about [releasing a live album]. We’ll see. We record a lot, and it’s probably just spending time with it and see what shows are good, or take a song from this show or a song from that show and compile it for a live record. I would love to do that.”
Ever since their first show back in December 2002, Pantera’s played 78 shows according to Setlist.fm, so they’ve got plenty of gigs to pick and choose the best tracks from. One of the cooler aspects of their original live albums was getting to hear some of Phil’s banter here and there. And while he doesn’t really deviate too much from certain comments or anecdotes from city to city, it’s cool to hear him interact with the fans, so hopefully that would be included in any live album they produce.
Benante also discussed how his involvement in Pantera came about in the first place, stating that he knew what was happening was never to supplant the original lineup, but rather to honor the late, great Abbott brothers along with the band’s legacy.
“For me, the Pantera thing is a very special thing. I think it’s one of those opportunities to a) honor your friends, b) play some songs that you love, and c) give the audience a chance to hear these songs in this environment again, some who had never seen Pantera before. And yes, I know this isn’t the original Pantera. I have to be a fucking idiot to not know that. This version of Pantera is, of course, with Zakk and myself, and we are staying true to what the band was.”
Speaking of albums, Benante’s also got a lot on his plate when it comes to recording new tracks. He’s ostensibly already laid down his part of the new Anthrax album, so he’ll have to be involved in that whole thing soon too.
So what do ya think? Should there be a new Pantera live album? Let us know in the comments below.
