Mike Portnoy Digs the Pantera Reunion: “All the Naysayers Are Eating Their Words”

The latest musician to support the Pantera reunion, which features half the band’s original lineup, is none other than former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Appearing on the THAT Rocks! Youtube show with Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson, Portnoy was asked if he’d had a chance to catch a Pantera show on this tour and what he thought about it.

“I caught the show in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was fricking phenomenal. I loved it. Absolutely loved it… Charlie and Zakk are absolutely killing it, really. I couldn’t be happier for them. I think all the naysayers that came in this skeptical at the beginning are now kind of eating their words and realizing how badass this is and how important it is, to keep that legacy alive.

“I know it was a tough pill for a lot of people to swallow, but I think the reality is if Dimebag hadn’t been killed, I think they surely would’ve reunited at some point by now. And I understand Vinnie, once Dimebag was killed, I understand Vinnie never wanting to do it without him; it’s his brother, so I get that. But now that Vinnie isn’t with us either — it’s Phil and Rex’s band as well, and I think wanting to carry on the legacy for a whole new generation is a great, great thing. They’re an important band and important to metal, and why shouldn’t they be out there doing it, you know? And actually, they’re doing it so tastefully and with so much honor and respect to Dime and Vinnie. They’re there each and every show right there on Charlie’s bass drum heads. So I think they’re doing it right.”

While the Pantera reuniting—especially with only half the classic lineup—was a controversial decision initially, it seems that the general consensus has swung around and the band is getting positive receptions.