Blast From The Past With ZAKK WYLDE From PANTERA

Interview by Kris Peters
Photo credit Jeffrey Graham Photography
Knotfest Australia 2024 is less than a week away, and despite
boasting bands of the calibre of Lamb Of God, Disturbed, Halestorm,
Skindred and more, the band on everyone’s lips is Pantera.
After getting back together last year for some live shows - with
Zakk Wylde filling guitarist duties and Charlie Benante on the
drums – the new-look version of Pantera has come under fire from
certain quarters, with others praising the band for bringing their
music to a new generation.
It is a debate that has merits on both sides, but at the end of the
day it should be accepted for what it is. A celebration of a band
and their history.
HEAVY caught up with Zakk Wylde for one of Pantera’s few interviews
before Knotfest.
We discussed the line-up, nerves before the first show, and the
personal significance of playing music written by Dimebag Darrell,
as well as the possibility of new music, his involvement in the
Ride for Dime event, and Zakk’s excitement for the upcoming
Berzerkus festival plus his work with Black Label Society, the
status of their upcoming album, and his creative process for
writing new material. We also addressed criticism of the Pantera
reunion and more.
“We just got done wrapping up the last run of the headlining shows
right around near Madison Square Garden, which was pretty amazing,”
Wylde beamed. “It’s been a great time. I mean, every night, you
know, celebrating Don, Vinny, and Philip, and Rex, and this amazing
thing that they created that just brings everyone together. So it's
a beautiful thing every night.”
Listen to the full interview for more.