Pantera Returns to New Orleans Roots
Phil Anselmo is bringing his band back home. Pantera, the heavy metal icons, will headline a two-day event titled "The Great NOLA Trendkill" at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. The shows are scheduled for November 20 and 21, marking a significant moment for the band. It serves as Pantera's first appearance in Anselmo’s hometown in more than 30 years.
This specific concert series draws its name from the 1996 album, "The Great Southern Trendkill." While Pantera gained prominence during the 1980s and 1990s, the band has undergone massive changes since its initial peak. The original lineup, which featured the late brothers Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, disbanded in 2001. Both founding members have since passed away, leaving the band’s future in doubt for years.
The New Lineup and Industry Connections
The current iteration of the band reformed in late 2022. Anselmo and longtime bassist Rex Brown remain the primary ties to the group's classic era. To fill the remaining spots, they recruited guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante. This version of the act has spent the last two years touring extensively, often acting as direct support for Metallica across the United States and Europe.
The roster for "The Great NOLA Trendkill" highlights a deep bench of heavy music talent with strong local ties to Louisiana. Ten bands are currently slated to perform over the two-day period. Beyond the headliners, the bill includes Down, Black Label Society, Power Trip, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, Pig Destroyer, Eyehategod, Rāde, and Herakleion.
Many of these performers are linked through shared histories and overlapping memberships. Zakk Wylde will play with both Pantera and his main act, Black Label Society. Anselmo will also take the stage with Down, his long-running project. This cross-pollination continues throughout the lineup. Pepper Keenan plays guitar for both Down and Corrosion of Conformity. Kirk Windstein, who leads Crowbar, also serves as a second guitarist for Down. Jimmy Bower remains a fixture in the scene, having provided percussion for Down, Crowbar, and Eyehategod.
Venue Expectations and Ticketing
The Lakefront Arena provides a fitting venue for the homecoming performance. Fans continue to engage with Pantera’s legacy in New Orleans, as their hit "Walk" remains a frequent audio selection at the Superdome during Saints home games. The event producers expect high demand for tickets given the rarity of the performance in the city.
An artists' presale began Tuesday via Ticketmaster. The remaining tickets become available to the general public starting at 10 a.m. on September 11. This event offers a rare chance to see a concentrated gathering of the regional metal scene. Industry analysts expect the venue to reach capacity quickly as local fans and regional travelers move to secure seats for the back-to-back shows. The weekend reflects the enduring influence of the New Orleans metal scene on the broader landscape of American heavy rock.