PANTERA

[muthagoose]

Rare PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN Live Recordings Available For Download

A local Dallas DJ and friend of the Abbott family ("Dimebag" Darrell and Vinnie Paul) has has posted live cuts of PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN for fans to enjoy. The PANTERA recordings span a number of years and include tracks recorded at a local Dallas show in 1988 at a concert that was sponsored by a now-defunct radio station. There are also three live DAMAGEPLAN tracks available for download that were recorded in Sayerville, NJ at the Starland Ballroom on July 30, 2004.

To download the songs, visit www.cowgirlfromhell.com.

[muthagoose]

PANTERA: VH1's 'Behind The Music' Special In Production

VH1 has officially begun production on a "Behind the Music" special on PANTERA. A photo of ex-PANTERA drummer Vinnie Paul being interviewed by Eric of VH1 for the upcoming program can be viewed at this location. An exact date for the show has not yet been announced.



PANTERA's career overview CD, "The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!" (Elektra/Rhino), was certified platinum on January 13, 2006 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of one million copies in the U.S.

The 16-song "Vulgar Hits!" CD, originally issued in September 2003, was packaged with a bonus DVD boasting 12 videos, including two live performances. The bulk of the material was culled from the band's six major-label releases, but also included were non-album cuts "Cat Scratch Fever" (a cover of the TED NUGENT song that originally appeared on the Polygram soundtrack to "Detroit Rock City") and the BLACK SABBATH cover "Hole in the Sky", previously available only on import.

PANTERA's classic "Vulgar Display of Power" (Elektra) album was certified double-platinum in 2004, signifying shipments of more than 2,000,000 units in the U.S. since its February 25, 1992 release.

As previously reported, Rhino Video has set an April 4 release date for PANTERA's "3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow.

Originally released on DVD in 1999, this version features the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

[muthagoose]

"Behind the Music: Pantera" will premiere on Thursday, May 11 at 10:00 p.m. Mark it on your heavy metal calendar.

[muthagoose]

Several portions of the VH1 "Behind the Music" special on PANTERA, which had its premiere Thursday night (May 11), have been posted online at www.YouTube.com.

youtube.com/results?search=pantera+behind+music&search_type=search_videos&search=Search

The show includes brand new interviews with the surviving members of PANTERA — Vinnie Paul Abbott (drums), Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) — along with appearances by Guy Sykes (tour manager), Walter O'Brien (manager), Terry Date (producer), about five members of PANTERA's/DAMAGEPLAN's crew, and Rita Haney ("Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's girlfriend).

For all upcoming "Behind the Music: Pantera" air times on VH1, visit VH1.com.

As previously reported, PANTERA's career overview CD, "The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!" (Elektra/Rhino), was certified platinum on January 13, 2006 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of one million copies in the U.S. The band's classic "Vulgar Display of Power" (Elektra) album was certified double-platinum in 2004, signifying shipments of more than 2,000,000 units in the U.S. since its February 25, 1992 release.

Rhino Video last month released PANTERA's "3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" — a three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow. Originally released on DVD in 1999, this version features the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

[mavhimself]

i saw the pantera: behind the music and i must say it was one of the most depressing things i've ever seen. between the video footage from the night dime died to the bad bad blood between phil anselmo and the abbott family it was not the most uplifting thing in the world.

mav himself.

[muthagoose]

Yeah. The whole thing is kinda raw but I think it did everyone justice.

[Chick-O-Stick]

Yet Another Reason Why I Hate Him-

Ted Nugent has slammed PANTERA's cover of his signature tune "Cat Scratch Fever" as having "no soul, no balls" and "no feel," adding that the members of PANTERA appeared as "Ozzy-like zombies on TV" whose conduct on stage went against his lifelong anti-drugs and -drink stance.

Responding to a fan posting on Nugent's official message board (dubbed "The Nuge Board") about late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and the VH1 "Behind the Music" special on PANTERA that premiered this past Thursday, Ted (who posts on the message board under the name "Nuge") wrote that he "never thought too highly of anyone foolish enough to take on the nickname of a life-destroying dope product and promote such family-destroying conduct on stage."

When another fan pointed out that Dimebag "loved" Nugent's music and that he had stated in a magazine interview that he often played some of Ted's riffs before a show to loosen up the fingers — going so far as to cover "Cat Scratch Fever" for the 1999 "Detroit Rock City" soundtrack — Nugent responded, "though I'm no expert on all things PANTERA, I did hear their version of 'Cat Scratch Fever' and it was exceedingly white. No soul, no balls, no feel. Caucasian all the way. Elements of dope, booze and heroin disconnect quite apparent as usual. There is no excuse for such horrifically negative, irresponsible, criminal, America-wrecking behavior as such chimp-like substance abuse. Period. They appeared as Ozzy-like zombies on TV. Ya think. American drunks and dopers are allahpuke terrorists' favorite allies. Damn them. Damn them all."

After the fan who started the original thread (who calls himself "the_A_team") defended Dimebag by saying that "you have to at least respect Dime as a guitarist," adding that "even though he did drugs, I heard he didn't do very many," Nugent replied, "I indeed do respect all people for the positives in their life. Sadly, there comes a time of diminishing returns in the balance. At the end of the day, my respect is reserved for those solidly in the asset column of mankind."

[muthagoose]

ZAKK WYLDE Discusses Possibility Of Playing DIMEBAG's Parts In PANTERA 'Reunion'

Blender.com has uploaded several Ozzfest-related features/interviews, including a two-part video interview with Zakk Wylde in which he discusses how he auditioned for Ozzy, Sharon Osbourne's hate for his beard, havoc with golf carts and Rob Zombie at Ozzfest, unreleased material that he has of Dimebag Darrell, the possibilty of filling in for Dime if PANTERA ever reunited and more.

Check out the interview:

Part 1
www.blender.com/video/771/ZakkWyldeOzzfest2006.video?src=jk04

Part 2
www.blender.com/video/772/ZakkWyldeOzzfest2006,Pt.2.video?src=jk05

[muthagoose]

Very Rare DIMEBAG Track Surfaces?

Dan McNew, the organizer of the Ride for Dime bike rally in honor of late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, has posted the following message on the RideForDime.com web site:

"We all know Dimebag's musical roots were in country western music, and we all know what a great sense of humor he had. And last but not least, Dime supported the local music scene in Dallas and would sometimes record with local musicians. I ran into one of those musicians, 'Throbbin Donnie Rodd' tonight [Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006] in a club who told me the story of how Dimebag sat in on a recording session with him and recorded this country western song called 'Country Western Transvestite Whore'. Dime plays lead guitar and lead vocals. I just wanted to pass this song on to everyone. Enjoy!"

Download the track at this location:
www.ridefordime.com/music/transvestite.mp3

[muthagoose]

Follow-Up To 'DimeVision' DVD Due In The Summer

According to Revolver magazine, late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's longtime partner, Rita Haney, and videographer Bobby Tongs have started to sift through footage for the follow-up to the DVD "DimeVision - Vol 1: That's The Fun I Have". The disc should be ready for release in the summer. "I can't wait to see it," Dimebag's brother and former PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN bandmate Vinnie Paul Abbott says. "I'm sure it'll include stuff that I didn't even know about. Like, I knew Dime did a lot of crazy, fucked-up shit, but I didn't know about the fireworks he lit in the house until I saw the first videos. I don't know how he didn't burn his house down."

A cornucopia of a small portion of miles of video footage shot over the years, mostly taken mostly from Dimebag's point of view, "DimeVision - Vol 1: That's The Fun I Have" has been certified gold by the RIAA in the United States as well as in Canada.

Dimebag's legacy lives on through hundreds of musical tributes from the top names in rock, including close friends Zakk Wylde and NICKELBACK, a custom Dean ML Razorback V guitar, an MXR/Dunlop Dime Distortion Pedal and Crybaby From Hell Wah, as well as a CD and DVD debut from Vinnie Paul's Big Vin Records.

[muthagoose]

DIMEBAG's Girlfriend Says PHIL ANSELMO's
Actions 'Led To' Guitarist's Murder

"If Phil Anselmo hadn't quit PANTERA, Darrell wouldn't have been playing in that shithole where that guy could get to him."

That is but one of the many startling and revealing statements about "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott that his girlfriend of 20 years, Rita Haney, makes in the March 2007 issue of Guitar World magazine.

In a lengthy and exclusive interview conducted almost three years to the day after Dimebag's death on December 8, 2004, Haney gives Guitar World readers a revealing look inside the heart and soul of metal's lost cowboy from hell and offers some lacerating criticism of his former bandmates DAMAGEPLAN singer Pat Lachman and Anselmo.

With regards to Dimebag's final days on the road with DAMAGEPLAN, the band he and Vinnie formed following PANTERA's breakup, Haney says, "I remember in his final days, Darrell was calling me a lot and he told me that he didn't know what to do about [vocalist] Pat Lachman. Pat said that he didn't want to sing any PANTERA songs, but he knew what he was getting into when he joined the band. It got to the point where Darrell blew up completely. He said, 'Look, if I want a dickhead for a singer I'll call up Phil Anselmo! I can at least make money with that motherfucker.' "

And in one of the interview's most incendiary moments, she unleashes her verdict on Phil Anselmo and how his drug addictions and actions ultimately led to Dimebag's murder in Columbus, Ohio, at the hands of deranged gunman Nathan Gale.

"The bottom line is Phil's actions led to what happened," Haney says. "The guy wouldn't have been after Vinnie and Darrell if PANTERA had not broken up. It was all due to Phil's stupid, stupid actions."

For more on this story, visit www.guitarworld.com. To read the complete interview, pick up the March 2008 issue of Guitar World, on sale January 15.

[Chick-O-Stick]

muthagoose said:

DIMEBAG's Girlfriend Says PHIL ANSELMO's
Actions 'Led To' Guitarist's Murder

"If Phil Anselmo hadn't quit PANTERA, Darrell wouldn't have been playing in that shithole where that guy could get to him."

That is but one of the many startling and revealing statements about "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott that his girlfriend of 20 years, Rita Haney, makes in the March 2007 issue of Guitar World magazine.

In a lengthy and exclusive interview conducted almost three years to the day after Dimebag's death on December 8, 2004, Haney gives Guitar World readers a revealing look inside the heart and soul of metal's lost cowboy from hell and offers some lacerating criticism of his former bandmates DAMAGEPLAN singer Pat Lachman and Anselmo.

With regards to Dimebag's final days on the road with DAMAGEPLAN, the band he and Vinnie formed following PANTERA's breakup, Haney says, "I remember in his final days, Darrell was calling me a lot and he told me that he didn't know what to do about [vocalist] Pat Lachman. Pat said that he didn't want to sing any PANTERA songs, but he knew what he was getting into when he joined the band. It got to the point where Darrell blew up completely. He said, 'Look, if I want a dickhead for a singer I'll call up Phil Anselmo! I can at least make money with that motherfucker.' "

And in one of the interview's most incendiary moments, she unleashes her verdict on Phil Anselmo and how his drug addictions and actions ultimately led to Dimebag's murder in Columbus, Ohio, at the hands of deranged gunman Nathan Gale.

"The bottom line is Phil's actions led to what happened," Haney says. "The guy wouldn't have been after Vinnie and Darrell if PANTERA had not broken up. It was all due to Phil's stupid, stupid actions."

For more on this story, visit www.guitarworld.com. To read the complete interview, pick up the March 2008 issue of Guitar World, on sale January 15.

Oh gimme a break!

[muthagoose]

DIMEBAG's Girlfriend Rambles about Damageplan, Anselmo and more...

UK's Metal Hammer magazine conducted an interview with late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's girlfriend of 20 years, Rita Haney, for its January 2008 issue, which celebrates Dimebag's life and musical accomplishments. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Metal Hammer: How are thing with Phil [Anselmo, former PANTERA singer] and Rex [Brown, former PANTERA bassist] and you?

Rita: I loved both of those boys with all my heart and soul, but I can't love them now. When Darrell forgives them, then I can. It hurts me to have to say that and to know that.

Metal Hammer: How badly did Phil pulling himself away from PANTERA affect Darrell on a personal level? And also the feud that exploded in the press between Phil and the others [see previous BLABBERMOUTH.NET stories containing quotes from Phil and the other guys — Ed.]?

Rita: I have a two-page letter where [Dimebag] wrote Philip. And it says, "I am done with him. I will never stand on stage with him and I will never give him the recognition he thinks he deserves because I know I never did anything wrong to him." And it says, "No longer will he trample through my peaceful mind." When I found that in [Dimebag's] bunk [after he was murdered], I cried.

Metal Hammer: Do you think that had Darrell not been murdered that he and Vinnie might have eventually made their peace with Phil, and PANTERA might have gotten back together?

Rita: I know Darrell had thoughts about it. He was having problems with Patrick [Lachman, DAMAGEPLAN singer], who turned out totally not to be the person we thought he was. He started trying to give ultimatums about not singing PANTERA songs and Darrell goes, "Let me tell you something: this is who I am. Whether I'm called that or not, that's my heart and soul, and yes, you will sing them. You knew it when you joined this band."

Metal Hammer: And things with Rex [Brown, former PANTERA bassist]?

Rita: Darrell talked to Rex on [Dimebag's 38th] birthday — August 20, 2004 — and he told Rex straight-up, "Dude, I'm not going to go out and have a steak with you today. Maybe I will in the future. The reason I'm talking to you right now is because we have a history. You lived on my couch, my mother was your mother, you were my brother. But you are just as much to blame for this whole thing, and quit blaming it all on Phil. You need to answer for yourself." And Rex kept saying, "Well, Phil was gonna do it anyway," and Darrell says, "I don't care — answer for yourself. Because you know what, motherfucker? You got a free ride through this PANTERA thing. So don't tell me it's all Phil's fault — you were along for the full-meal deal!" That's why there's a credit on "DimeVision" [the "DimeVision - Vol 1: That's The Fun I Have" 2006 DVD tribute to Dimebag compiled largely by Rita Haney] that says, "Rex Rocker — Full Meal Deal."

[muthagoose]

PHILIP ANSELMO makes statement about
recent comments for Dimebag's girlfriend

Ross Karpelman, occasional DOWN collaborator (as the group's studio keyboardist) and longtime associate of former PANTERA and current DOWN singer Philip Anselmo, has responded to recent comments made by late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's girlfriend of 20 years, Rita Haney, regarding Anselmo's alleged responsibility for Dimebag's murder.

In a posting on the BLABBERMOUTH.NET comment boards, Karpelman writes, "I have been associated with Philip, PANTERA and the many other projects affiliated with these people for a long time. I enjoy reading Blabbermouth for the same reasons you all do... To get the lowdown on what is happening in the community that we all love: METAL! Most of the news on this site is useful, although I couldn't care less about 98% of the bands that are covered here. But some of the 'information' on this site serves as the metal version of The National Enquirer.

"I have never felt moved to comment on anything I have seen here. Most of the time I wonder why some people bother to post here, since their comments are filled with so much hatred and inflammatory remarks about people and bands that they know nothing about.

"I felt it necessary to respond to this one.

"I pass no judgment on Rita or Vinnie [Paul Abbott, Dimebag's brother and former PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN drummer] or anyone else. Obviously being from New Orleans I come from the 'Phil camp,' and therefore might seem to be biased. But really there is nothing to be biased about.

"Rita was Dime's girl since they were kids. Since before I knew them (which was about 1989 or so). She has every right to feel the way she feels. She also has every right to say what she wants to whoever she wants. However, there are many inaccuracies to what she says. One that I can personally attest to is the fact that water needed to be thrown in Phil's face to wake him up to tell him of Dime's death.

"I am the one who told Phil about what happened minutes after it occurred. My nephew (who lives in Columbus) was at the show and called me right after it happened and before it was on the news. Philip was very alert and was extremely concerned.

"In those first few hours we were desperately looking for confirmation that Dime was actually killed. At the time my nephew said he was just shot.

"I know this fact is pretty minuscule in the large scheme of things, but this whole thing has gotten way out of hand. There were things said on both sides. No one was innocent. Really, it was lack of communication that caused the breakup of PANTERA. (Well... That, and the drugs and alcohol. ON BOTH SIDES!) No one would talk to each other.

"Of course, everyone is entitled to their own views and that is mine, but the bottom line is this... It is none of our concern! Why is this news? Why do people give a shit? Who cares who was at Heath Ledger's funeral? Who cares about Britney's breakdown (although it is funny)? And who gives a shit about this?

"Please let it go, Blabbermouth. All this accomplishes is stirring up shit and to give everyone a platform to bash those involved. Everyone is trying to get on with their lives. Post more about DOWN! Post more about HELLYEAH! Or post about the hundreds of other projects these musicians are involved in. This topic is dead and classless. Honor Dime in other ways! Stop dragging his memory through the dirt. If Rita wants to mouth off, she will do it. Do we really need 1000 topics on it? Same with Phil and Vinnie and Rex. Let it die, and focus on Dime's memory and the music that was and is and will be!"

[muthagoose]

Artists Unite to Celebrate Dimebag Darell

‘Leave it Alone’ is the song which features SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner, F5 bassist David Ellefson, DAITRIBE guitarist Tristan ‘1690′ Grigsby, and Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens.

The track was written for the upcoming memorial disc to Darrell ‘Dimebag’ Abbott. It features solos by special guests, Nick Bowcott and Brian Cashmore. The track was recorded and mixed in Chicago at Farview Recording by Jason Walsh with additional tracks recorded at Saltmine Studios in Phoenix.

‘Leave it Alone’ will be released to radio in April and will be made available for download exclusively via iTunes. All proceeds from the song will go to Little Kids Rock.

A preview of the track can be heard on its MySpace:

www.myspace.com/dimetrack

[muthagoose]

DOWN vocalist Philip Anselmo has issued the following blog, dated March 17, Year Of VIII:

"A message to the children of extremes from Philip---

From the very beginning, ’til the well-oiled end of the American leg of the tour, supporting our latest offering, Over The Under, from my viewpoint, 'An Evening With Down' was an absolute unique success, and a tremendous wake-up call for the disenchanted music fans out there.

I cannot remember one bad show. There wasn’t one uneventful audience. It’s that fucking simple.

I’ve been thinking, and I figure that I ought to blog you awesome folks more often, because every crowd, at every show, in every town, had its own vibe and life, and personality! There were always memorable characters in the audience that would stick out in my memory every show. Christ! I need to address you fuckers via the Down-NOLA.com web sight, because you deserve to be recognized!

When we play live, and the lights are up, I mean it when I tell you that I can really see all of you standing in the crowd! (I strain my weary old eyes to see all the people way in the back or on the sides, but I do see you). As for the masses I can lay my eyes on, face-to-face…I can truly feel, and feed from your energy! I stare directly into your eyes and see your addictive fire, and it’s hard to put into words the spiritual surge it sends through me! All of your voices singing every song, night after night is the only true payoff! I take it to heart. When we walk out on stage, and spend that designated, intimate night with our most loyal horde, that’s notoriously jamming side-by-side with us, in a floor-quaking frenzy…

It’s the ONLY realistic reward! It’s all about the music! Our music is your music, so in turn, it’s all about you!

As I’ve stated many times before… without you, we’d be nothing.

It’s stirring to our emotions, because it means so much to us that you’re out there! There’ no better sensation!

You are the next generation of true music fans, (from 15 to 60+ yrs old!) who know that Down is the band that fills the gap, and sews up the wound that bleeds in the heart of music today. We also fill the void in "BLATANT" regurgitation heard in today’s ’HEAVY METAL/HARD ROCK,’ with Down’s own brand of organic originality; a sorely missing element within street-level, blue collar rock and roll, that today’s younger fans need to know exists!!!

’YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION?’

…I thank all of you sincerely, for helping to breath life back into the stagnant music scene, and for giving back the best time of my life, and Down’s. There’s a long, prosperous road that we’ll travel together in the near future…

p.s.

Down hasn’t come halfway close to hitting every city in the US or Canada, so fear not if you haven’t had the opportunity to catch us yet, we’ll show up soon enough and have a blast together all night.

Meanwhile, we’ll be devastating Russia, all of Europe, and the U.K. in March and April.

See you back in the US in the hot summer months!

Until the next communication---

Philip H. Anselmo (on behalf of Down and The Brotherhood Of Eternal Sleep worldwide)

SNAKECHOKE YOUR PETTY WOES!

Do what thou wilt that shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law, love under."