Pantera

Pantera's History

Pantera was a heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas, which formed in 1981 and could be considered one of the pioneers in the groove metal genre. They were known for their intense and powerful live performances, often driving fans into a frenzy with their heavy, aggressive sound and high-energy stage presence.

The band was initially founded by brothers Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell Abbott and went through a series of lineup changes before settling on bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Phil Anselmo. This lineup would go on to achieve significant commercial success and critical acclaim, helping to solidify Pantera's place in heavy metal history.

Although Pantera started out with a glam metal sound, they noticeably changed their musical style with the release of their breakthrough album, “Cowboys from Hell” in 1990. The band adopted a heavier, more aggressive sound, helping to pave the way for their future success. They emphasized deep, pounding basslines and Dimebag Darrell's expressive, technically proficient guitar work.

But it wasn’t just their records that stood out; Pantera was known as an explosive live act. The energy, intensity, and raw power of their performances were the stuff of legend. The band played countless live shows, where they cultivated a loyal following. Live shows in the 90s, such as "Monsters of Rock" in Moscow, where they performed for over half a million fans, showcased their relentless energy and brutal efficiency. It also helped to promote the band's image as rebellious and uncompromising.

Buying tickets to a Pantera concert was no simple task in the 1990s. This was before the advent of online ticket sales, so fans had to physically line up at box offices or ticket booths, often camping out overnight, to get their hands on a coveted Pantera ticket. The anticipation in the air at a Pantera concert was palpable, as fans eagerly waited to see the band bring their brand of heavy metal to the stage.

Pantera’s concerts were famous for their extreme energy levels. Mosh pits were a regular feature of their shows and the band often encouraged crowd surfing despite the potential security concerns. Fans responded to the band’s call, creating an atmosphere of aggressive camaraderie that was characteristic of Pantera's concerts.

The band's live performances began to wane in the late 90s and early 2000s due to internal conflicts and substance abuse issues. However, Pantera’s shows remained a benchmark for live heavy metal performances. The band officially dissolved in 2003, but their music and live performances continued to influence generations of heavy metal bands and fans alike.

Unfortunately, the band's long-term future was cut tragically short when guitarist Dimebag Darrell was murdered on stage during a performance with his new band Damageplan in 2004. This tragedy marked a dark day in metal history and left a void that will never be filled.

From their groundbreaking albums to their electrifying live performances, Pantera left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. Their concerts were a testament to their talent, passion, and the intense connection they had with their fans. Tickets to their shows were not just passes to a concert, they were passports to an unforgettable experience of primal energy, raw emotion, and pure heavy metal.

More About Pantera

In recent live entertainment news, Nita Strauss, the renowned guitarist, has set the stage on fire with her rendition of Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell." The captivating performance took place at a live event in Atlanta, reliving the energy of the iconic song.

However, in a shocking turn of events, Pantera backed out from their proposed appearance at the Aftershock Festival. Citing reasons beyond their control, the band expressed their regret for not being able to participate. Nevertheless, Pantera fans have something to cheer about. Despite the setback, the band asserted its commitment to performing on Metallica’s M72 World Tour.

Looking ahead, Pantera has future gigs lined up for the live music lovers. They are slated to perform at Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY on September 23, The Dome At America’s Center in St. Louis, MO on November 3, and Ford Field in Detroit, MI on November 10.

In anticipation of their 2024 tour, the band has scheduled performances in bustling cities such as Foxborough, Chicago, Minneapolis, Edmonton, and Seattle. The tour promises to be a treat for Pantera's fans spread across these cities. The band also took the opportunity to express gratitude towards their fanbase and Danny Wimmer Presents, the event producer of Aftershock.

In a last-minute change to the Aftershock Festival lineup, the Stone Temple Pilots replaced Pantera.

In other Pantera-related news, a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera is making a statement in the world of wheels. The car, modified by Dave Adelman of Dallas, Texas over the course of 14 years, has been selected as a finalist in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. The Pantera boasts a retrofitted interior with bucket seats and an aftermarket two, along with a revamped engine which has been replaced with a Chevrolet. This racing-inspired Pantera has managed to hit all the right chords, making it a deserved finalist in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.