Jimmy Bower (DOWN, EYEHATEGOD) has weighed in on the forthcoming PANTERA “reunion” shows set to happen at the end of this year and in 2023

As previously announced, surviving PANTERA members Phil Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) will hit the road with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) for a number of festival and individual show dates under the PANTERA name.

As reported by Billboard, the band has been given the “go-ahead” by the estates of drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott and guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott.

Bower, as well as EYEHATEGOD vocalist Mike IX Williams, discussed their views on the upcoming PANTERA tour in an interview with TotalRock at last month’s Bloodstock Open Air festival. Jimmy, who plays drums in Phil Anselmo’s band DOWN, said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I think it’s fucking awesome. I think it’s beautiful. I think there’s a lot of fans that have never had a chance to see it, and I think it’s a great way to tribute the band. A hundred percent blessing from me, man.”

Williams added: “Phil’s a friend, so, yeah, I’m happy to see it happen… It’s great. I think it’s great. Everybody’s saying it’s gonna be a little strange without the Abbott brothers, but it is what it is.”

Bower agreed, saying: “Of course it will [be strange without the Abbott brothers]. [But] I think the Abbott brothers would a hundred percent have blessed it.”

PANTERA is set to play its first shows in December 2022, starting with a co-headlining slot at Mexico’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest, followed by appearances at three Knotfest festivals in South America.