Phil Anselmo on Pantera Reunion: “I know Dime and Vinnie Paul Would Want the Legacy and the Name of Pantera to Go On”

We’ve heard from what feels like quite literally everyone else about the Pantera reunion and now frontman Phil Anselmo is speaking on the topic. In an interview with The Pit, he said:

“Dimebag and Vince always wanted this band to be a legacy band, to be massive, to be our own conduit to success, simply put. I think Dime and Vince—I know Dime and Vince—would want the legacy and the name of Pantera to go on and on and on and in everybody’s damn face. I know that for sure. Abso-fucking-utely, dude. That would be their biggest dream.”

Last month, we reported on the Pantera reunion and the news that Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde would be filling the positions previously held by Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell. Billboard reported that the reunion has the blessing of both deceased members’ estates.

Last week, Wylde spoke about his willingness to play the songs.

“I was speaking on the phone with Phil — we might have been all on a group call — but Phil was just, like, ‘Zakk, would you honor Dime and would you play?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, Phil. Of course. I’ve always said I would. Of course.’ I said, ‘If you guys wanna go do it, then let’s do it.’”

He expanded on the topic in an earlier interview:

“I think it’s a beautiful thing. It’s like when we do the ‘Dimebash,’ it’s a celebration of Dime’s greatness. It’s a Pantera celebration — that’s what it is… You’re celebrating Vinnie and Dime’s greatness and you’re celebrating all the mountains that Pantera conquered and crushed.”

There are no confirmed dates on when the shows will happen yet, but Billboard says it’s coming in 2023. Pantera broke up in 2003. A reunion has long been rumored but this is the first time it has come to fruition.

The Pit’s interview is from February, around the time Benante says Anselmo began seriously discussing the reunion with him.