On Friday, December 2nd, Pantera played their first show in over two decades. The re-formed groove-metal titans took the stage at Mexico's Hell & Heaven Metal Fest with the band's new lineup — core members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown joined by longtime friends Charlie Benante (Anthrax) and Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society), playing in the place of the late, great Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. The epic 14-song setlist spanned the group's career, complete with fan favorites and deeper cuts.
Since the historic gig, Benante has shared his thoughts and feelings in a candid Instagram post. The drummer admitted to being very nervous beforehand, but said that all the trepidation melted away once he started playing onstage. "New Level started and we were off," he wrote.
He also revealed that he was wearing a Dimebag wristband during the performance and had a pair of Vinnie's gloves next to him, all given to him by Pantera and Hellyeah producer Sterling Winfield.
Read the full post below.
