Pantera members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown first performed with Zakk Wylde at a Black Label Society show in 2014 ahead of their 2023 Pantera reunion tour, as seen below.
Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently dropped some hints that his band is likely to take the stage with the reactivated Pantera at this year’s edition of Mexico’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest.
Michael Sweet teases headlining the event for Pantera
Sweet implied that the two bands will perform together in America’s southern neighbor while commenting on this week’s news that Pantera’s surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) were uniting with guitarist Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and drummer Charlie Benante (Anthrax) for a world tour under the Pantera banner.
Sweet took to his Instagram to share a new Pantera photo and he included the following message: “What’s my take on the new @panteraofficial lineup? Well, first of all it doesn’t matter what I think. That being said, I think it’s great! As long as they have the Abbott Family’s blessings and they’re respectful while honoring Dime & Vinnie, I applaud the decision to move forward.
“I look at it more so as a ‘Celebration’, celebrating the lives and music of The Abbott Brothers. Also, who better to perform Darrell’s parts but the one and only @zakkwyldebls – THE perfect guy for the job. Then add @charbenante to cover for Vinnie? Again, perfect! And let’s not forget all the work that Phil & Rex put into Pantera early on as well.“I wish the band nothing but the best and more importantly, I wish the Abbott Family nothing but peace and love. In closing, I’ll get to witness this lineup up close and personal in Mexico”.
This year’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest is rumored to be taking place in early December.
