Vinnie Paul: Phil Anselmo Has Done A Lot To Tarnish The Image of Pantera

Drummer Vinnie Paul has said that his former Pantera bandmate Phil Anselmo has done 'a lot of things' that have tarnished the legacy of the band since their breakup in 2001. 

Anselmo has been apologizing all year after screaming "White Power" and giving a Nazi salute at a Dimebag Darrell memorial gig in early 2016. While speaking to Brazil’s R7, Vinnie Paul, who currently performs with HELLYEAH, says Anselmo's actions have done irreparable damage to the Pantera's image. 

“I can’t speak for him. He’s done a lot of things that tarnish the image of what Pantera was back then and what it stood for and what it was all about. And it’s sad,” Paul said. “But I carry on with what I do, which is HELLYEAH, which I’m very, very proud of. And, you know, I can’t control anything that goes on with that dude. I mean, honestly, I haven’t spoken to him since 2000. So there you have it.”

Paul also addressed the persistent rumors that Pantera would reunite with Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde replacing the late Dimebag Darrell, who was shot and killed in 2004 during a performance with his band Damageplan. 

"For me personally, it's been over since Pantera was over," Paul stated. "A lot of people don't understand that. There's reasons why the band wasn't together anymore. And with my brother no longer being here, there's no such thing as a reunion for that band, period."

"I am one 100% dedicated to HELLYEAH. I love what I do in this band. I'm really proud of this band. Everybody in this band is such a special person, and the music that we make together, I really believe, is very special and the next level in my life.

"So, for me, I'm not worried about whether people wanna live in the past or not, man. If you live in the past, you've got no future."

Watch the interview below - Paul's comments start after the 10-minute mark.  

Photo Credit: Getty