THE BEAST

Zakk Wylde Open to Recording New PANTERA Music Based on Dimebag's Riff Ideas

In a recent interview with Guitar Interactive magazine, Zakk Wylde discussed the possibility of the reformed PANTERA lineup—consisting of Philip Anselmo (vocals), Rex Brown (bass), Wylde (guitar), and Charlie Benante (drums)—creating new music. While the idea of new PANTERA material has sparked debate, Wylde expressed openness to recording previously unreleased riff ideas from the late guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott.

Revisiting Dimebag’s Legacy

Wylde revealed that Rita Haney, Dimebag’s longtime girlfriend, possesses numerous cassette recordings of the legendary guitarist's riffs. He compared the situation to Eric Clapton potentially recording unfinished Jimi Hendrix compositions with Hendrix’s original bandmates. According to Wylde, if these were truly Dimebag's riffs and ideas, it would be worthwhile to properly record them.

However, Wylde was firm in his stance that PANTERA as a band cannot exist without its original members. "PANTERA is those four guys," he emphasized. While he is open to celebrating their legacy, he believes new material should be approached with caution and reverence.

The Debate Over New Music

During a February 2024 appearance on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Wylde previously stated that he would not want to record under the PANTERA name if they were to create new music. Instead, he suggested that any new material would need to be presented under a different name to honor the integrity of the original band. "If that was ever a bridge we crossed, we'd have to wait until we get there," he noted.

Sterling Winfield, PANTERA's longtime producer and one of the key figures managing Vinnie Paul’s estate, has also weighed in on the topic. In 2023, Winfield acknowledged that recording new material was "entirely plausible" but cautioned that it must be done correctly. He echoed the sentiment that calling it PANTERA would not be appropriate, but admitted that the current lineup could create "very badass music."

The Path Forward

While new material remains a topic of speculation, PANTERA is currently focused on their ongoing world tour. Since their reformation was announced in July 2022, the band has been performing across North America, South America, and Europe, with major festival appearances and a scheduled stadium tour with METALLICA in 2025.

Both Anselmo and Brown have expressed their appreciation for Wylde and Benante’s contributions. Anselmo described the experience as "empowering" and noted how the new lineup has maintained the spirit of PANTERA’s music. Brown, in particular, praised Benante’s drumming, saying it brought him to tears due to its uncanny resemblance to Vinnie Paul's original style.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Despite the ongoing discussion about potential new recordings, one thing remains clear: PANTERA’s legacy endures. Anselmo firmly believes that Dimebag and Vinnie Paul would want their music to continue, even if the idea of new material under the PANTERA name remains contentious.

For now, fans can look forward to seeing the band continue to honor their history on tour. Whether or not any new recordings will surface remains an open question, but Zakk Wylde has made it clear—if it involves Dimebag’s original riffs, it could be something truly special.