The passing of Jerry Abbott, a significant figure in the world of heavy metal, has left a void in the music community. As a producer, songwriter, and father to legendary musicians Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott, Jerry played an instrumental role in his sons founding PANTERA and by influencing countless bands in the genre. However, his departure has also reignited discussions about the potential implications for the future of the legendary Texas groove metal band.

Jerry Abbott’s contributions to the metal scene cannot be overstated. Alongside his sons, he helped forge the signature sound of Pantera, a band that would go on to achieve global acclaim and influence generations of musicians.

Despite their musical success, the Abbott family has faced its share of challenges, both personal and professional. The strained relationship between Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and former Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo is well-documented. Issues stemming from interpersonal conflicts and substance abuse contributed to the dissolution of Pantera in the early 2000s and cast a shadow over the band’s legacy.

In the wake of Jerry Abbott’s passing, private concerns have surfaced regarding the ongoing Pantera reunion tour that was meant to be only a ‘limited number’ of reunion tribute shows, not a permanent band. While fans have long clamored for the band to reunite in some form, the fraught history between the Abbott brothers and Phil Anselmo raised legitimate questions about the unethicalness many fans around the world see with such in the blatant “cash grab” endeavor. Jerry Abbott, it is reported, expressed reservations about the potential for old wounds to resurface and the toll it could take on his sons and their legacy.

The prospect of a Pantera going on as a real band, not just a tribute, is undoubtedly tantalizing for fans, offering the opportunity to witness the band’s music performed live once again. However, it also raises ethical considerations about the responsibilities of the Abbott estate and the need to prioritize the well-being of those involved. Reuniting a band with such a turbulent history is not a decision to be taken lightly, and the potential consequences must be carefully weighed.

In the absence of Jerry Abbott, those entrusted with managing his legacy face difficult decisions about how to honor his sons’ memories while navigating the complexities of their shared musical history. While the allure of a Pantera release of new music may be strong, it is essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and respect for the individuals involved. Dimebag and Vinnie Paul are said to have cut final songs that were purportedly scrapped for being used on a Damageplan follow up and instead expressed a desire for this material to be the last Pantera studio album, believe it or not. TMD has confirmed with an industry source that Pantera producer/engineer Sterling Winfield is in possession of the final Pantera tracks cut by the Abbott brothers sometime in late 2004, thought to be anywhere from 5 to 8 songs with bass, drums and guitars all completed.

Dimebag wanted to go back to Pantera before he died, according to Dime’s old lady Rita Haney.

Due to a racist outburst by Phil Anselmo at Dimebash event in 2016, backlash has already begun to take hold on the reunion tribute event concerts, where several countries banned Anselmo from entry into their countries, thus forcing cancellations. TMD reported that the Abbott estate called for the firing of Anselmo last year, although it is not known if Jerry Abbott was behind the decision making at this time. While Anselmo has been asked by the estate to make a ‘charitable donation’ in the Abbotts name, it is not yet known if this was followed through on our not. Anselmo is still in jeopardy of being fired, according to a source close to the Abbott family.

“White Power!

– Phil Anselmo, 2016

Jerry Abbott’s legacy as a pioneering figure in heavy metal like his sons Darrell and Vinnie, deserves to be celebrated, not smeared or made light of, thanks to the greedy satanic antics of two other people, but his passing also serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the human cost behind the music.

With the Pantera cash grab already being criticized for the usage of backing tracks, now the word is coming out in the press that Rex “The Full Meal Deal” Brown and Phil Anselmo are going to ignore the wishes of Dimebag, who wanted to release the Abbott brothers final music as PANTERA, and instead plan to cut new PANTERA music written with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, which fans see as being outright disrespectful.