{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Pantera","home_page_url":"https:\/\/www.939waby.com\/blogs\/pantera\/","feed_url":"https:\/\/www.939waby.com\/blogs\/pantera\/json","items":[{"id":"o186-1910-6819fe41726f1","url":"https:\/\/www.939waby.com\/blogs\/pantera\/post\/pantera-the-controversy-the-comeback-and-the-heaviest-tour-of-the-summer-by-joey-boots\/","title":"Pantera \u201cThe controversy, the comeback and the heaviest tour of the summer\u201d by Joey Boots","date_published":"2025-05-06T12:19:00+00:00","summary":"On July 28th, Pantera will roll into Saratoga with The Heaviest Tour of the Summer. WABY will be there\u2014and so should you. This marks their first stop in the Capital Region since their Ozzfest appearance in 2000. The reunited band has been touring since 2023, despite some minor backlash online\u2014but trust me, this is a tour you don\u2019t want to miss.","content_html":"

<\/p>\n\n

Pantera: The Heaviest Tour of the Summer Hits Saratoga<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

On July 28th, Pantera will roll into Saratoga with The Heaviest Tour of the Summer. WABY will be there—and so should you. This marks their first stop in the Capital Region since their Ozzfest appearance in 2000. The reunited band has been touring since 2023, despite some minor backlash online—but trust me, this is a tour you don’t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/p>\n\n

The Controversy and the Comeback<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

If you scroll through social media posts about the tour, you’ll notice plenty of vitriol and misplaced rage in the comment sections. I’m here to tell you to put that to rest. You’ll see people saying this is “just a Pantera cover band” or that “Phil is only doing it as a money grab.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth.<\/p>\n\n

Remaining members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown are joined by Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, filling in for DimebagDarrell and Vinnie Paul, respectively. Zakk and Charlie aren’t just phenomenal musicians tapped to play the parts—they were close to the Pantera camp for years. Their relationships with the Abbott brothers are well documented, and throughout the show, their respect is evident.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/p>\n\n

What to Expect Live<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Having just attended their performance with Metallica in Syracuse, I can assure you the set list doesn’t let up for a second. It was packed with hits, even though they were only the opening act. On their headlining tour, expect a longer set—and probably some deeper cuts. Phil actually sounded stronger and more refined than when I caught them at Darien Lake the year before.<\/p>\n\n

A standout from the last tour was the Dimebag Hardware tent—a company run by Dimebag’s longtime girlfriend, Rita Haney (aka Dimebagzhag). It’s a must-visit spot for exclusive Dimebagmerch and some of his gear on display.<\/p>\n\n

(Joey Boots with Rita Haney)<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n

My Pantera Origin Story<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I was first introduced to Pantera at age 16, in my best friend’s rusted-out Ford Bronco outfitted with four 12” subwoofers—the only way to drown out the loud muffler. I’ll never forget the feeling of the opening riff from “Cowboys from Hell” pulsing through my body. It screamed in my ears, rumbled in my chest, and made my head bang instinctively. The energy was immediate and infectious. Songs like “Domination,” “Cemetery Gates,” and “The Art of Shredding” pulled me deeper into their discography.<\/p>\n\n

Album Deep Dive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Vulgar Display of Power<\/p>\n\n

This album is, in my opinion, Pantera’s magnum opus. The brutal punch of “Mouth for War” kicks it off like a cannon blast, leading into “A New Level” and the legendary trio of “Walk,” “Fucking Hostile,” and “This Love.” Dimebag’s guitar work is ferocious, but Phil’s raw vocals steal the show. Rex’s bass supports every riff perfectly, and Vinnie Paul’s drumming thunders like a storm.<\/p>\n\n