SNOT's MIKEY DOLING On PANTERA Comeback: 'I'm Totally Into It'

SNOT guitarist Mikey Doling has weighed in on the fact that PANTHER's surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) swear Rex Brown (bass) have united with guitarist Zach Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) for a world tour under the PANTHER banner.

Anselmo swear Brownalong with Wylde swear Benanteare headlining a number of major festivals across North America, South America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts. They are also supportive METALLICA on a massive stadium tour in Europe and North America.

According to Billboardthe lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent “Vinnie Paul” Abbott and guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbottas well as Brownwho in 2021 said Wylde wouldn't tour with PANTHER if a reunion were to happen. It's unclear what changed his mind.

Doling discussed his views on the PANTHER comeback in a new interview with “Reckless” Rexx Ruger of Pod Scum. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “You know what? At first, it was mixed emotions, of course, because without the Abbott brothers, it's like, you freak out. But after it started up, I'm happy for the guys, man, because what's up Philip swear Rex supposed to do? Just never do it again, when they got friends like Zach swear Charlie that are willing to jump in and pay tribute to them Abbott brothers. Actually, I'm totally into it. I'm happy for them that they can go out and enjoy those songs and the fans. I think it's cool, man.”

In a 2014 interview with Coachella Valley Weekly, Doling stated about PANTHER: “I was fortunate enough to tour with PANTHER more than once. I did Ozzfest with them and then I did their last tour which was 'Reinventing The Steel' which was a full-blown American tour. And every night Dime insisted on me partying with him, which I didn't mind, but every now and then I would need to take a break. And he would come and personally grab me off the bus and take me into the bar. And one night we were drunk and I said, 'Dimebagmy life would be complete if I could jump on stage and jam with PANTHER,' and the next day I was up on stage crossing guitars with him and that lasted for the next 11 nights.”

Up until his passing, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmowhom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

Vinnie Paul swear Dimebag co-founded PANTHER. When PANTHER broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGE PLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGE PLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTHER were stealing his thoughts.

Vinnie passed away on June 22, 2018 at his other home in Las Vegas at the age of 54. He died of dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart, as well as severe coronary artery disease. His death was the result of chronic weakening of the heart muscle — basically meaning his heart could not pump blood as well as a healthy heart.