The upcoming Pantera shows will be performed by vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown alongside Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante. The shows, slated for late 2022 in South America and now stretching into 2023 in Europe, have drawn a wide range of opinions and criticisms about everything from their lineup to the fact they're happening at all.
In an interview with Full In Bloom, King's X frontman Doug Pinnick has arrived at the correct opinion about the shows. Pinnick said he wasn't a part of the talks or business dealings leading up to the shows, and hasn't really spoken to anyone involved either. So it's none of his business.
"I have not talked to anybody since this has been announced, even with Charlie and Zakk, and I know everybody. And I don't want to. It's none of my business. And I really feel that. Even if I had an opinion, it doesn't matter. It's almost like it's just something for everybody to gossip about. And actually, it's great publicity — for sure. But I'm not there. I wasn't in the room when they talked about it. I'm not around any of them in that capacity, on the business side of it. That's the way I look at it — I just take the fifth."
Frankly, I personally side with Pinnick on this one. The talk is great publicity and ultimately it's up to the Pantera-related powers that be to make it all happen, which they did. And if you're stoked about these shows, then great! Hit 'em up and enjoy yourselves! If you're not, nobody is forcing you to go. Sit at home with those classic Pantera records and listen away – nobody's taking them from you.
