Zakk Wylde Will Use Dimebag Darrell's Rig at Pantera Reunion Shows

Zakk Wylde Will Use Dimebag Darrell’s Rig at Pantera Reunion Shows

2022-08-30

Zakk Wylde - Story and photo by Anne Erickson

Zakk Wylde – Story by Cat Badra, photo by Anne Erickson

Dimebag Darrell’s guitar tech has been tapped to help the reunited Pantera lineup get the late guitarist’s tone

More and more news is coming out about the upcoming Pantera reunion gigs. As previously reported, Zakk Wylde has been tapped to perform at the shows, taking the place of the late, great Dimebag Darrell. Now, there’s word that Domebag’s longtime guitar tech, Grady Champion, will serve as part of the touring crew.

So far, four shows featuring the new Pantera lineup — classic members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, as well as Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante — were announced. The group will take center stage at Mexico’s Hell & Heaven fest on Dec. 2, in addition to three Knotfest events in South America later that month.

Champion took to Instagram to say that Dimebag’s girlfriend Rita Haney has given him access to the late guitarist’s gear for Wylde to use on the run. Champion won’t officially be Wylde’s guitar tech, but he’ll assist the group is trying to get that special Dimebag sound and tone on the run.

“For all the people I’ve ghosted, and anyone else who is interested, I’m doing a thing,” Champion stated on Instagram. “I signed on for the Pantera tour. @dimebagzhag [Rita Haney] has allowed me access to some of Dime’s gear, and I’m bringing it for Zakk. I’m not his tech, he has a bad ass, long-time one. The plan for now is for me to run effects and help bring Dime’s tone to the party.”

He added that he was very surprised when he first heard that Pantera would reunite without late brothers Dimebag and drummer Vinnie Paul, but did feel like he should say “yes” if the tour asked for his involvement.

“I started with Pantera and I will end with Pantera,” he said. “I didn’t know the ‘right’ thing to think, to say, to do. When I saw the headline like everyone else, I threw up, sweaty palms, heart was freaking out, I had seen that headline 1000 times in my nightmares. After it sunk in and I spoke to everyone, I felt like I would be crazy to turn my nose up and say f that. I need to be involved IF I am needed, turns out I am needed, and I’m fkn doing it.”

Author
Recent Posts

Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.