It is surreal to see Pantera back on stage once again. It has been over two decades since the band performed live, having just played at Heaven & Hell Fest in Mexico.
Taking to his Instagram, drummer Charlie Benante shared with his followers what that show was like for him. He speaks to the excitement of reading the setlist next to him, being among his bandmates, and even doing, what he calls, “metal mediating.”
Here is everything Charlie has to say about playing his first Pantera show: “If I say I wasn’t nervous I’d be lying. The excitement , the fear, the emotions, the love and the work that went into doing this all played a part of what was in my head. When I got up there it had all seemed to disappear ( except for the cold 50 degree weather, 🥶) I looked at @philiphanselmo @rexbrownofficial and @zakkwyldebls and felt the connection, Bam!!!!
“New Level started and we were off. I kept looking down at my set list and was getting hyped up for the next song . Thank you #sterlingwinfield for bringing me an old @dimebagdarrell wristband and a pair of @vinniepaul3 old gloves . I wore the wristband and brought the gloves up with me. I had some moments up there like I felt I wasn’t there, I went to some other place.
“I think I was Metal meditating , don’t laugh… I’m serious. Thank to the @panteraofficial family, thank you to the crew and the amazing fans who have always been so positive about this. Thank you to @carlaharvey and @miacbenante for listening to me play Pantera songs day in and out. I look forward to seeing you all and having a great time playing these songs and reliving the feeling of what a great band they are! 🤘🤘🤘thanks to @chasethedrums for the vids and @thetinfoilbiter for the great photo”
Starting next year, Pantera will be touring alongside Metallica! We are super excited to see the band live! Are you attending any of their shows with Metallica?
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