Metal Dad Chronicles

Sixteen years ago I saw Metallica and was blown away. I remember fighting my through the pit to get within shouting distance of James and the guys. I will never forget seeing the look in James’ eyes. Even pushing 50 I could tell by the fire in his eyes and the passion in his voice this was a man who truly loved what he did. That passion inspired me.

Sixteen years later I got to experience Metallica again – not just for 1 night but 2 nights. I was not even planning on going but my wife encouraged me. As a young dad with 2 young kids (one of which being only 3 months) being gone for so long, didn’t sit well with me. Thankfully my wife knows how much music means to me and pushed me to go.

Night 1 was amazing. From the minute Metallica launched in with Creeping Death, I was again reminded why Metallica is one of the greatest metal bands on earth. That opening riff along with the epic chorus and lyrics takes me on journey I don’t ever want to leave. From there it was classic after another.

After that I was left with wanting more. And I knew Pantera was opening the next night. I was Far Beyond grateful (pun intended) to be able to attend the next night to see Pantera open. I was in high school when I got into Pantera and of course by then they had broken up.

Thankfully my brother and I did see Dime and Vinnie with their side project Damageplan. The vibes between Damageplan and SJR were night and day. Damageplan was a good time. Dime served drinks in between songs to audience members and crew alike. Of course still not the same as Pantera.

Then Dimebag was shot when I was 18 or 19. At that point any chance of seeing Pantera reunited was crushed. This was a hard day for the metal and even the rock community at large.

Fast forward nearly 20 years later and seeing Pantera live fed the soul of my 19 year old self. Here was a band I loved and had pretty much given up on ever seeing live. And now I was seeing them with my brother which also added to the moment.

Phil’s voice is still insane. He managed to maintain that panther like screech and bestial growl from his youth all the while cracking jokes and being just cool dude in between songs.

Not many people could fill in for Dime or Vinnie but Zakk and Charlie channeled the metal titan brothers. Zakk was a wild man and nailed Dime’s riffs and solos. No small feat – considering Dime was a legend. Charlie channeled the groove and attitude of Vinnie’s drumming.

I have heard people say – “that’s not Pantera” and “Pantera is Dime and Vinnie”. But life is short and there’s no time for bitter gate keepers. It may not be the original line up but it’s about as close to the legacy of Pantera as we can get. And I’m all for it.