Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown Reportedly Plotting 2023 'Pantera' Tour
By Andrew Magnotta - 107.9 KBPI
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The two surviving members of Pantera are reportedly planning a 2023 tour celebrating their groundbreaking heavy metal band's legacy.
According to Billboard, frontman Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown have signed with Artist Group International to book a North American tour.
"We are thrilled to be working with such an iconic band and bringing their music back to fans," said agent Peter Pallalardo.
The Billboard report does not specify who will be filling the positions of drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, who died of a heart attack in 2018, and guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott, who was murdered in 2004.
Pantera last performed in 2001 and officially broke up acrimoniously in 2003 with Anselmo, Rex Brown and the Abbott brothers going their separate ways.
The Abbott brothers went on to form Damageplan, while Anselmo and Brown collaborated occasionally in bands like Down and Superjoint Ritual.
Vinnie Paul remained on shaky terms with Brown but never reconciled with Anselmo. While Paul was usually quick to shoot down questions about a reunion, Brown suggested in 2017 that the three musicians came "close" to reuniting at least once (due to an especially generous offer).
Anselmo began gradually incorporating Pantera music into live sets with his solo band following Paul's death, dedicating the music to his late-former bandmates.
Darrell's longtime girlfriend Rita Haney said in a 2020 interview that she believed Darrell would have been "grateful" to see Anselmo and Brown reunite to perform Pantera's music again for their fans.
