Charlie Benante, the legendary drummer of Anthrax, is calling for the current Pantera touring lineup to capture their high-energy performances on a live album, aiming to permanently document the powerful celebration of one of metal's most influential bands.
In a recent interview, the 63-year-old Benante expressed his enthusiasm for releasing a live record featuring himself on drums, Philip Anselmo on vocals, Rex Brown on bass, and Zakk Wylde on guitar. "I would love to release a live album of this lineup so we can document what we did and just have it," Benante stated, describing it as a great way to preserve the project's legacy. Zakk Wylde has echoed the sentiment, noting that every night on stage feels like a live album anyway, with fans recording the shows on their phones, and the band plays to win each performance.
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This isn't a traditional reunion. The project honors Pantera's classic catalog without the late guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, who was tragically murdered onstage in 2004, or drummer Vinnie Paul, who passed away in 2018. Wylde has referred to it as a "Pantera celebration," and Benante has embraced the role with deep emotional commitment. He revealed that rehearsals were an intensely moving experience for Anselmo and Brown, who hadn't shared a stage in years, and he prepared meticulously by studying Vinnie Paul's drum parts, tones, and nuances to ensure the sound stayed true to the original groove.
Benante joined the project after a direct call from Anselmo, feeling honored by the long-standing friendships that date back to the mid-1980s. His first show in Mexico City in late 2022 was nerve-wracking amid a passionate crowd and chilly conditions, but once the music kicked in, the energy took over. He deliberately adjusted his drum setup to mirror Vinnie's configuration, avoiding any flashy additions that might stray from the Pantera vibe. The chemistry clicked immediately, with Brown reportedly saying that closing his eyes made it feel like Vinnie was behind the kit.
Despite the positive fan reactions at live shows — including new generations experiencing the songs for the first time and leaving with smiles on their faces — the lineup has faced significant online pushback. Critics have accused the group of disrespecting the Abbott brothers' legacy by continuing under the Pantera name. Benante has addressed the negativity head-on, urging people to show more care and love. "Stop being so rotten about things, because I'll tell you this much: in 10 years' time, a lot of this stuff is gone," he said. "If you don't enjoy it now, that's it — it's done."
He encourages doubters to attend a concert before judging. "If you like it, great. If you don't like it, okay. You never have to come again." Benante points out that the shows are bringing joy back to fans and introducing Pantera's powerful music to younger audiences who never had the chance to see the originals. He admits avoiding much of the toxic online commentary but questions why people feel the need to spread negativity that can deeply affect those involved. For Benante, the project runs far deeper than finances — it's an emotional mission to keep the spirit of the music alive.
The group has a handful of shows lined up for summer 2025 and potentially into the following year, though long-term plans remain open. Benante, who has been with Anthrax since 1983, views his involvement as something bigger than any single band, a chance to honor friendships and ensure Pantera's anthems continue to resonate.
As metal fans debate the merits of this celebration versus purist expectations, Benante's message is clear: the music still matters, the live energy is undeniable, and capturing it on a live album could silence some critics while giving supporters a permanent souvenir of these powerful nights.
