Watch Pantera Celebrate Dimebag Darrell’s 57th Birthday In Texas

Renewed band Pantera have paid tribute to late guitarist Dimebag Darrell on what would have been his 57th birthday. Here are pictures of the moment.

The tribute took place during the band’s recent stop in Austin, Texas, the same state where the late guitarist was born in 1966.

The new formation took to the stage on Sunday 20 August and, at the start of the performance, he reminded the audience that he would be 57 years old that day. They also sang “Happy Birthday”, encouraging the audience to sing along.

During the concert, the band members took a short drink break in honor of the musician, who died in 2004. Randy Blythe, promoter for opening acts Lamb Of God, brought out a drinks chart and gave out a round of the best drink with him. . from Dimebag, “black-tooth grin” (whiskey with a splash of Coca-Cola).

Rita Haney, the guitarist’s girlfriend for many years, also appeared on stage to join in the celebration. See the images below.

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Dimebag Darrell – whose real name is Darrell Lance Abbott – was killed by a fan while on stage in Ohio. His brother and band partner Vinnie Paul died suddenly in June 2018 from severe coronary disease. The brothers were 38 and 54 years old respectively.

Pantera have announced plans to reunite with a reformed lineup in July 2022, featuring Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne) on guitar and Charlie Benante (Anthrax) on drums joining frontman Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex. Brown.

The heavy metal giants’ current concert series marks their first tour in 22 years. It started earlier this month with an opening concert in Pennsylvania… They will also be opening for Metallica on their “M72” tour.

This is by no means the first time that people close to Dimebag have celebrated his life since his death. Back in 2019, Haney paid tribute to his late partner on the 15th anniversary of his death with a post on social media. She thanked fans for “loving and remembering him,” adding, “You remind me why you live your best life! I still have the best life. Thank you you Darrell.”

Tonight (August 23), the band will play their first concert since their Austin show. It will take place at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., followed by a stop at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on Friday (August 25). Find the remaining entries here.

In other Pantera news, last week the band teamed up with Haney and Blythe again for the first of three shows in Texas. At The Woodlands’ Mitchell Pavilion on Thursday (August 17), the latter joined the foursome for a performance of their hit “Walk.”