Judas Priest’s Richie Faulkner Praises Zakk Wylde’s Contributions To Pantera

Stefan Bollmann, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
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It is surreal to see Pantera performing live once again! Performing alongside vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown is drummer Charlie Benante and guitarist Zakk Wylde.

Speaking to T Stone of Real Rock 100.3 The Fox’s Sonic Boom, Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner was asked what he thinks of Wylde’s performance with the band.

Not only does Richie think that Wylde is doing an amazing job, but he also feels that Zakk is “the only guy for” such a role. Here is everything Richie had to say about Zakk Wylde playing in Pantera (as transcribed by Blabbermouth):

“I think there’s only one guy that could have done that gig. He’s the right guy for it. He’s the only guy for it. The relationship he had with Dime over everything else.

“I mean, there’s tons of guys that can play that stuff note for note for note, but I think the integrity that Zakk brings to that whole thing because of his relationship with Dime, I don’t think there’s anyone else on the planet that can do the gig like Zakk can do it.

“I don’t think you need to play that stuff note for note. I think it’s all about what comes from the heart. People are sure to disagree with me there, but that’s just my opinion on it. Dime played from the heart. It was all about emotion and passion.

“And I think as long as you put emotion and passion into that music, that’s what it’s about. Anyone can learn notes off a page, but if you don’t have the passion and the emotion, what have you got with that music?

“So, Zakk’s the guy. It was always gonna be Zakk. It always should have been Zakk, and it’s gonna be fucking amazing. It’s gonna be great… Pantera were fantastic, and to hear those songs again, it’s gonna be off the charts, man.

“The Internet is one reality, and then reality is another reality. And it’s gonna be off the hook.”

What do you think of Richie’s points about Zakk? Are you as much of a fan of Zakk Wylde playing guitar in Pantera as Richie is?

Later this year, Pantera will be taking off throughout North America as part of a tour supporting Metallica! You can find all the dates and locations associated with that tour below.

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IN 2023:

  • AUGUST 4TH AND 6TH – EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – METLIFE STADIUM
    AUGUST 11TH AND 13TH – MONTREAL, CANADA – STADE OLYMPIQUE
    AUGUST 18TH AND 20TH – ARLINGTON, TX – AT&T STADIUM
    AUGUST 25TH AND 27TH – LOS ANGELES, CA – SOFI STADIUM
    SEPTEMBER 1ST AND 3RD – PHOENIX, AZ – STATE FARM STADIUM
    NOVEMBER 3RD AND 5TH – ST. LOUIS, MO – THE DOME (AT AMERICA’S CENTER)
    NOVEMBER 10TH AND 12TH – DETROIT, MI – FORD FIELD

IN 2024:

  • AUGUST 2ND AND 4TH – FOXBOROUGH, MA – GILLETTE STADIUM
    AUGUST 9TH AND 11TH – CHICAGO, IL – SOLIDER FIELD
    AUGUST 16TH AND 18TH – MINNEAPOLIS, MN – US BANK STADIUM
    AUGUST 23RD AND 25TH – EDMONTON, CANADA – COMMONWEALTH STADIUM
    AUGUST 30TH AND SEPTEMBER 1ST – SEATTLE, WA – LUMEN FIELD