Pantera, along with supporting acts Lamb of God and Child Bite, performed at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto on August 12, 2023. The sold-out show was a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of these iconic metal bands.
Child Bite, a punk/metal band formed in 2005 in Detroit, Michigan, set the tone for the evening with their raw energy and relentless stage presence. The band’s unique blend of punk and metal elements created a sound that resonated with fans of both genres.
Despite being an opener, Child Bite delivered a performance that surpassed expectations. Their high-octane energy reverberated through the venue, igniting an intense atmosphere that prepared concert-goers for what was to come later in the evening.
Lamb of God, no strangers to the TDOT, brought their signature high-energy performance to a venue that was already filled by this time with anticipation. They wasted no time in captivating the audience with their powerful sound and intense stage presence.
While Lamb of God may have been occasional headliners themselves, this night they embraced their role as support for Pantera. They treated fans to a dynamic 10-song set that showcased their signature blend of aggression and melody. From bone-crushing riffs to thunderous drums and Randy Blythe’s commanding vocals, Lamb of God left an indelible mark on Toronto’s metal scene. They effortlessly commanded the stage and had the audience headbanging along to every beat.
As the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the show, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The anticipation only grew when the lights dimmed and the kabuki featured the fallen members Dimebag Darrell and his brother Vinnie Paul. Pantera’s song Regular People, accompanied by a video, showed them in their glory and you could feel the energy throughout the venue. Once the Kabuki dropped, it exposed Pantera 2.0 with original members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, along with touring members guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante.
While some may have been cynical about Pantera performing without the legendary Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, their concerns were quickly squashed as the band delivered an electrifying performance. Despite the absence of two founding members, Pantera managed to capture the essence and energy that made them a beloved band in the first place. The crowd’s enthusiasm and love for the music filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated throughout the venue.
Lead vocalist Phil Anselmo seemed overwhelmed by the acceptance he received from fans. His powerful vocals and commanding stage presence reminded everyone why Pantera remains an influential force in heavy metal music. The audience’s response was nothing short of euphoric, as they sang along to every word and cheered with unbridled excitement.
The mosh pits erupted with raw intensity, showcasing the passion and dedication of metal fans who were fully immersed in the music. Crowd surfers rode waves of adrenaline and excitement, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. The energy in the venue was infectious, with fans feeding off each other’s enthusiasm. It was a true celebration of heavy metal music and its power to unite people from all walks of life.
Amidst all this chaos and adrenaline-fueled frenzy, there were moments that paid homage to the two fallen legends – Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. Their presence was felt throughout the night, with tributes paid to their incredible contributions to the world of metal music.
Midway through their set things slowed down momentarily as a pre-recorded version of Cemetery Gates played. Stools were placed on stage, creating an intimate setting for what was to come. The crowd hushed in anticipation as Pantera performed a cover of Black Sabbath’s Planet Caravan.
The energy shifted gears once again as Pantera launched their iconic tune Walk. Members of Child Bite joined the band to belt out the popular tune. Fans were screaming, “RE – SPECT WALK”. The audio decibels climbed tenfold.
The concert left no doubt that Pantera’s music continues to resonate deeply with fans old and new. It was an unforgettable night filled with raw emotion, fierce energy, and a sense of camaraderie among everyone present. This sold-out show will undoubtedly go down in history as one for the books – a testament to the enduring power of metal music and its ability to bring people together in celebration. It is moments like these that remind us of the lasting impact a band can have on its fans. While it’s understandable to be skeptical about a band continuing without key members, this concert proved that Pantera still has what it takes to deliver an unforgettable live experience.
A special thanks to Live Nation for the accreditation.
All images by Sue Sadzak Hebert. ©2023. Please do not copy or use without consent.
Pantera
Lamb Of God
Child Bite
