Pantera perform massive show at legendary Madison Square Garden (recap, photos)

Heavy metal legends Pantera, with classic members Philip Anselmo on vocals and Rex Brown on bass, recently closed out the second leg of their North American headlining tour. The tour, dedicated to the memory of late founding members: drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell, included the talented Zakk Wylde on guitars and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante. Richmond, Virginia metal titans Lamb of God provided direct support on the 14-city run. Meanwhile, Detroit, Michigan punky noise rockers Child Bite, who are signed to Phil’s own Housecore Records, opened for a few of the dates on the tour.

Pantera rocked the packed Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 22nd, drawing hordes of fans eager to hear Anselmo and the band perform hits like “A New Level,” “Mouth for War,” and “Strength Beyond Strength.” The show marked Pantera’s first-ever performance at the World’s Most Famous Arena. Though, it’s worth noting that Anselmo and his backing band The Illegals did perform a ‘best of’ Pantera set at The Garden in 2019 as part of Slayer’s farewell tour. Regardless, New York City fans were clearly left wanting more of Pantera as thousands filled MSG and absolutely lost their collective minds as the band roared ahead, delivering “Becoming,” “I’m Broken” and “Suicide Note Pt. II.”

Throughout the set, Anselmo constantly thanked the crowd and expressed his gratitude, humbled by the opportunity to headline such an iconic venue. Another heartwarming highlight of the night was the band’s rendition of “Floods,” which featured a video tribute to Dime and Vinnie displayed on the background screens, showcasing footage of the band’s cherished memories with the legendary Abbott brothers. As dedicated as Pantera fans are, you can be sure there were a few tears shed in the audience.

Another monumental moment occurred when the band performed their undoubtedly most popular song, “Walk,” with Anselmo himself acknowledging that it was the song most recognized during their recent and still ongoing stint supporting Metallica. During the song, members of Lamb of God and Child Bite, along with other special guests like comedian/musician Dave Hill, who joined the stage with his bicycle and helmet, helped deliver the iconic chorus: “Respect, walk, are you talkin’ to me?”

Pantera proceeded to perform songs such as “5 Minutes Alone,” “This Love,” “Domination / Hollow,” and “Cowboys From Hell” during their main set, accompanied by a plethora of dazzling moving lights, pyrotechnics, and the overpowering sound of MSG’s PA system captivating both eyes and ears. Following a brief break, the band returned to completely electrify fans with their adrenaline-inducing final song, “Fucking Hostile.”

Lamb of God delivered a powerful set of their own, performing mammoth songs like “Walk With Me in Hell,” “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For,” “Ruin,” “Laid to Rest,” and “Redneck” (dedicated to Dime and Vinnie). Amidst fireballs, one could witness frontman Randy Blythe leaping into the air, as is customary with Lamb of God performances. The crew also brought out a cake to celebrate Randy’s 53rd birthday, which was the day before, on February 21st. “53 never felt so goddam good,” commented the high-flying Blythe.

Fans who arrived early to the venue were treated to Child Bite performing songs off their latest album ‘Blow Off the Omens,’ including “Vexed Life,” “Disposable Hysteria,” and the LP’s title-track, among other punk-fueled tracks.

Check out Rodrigo Fredes‘ photos of Pantera and Lamb of God performing live in New York City via the gallery below (click photo to enlarge).

Pantera will continue to play scattered headlining shows and festival appearances throughout this spring and summer. Stick to pantera.com for more info.

Lamb of God:

Pantera:

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







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