Pantera are one of the very few bands whose power and influence has remained legendary for decades. As Pantera consistently remain one of the most discussed bands in metal history, the subject of a partial reunion comes up fairly regularly. However, the question remains — who would fill the spot of the late, great “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott?

Although stating that Pantera should leave the 14 years they had together untouched by a partial reunion, drummer Vinnie Paul recently stated that if the band were to come together once again, Zakk Wylde would be the only man who can fill the spot of “Dimebag” Darrell. “I mean, [Zakk] and my brother were so tight,” began Paul. “If [a Pantera reunion] ever were to happen, [Zakk] would be the guy [to step in for Dimebag].”

Vinnie Paul isn’t the only Pantera member who spoke about the possibility of Zakk Wylde manning guitar duties. Frontman Phil Anselmo, who recently spoke to us about his love for Dimebag, responded to Vinnie Paul’s comments during a recent interview.

“That is an interesting question, if anything like that would ever possibly happen,” says Anselmo. “Vince and I would have to sit in the same room, hash out whatever differences that we have, and as far as Zakk Wylde goes, I am not too sold on that ’cause we have to hash some crap out too. That day has not come yet, and until that day comes, I can comment further on that, but till then it is just talk. It would be rough not to see Dimebag on stage to my left, I would feel naked.”

See Phil with DOWN at the Municipal Auditorium on May 27th.  Tickets are available at the Rustic Cowboy, the Lotus, Disc Daddy, or at any TicketMaster location, including www.ticketmaster.com.

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