The reformed band — featuring PANTERA's surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) along with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) — will headline a number of major festivals across North America, South America and Europe and stage some of their own headline concerts.

 

According to Billboard, the lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as well as Brown, who last year said Wylde wouldn't tour with PANTERA if a reunion were to happen. It's unclear what changed his mind.

 

Benante took to his social media on Sunday to share the rehearsal pictures from a New Orleans studio, and he included the following message: "2 weeks in NOLA with these boys, it's been a lot of work but how could it not?. So much heart and soul is going into it.

 

"This is all about the Love for Vinnie and Dime ,the fans and the music that these 4 created.

 

"I'm really enjoying playing these songs -they sound Great! It's very emotional and it's just starting to hit me…

 

"See you soon, I need a drink".

 

PANTERA will play its first shows in over 20 years in December 2022, starting with a co-headlining slot at Mexico's Hell & Heaven Metal Fest and Monterrey Metal Fest, followed by appearances at three Knotfest festivals in South America. There will also be a one-off show with JUDAS PRIEST in São Paulo, Brazil and a headlining concert in Santiago.

 

Next year, PANTERA will appear at Germany's Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park, two simultaneous rock festivals, which will take place June 2-4 in Nürburgring and Nürnberg, respectively. Later that same month, they will perform at the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 7-10 in Sölvesborg, Sweden, and at the Tons Of Rock festival, which will happen June 22-24 in Oslo, Norway.