Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner doesn't think there was anyone better to fill the shoes of Dimebag Darrell than Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde. In an interview with Real Rock 100.3 The Fox, Faulkner said Wylde's relationship with Dime and his ability to really play Pantera's material from the heart makes him the only guitarist right for the gig.
"I think there's only one guy that could have done that gig," said Faulkner. "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."
Interestingly, it came out earlier this week that Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti was also approached a few years ago about potentially trying out for the Pantera shows.
