Drummer Charlie Benante has revealed that Pantera will only play select shows as part of their upcoming reunion. He also had choice words for detractors.
The new tidbits of info came during an Anthrax meet-and-greet, where Benante and the other band members discussed the Pantera reunion with fans.
“The Pantera thing is not gonna change anything we’re doing,” said guitarist Scott Ian when asked how the reunion would affect Anthrax’s plans.
Benante then added that Pantera will only play “select” shows, implying that the lineup of Philip Anselmo, Rex Brown, Zakk Wylde, and Benante will mostly play festivals and the occasional headlining concert. When asked if it would be a full-blown tour, Benante said: “I don’t think so.”
The reunion has caught some backlash from fans who feel that it’s not truly Pantera without late brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. When asked about it, Benante didn’t hold back.
“Don’t come,” he told the naysayers.
Ian then lightened the mood by joking that the quote would make headlines: “That’s the line online tomorrow: ‘Charlie Benante on Pantera tour: ‘Don’t come.’”
Benante and Wylde previously opened up about the reunion shows, which have received the blessing of both Dimebag and Vinnie’s estates. Both Benante and Wylde emphasized the importance of performing their respective parts as accurately as possible, with Benante adding: “It’s gonna be awesome.”
Meanwhile, Anthrax and Black Label Society (fronted by Zakk Wylde) continue their co-headlining tour on Monday night (August 15th) in Cincinnati. You can gets tickets via Ticketmaster.
Watch the meet-and-greet discussion with Anthrax below.