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LIVE REVIEW
PANTERA
LEEDS FIRST DIRECT ARENA
Well, where do I start? Thirty years ago, Pantera performed at Newcastle City Hall, but their gig was short-lived due to a power outage during 'Walk'. Blue strobe lighting a silent stage and Phil's obvious frustration as he threw the microphone to the ground were matched by the audience's confusion as we all came to terms with the fact that on that night the show was over. I was in the front row for that show and can honestly say that I've never experienced energy like it from any band since, and I've seen a few.
Now in 2025 I was able to pick up where I left off thirty years previously, well, almost. The venue was Leeds First Direct Arena, and I was not front row but right at the back of the arena in a seat. The old bones were incredibly thankful for somewhere to sit, and the view of the arena was incredible.
Phil, Rex, Zakk and Charlie brought along King Parrot and Power Trip to warm up the crowd. As Kevin Bloody Wilson's "Absolute C*nt Of A Day" played over the PA, the already packed arena full of metal fans was in for a hell of a ride. King Parrot got the circle pit going in no time, comparing it to the Glasgow show from the night before and introducing an element of healthy competition.
The Aussie metallers were relentless with their unique blend of grindcore metal, giving Leeds a well-deserved reason to let off some steam; the audience gave as good as they got, with the band and fans bouncing off each other's energy. Awesome.
The night was just getting started, though, as next up Power Trip took to the stage. The Texas thrash metal five-piece brought an incredible energy that was so infectious. Just as their set was in full swing, it was briefly paused as frontman Seth directed venue staff to a fan who had fallen in the circle pit. The party got back in full swing quickly afterwards, and Power Trip gave a performance to remember.
Now in 2025 I was able to pick up where I left off thirty years previously, well, almost. The venue was Leeds First Direct Arena, and I was not front row but right at the back of the arena in a seat. The old bones were incredibly thankful for somewhere to sit, and the view of the arena was incredible.
Phil, Rex, Zakk and Charlie brought along King Parrot and Power Trip to warm up the crowd. As Kevin Bloody Wilson's "Absolute C*nt Of A Day" played over the PA, the already packed arena full of metal fans was in for a hell of a ride. King Parrot got the circle pit going in no time, comparing it to the Glasgow show from the night before and introducing an element of healthy competition.
The Aussie metallers were relentless with their unique blend of grindcore metal, giving Leeds a well-deserved reason to let off some steam; the audience gave as good as they got, with the band and fans bouncing off each other's energy. Awesome.
The night was just getting started, though, as next up Power Trip took to the stage. The Texas thrash metal five-piece brought an incredible energy that was so infectious. Just as their set was in full swing, it was briefly paused as frontman Seth directed venue staff to a fan who had fallen in the circle pit. The party got back in full swing quickly afterwards, and Power Trip gave a performance to remember.
Finally, the time came for headliners Pantera to take their places on the stage. As a black curtain with PANTERA written in huge red letters shrouded the stage, you could feel the atmosphere change in the arena as the excitement built.
Suddenly the curtain dropped, and the legends of groove metal kicked off a night of pure metal with "A New Level" before heading straight into a face-ripping rendition of "Mouth For War". A pure metal onslaught was in full flow, with Phil Anselmo's voice sounding as powerful as ever as he commanded the huge stage.
While Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell are tragically no longer with us, the Abbot brothers were still very much a part of the show. With their faces emblazoned on the kick drums of Charlie Benante's kit, Vinnie and Dime were on everyone's mind, and a video tribute to them was the perfect, heartbreaking and heartwarming nod to the two of the pioneers of the metal genre.
Rex and Phil looked like they were both having a blast on stage while Zakk Wylde gave his own twist on classic tracks including the conic Walk solo, while staying true to the feel of the originals. Rex's incredible bass skills were showcased as the heavy bassline for Domination filled the arena with Charlie Benante matching Rex with his heavy as hell drumming.
Just amazing to hear that breakdown live in a setting like the First Direct Arena; the energy was insane at that point. As the mashup moved towards 'Hollow', that energy was released and Phil's vocals boomed around the room.
To get to see a band as legendary as Pantera still sounding as good and as heavy as they always have done is an experience I will never forget. And as Phil sang 'Stairway To Heaven', it was a little emotional knowing that the show was over, but at the same time I had a grin from ear to ear after experiencing a Pantera show in 2025.
They are still Stronger Than All.
Suddenly the curtain dropped, and the legends of groove metal kicked off a night of pure metal with "A New Level" before heading straight into a face-ripping rendition of "Mouth For War". A pure metal onslaught was in full flow, with Phil Anselmo's voice sounding as powerful as ever as he commanded the huge stage.
While Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell are tragically no longer with us, the Abbot brothers were still very much a part of the show. With their faces emblazoned on the kick drums of Charlie Benante's kit, Vinnie and Dime were on everyone's mind, and a video tribute to them was the perfect, heartbreaking and heartwarming nod to the two of the pioneers of the metal genre.
Rex and Phil looked like they were both having a blast on stage while Zakk Wylde gave his own twist on classic tracks including the conic Walk solo, while staying true to the feel of the originals. Rex's incredible bass skills were showcased as the heavy bassline for Domination filled the arena with Charlie Benante matching Rex with his heavy as hell drumming.
Just amazing to hear that breakdown live in a setting like the First Direct Arena; the energy was insane at that point. As the mashup moved towards 'Hollow', that energy was released and Phil's vocals boomed around the room.
To get to see a band as legendary as Pantera still sounding as good and as heavy as they always have done is an experience I will never forget. And as Phil sang 'Stairway To Heaven', it was a little emotional knowing that the show was over, but at the same time I had a grin from ear to ear after experiencing a Pantera show in 2025.
They are still Stronger Than All.
