THE BEAST

In a powerful and heartfelt episode of The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan podcast, guitarist Zakk Wylde joins Billy Corgan for a conversation centered around friendship, legacy, and the enduring spirit of Dimebag Darrell. The episode, Zakk Wylde on Why Joining Pantera Tour Was an Easy Call, highlights the deep respect shared among musicians and offers emotional insight into the Pantera tribute tour.

From the outset, Wylde makes it clear: stepping into the guitarist role for Pantera’s tribute tour was never about filling Dime’s shoes—it was about celebrating him. “It was an easy call,” Wylde says early in the interview, explaining that he didn’t hesitate when asked to honor his late friend onstage.

The two musicians reflect on the 1990s era of heavy metal—a time of camaraderie, chaos, and creativity. Wylde shares his memories of Dime’s larger-than-life presence, and the conversation naturally gravitates to how much joy Dimebag brought to everyone around him.

At around the 1:00 mark, Wylde recounts a conversation he had with Rob Halford, who praised the reunion shows for their sincerity and how they honored Dime’s legacy in a way that fans and peers alike could embrace.

But one of the most touching moments in the podcast comes from Billy Corgan himself. At the 4:51 mark, Corgan recalls a vivid memory of attending a Pantera show at the Aragon Ballroom. During the performance, Dimebag was tearing through a solo when he locked eyes with Billy in the crowd. It was a fleeting yet unforgettable moment.

“He’s in the middle of this insane solo,” Corgan recalls, “and suddenly he looks right at me—and he’s just smiling, like i know your watching me.”

That moment, Corgan explains, encapsulated everything about Dime’s presence. “It wasn’t just about technical skill. He connected—to people, to energy, to the moment. That’s what made him special.”

Wylde wholeheartedly agrees. He speaks to Dime’s unique charisma, not just as a musician, but as a human being whose passion could light up a room—or a stadium.

Throughout the episode, the tone is one of reverence, laughter, and love. Both Wylde and Corgan underscore the importance of keeping Dime’s memory alive—not through imitation, but through celebration. The Pantera tribute shows, they agree, are less about nostalgia and more about honoring a spirit that continues to inspire.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: “The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan – Zakk Wylde on Why Joining Pantera Tour Was an Easy Call”