A backstage conversation between Metallica’s James Hetfield and Pantera’s Phil Anselmo recently went viral after being shared on Pantera’s official Instagram.
The exchange saw Anselmo’s recent acquisition of his first mobile phone. This prompted a humorous response from Hetfield.
“I got a phone when I got in Pantera,” Anselmo explained. “It’s the first one I’ve ever got. ‘Cause Zakk (Wylde) only texts. I’m like man, this is all new to me.”
Hetfield’s reaction was one of amused disbelief at his fellow metal veteran’s late adoption of mobile technology.
“Wait, wait. You’re just now getting a phone? Welcome bud. Wow. you survived a long time without it,” Hetfield responded. “My kids didn’t get one ’till they were 16 either,” he added with a laugh.
This lighthearted exchange suggests a glimpse into the personal side of two metal legends who have shaped the genre for decades.
Phil Anselmo was born in 1968 and is widely recognized as one of metal’s most iconic frontmen. He is known for his powerful and abrasive vocal style, which played a significant role in defining Pantera’s groove metal sound after he joined the band in 1986. His reluctance to embrace modern technology reflects his old-school approach to both music and life.
Pantera is credited with popularizing groove metal in the 1990s and has sold around 20 million records worldwide, making it one of the most influential bands in heavy metal history. The band’s impact on the metal scene is undeniable, with albums like “Cowboys from Hell” and “Vulgar Display of Power” being considered genre-defining releases.
