Pantera Headline Madison Square Garden for the First Time: Review, Photos + Video

The post Pantera Headline Madison Square Garden for the First Time: Review, Photos + Video appeared first on Consequence.

Pantera headlined New York City’s Madison Square Garden for the first time ever on Thursday night (February 22nd), and they made sure that fallen brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul were there in spirit. The metal legends delivered an emotionally charged show that was preceded by an electrifying set by Lamb of God.

The World’s Most Famous Arena, as it’s known, was packed for a night of headbanging metal. After an opening set by the band Child Bite, it was time for Lamb of God to take the stage. Frontman Randy Blythe, who celebrated his 53rd birthday a day earlier, hasn’t lost a step nearly 30 years into fronting the acclaimed metal band.

Kicking things off with “Memento Mori,” a standout track from their self-titled 2020 album, Lamb of God delivered such favorites as “Walk With Me in Hell,” “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For,” “Ruin,” and “Laid to Rest” during their 11-song set. The crushing tunes were accompanied by plenty of pyro and Blythe’s high-flying leaps.

After Blythe was presented with a birthday cake onstage, the singer proceeded to dedicate the set closer, “Redneck,” to his late friends Dimebag and Vinnie Paul, noting that the latter was a big fan of that song in particular. Headliners in their own right, Lamb of God thoroughly pumped up the crowd for Pantera.

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At 9:30 p.m., a video showing vignettes of Pantera in their ’90s heyday appeared on the two screens on either side of the stage as a recorded version of the band’s “Regular People (Conceit)” played over the speakers. Shortly thereafter, the first notes of “A New Level” triggered a dramatic kabuki drop that revealed classic members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown onstage alongside Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante.

Pantera’s setlist was all classics, as songs like “Mouth for War,” “Becoming,” “I’m Broken,” and “5 Minutes Alone” followed. Throughout the night, Anselmo expressed awe and reverence at the opportunity to headline Madison Square Garden, soaking in the adulation from the crowd. And while it’s no secret that the singer had his differences with Dimebag and Vinnie Paul, he had nothing but love for his late bandmates throughout the evening.

The song “Floods” brought along with it a heartwarming video tribute to Dime and Vinnie, showing the brothers at their most joyful moments throughout their years in Pantera.

Of course, the mighty “Walk” was a highlight, with Anselmo quipping that it was the only song that many in the crowd knew at their shows supporting Metallica’s ongoing stadium tour. The rousing performance brought out Randy Blythe and members of Child Bite, as well as a few young kids and even comedian Dave Hill on a BMX bicycle for the chorus.

“Domination/Hollow” and “Cowboys From Hell” followed, ending the main set, before the band returned for an encore to close out the night with “Fucking Hostile.”

While it’s certainly bittersweet seeing Pantera perform without Dime and Vinnie, and even a question as to whether this current outfit can truly be called “Pantera,” it’s an experience fans won’t soon forget. Phil and Rex are still the real deal, and Zakk and Charlie are just about the best musicians possible to fill in the shoes of the legendary Abbott brothers.

Pantera’s headlining winter North American tour wraps up with a few more shows, culminating with a February 27th gig in Quebec City. However, there’ll be more opportunities to see the groove-metal masters when they continue to support Metallica on select dates this summer. Fans can also catch Lamb of God in the summer when they embark on a co-headlining tour with Mastodon.

See our photos of Pantera and Lamb of God at Madison Square Garden, as well as video footage and the setlists, below.

Photo Gallery – Pantera and Lamb of God at Madison Square Garden (click to expand and scroll through):

Pantera Setlist:
A New Level
Mouth for War
Strength Beyond Strength
Becoming
I’m Broken
Suicide Note Pt. II
5 Minutes Alone
This Love
Floods
Walk
Domination / Hollow
Cowboys From Hell
Encore:
Fucking Hostile

Lamb of God Setlist:
Memento Mori
Walk With Me in Hell
Hourglass
Now You’ve Got Something to Die For
Resurrection Man
Ditch
Ruin
Contractor
Vigil
Laid to Rest
Redneck

Pantera Headline Madison Square Garden for the First Time: Review, Photos + Video
Spencer Kaufman

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