Guitarist Zakk Wylde has addressed the possibility of new material from Pantera's reunited lineup in a recent radio interview. He compared the idea to completing unfinished songs by Jimi Hendrix, emphasizing that any decisions rest with the band's original members. Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante are ready to support whatever direction the group takes.
In a conversation with Meltdown on Detroit's WRIF radio station, as reported by Blabbermouth, Zakk Wylde opened up about the ongoing speculation surrounding new music from Pantera. The band's current lineup features vocalist Philip Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, Wylde on guitar, and Charlie Benante on drums, marking a reunion effort since the deaths of original guitarist Dimebag Darrell and drummer Vinnie Paul.
Wylde likened the prospect to a hypothetical scenario involving Eric Clapton joining Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell to finish unreleased Jimi Hendrix tracks. He explained, "Everyone’s always asking about something like that, but I always [compare it] almost kind of like if Eric Clapton was playing with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, and if there was leftover material Jimi wrote that he didn’t record properly or whatever, and Eric is gonna play guitar on it and sing it. If it was this unfinished ‘Purple Haze’ song he had, or ‘Hey Joe’ or ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ or ‘Little Wing’ or something — he just recorded it on a tape recorder, so the song’s all there; it’s just that he didn’t record it. So I think there was thoughts of that, if there was leftover things and then we’ll just record ’em properly. But that’s all up to Philip and Rex. Me and Charlie are just there to support ’em in whatever the fellows wanna do."
This interview highlights the band's focus on live performances amid reunion tours. Pantera has several upcoming shows scheduled for 2026, including supporting Metallica at venues such as Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt on May 24, Puskás Aréna in Budapest on June 11, Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 19, London Stadium on July 5, and Release Athens at Plateia Nerou on July 9.
Wylde's comments underscore a respectful approach to Pantera's legacy, prioritizing the vision of Anselmo and Brown while leaving room for potential creative extensions.
