This 1992 Live Video of Pantera is the Greatest Thing You’ll See All Week

In a sea of poorly shot, horrible sounding phone videos uploaded to Youtube, it’s a breath of fresh air when you stumble upon something good. It’s even better when you stumble upon an amazing live video of a rising Pantera playing a theater in Hollywood in 1992. Uploaded by a user named Concert Matrix 3.0, the video (most likely filmed on VHS tape) was uploaded in 2013 and boasts in the description that it’s a “Soundboard Enhanced Upgrade.” They weren’t kidding. The audio that is synced to this footage of the legendary Texas metal band performing at Hollywood’s Palladium (capacity 3700) is absolutely pristine and is possibly the greatest live document of Pantera as they ascended the musical landscape of the early 90’s.

Filmed in June of 1992, the video shows Pantera blasting through a wall-to-wall shred fest set of songs from the Cowboys from Hell and Vulgar Display of Power albums. I’d mention certain highlights but, to be quite honest with you, the whole damn show is a highlight. Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown and brothers “Dimebag” Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott absolutely sledgehammer their way through an hour-long set that has the audience going completely bonkers with lots of crowd surfing (remember when that was a “new” thing?) and nary a smartphone, tablet, etc. in site (thanks to them not existing).

All members of the band are in 100% top form. This video document (with some pretty sweet audio) shows me that Pantera, before all the addictions and ego-driven drama drove the band apart, was an absolutely untouchable band when you put them on stage. I mean, imagine having to follow this?

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo_1EDCGd-I[/embedyt]

Let me make it clear; I have no doubt that this video is probably commonly known in traders circles. But, for those that don’t run with such knowledgeable completists, we hope you dig this. While discussion of Pantera these days seems to always turn to the tragic loss of Dimebag, I think it’s good to take a look at this video and remember a happier time when he, Phil, Rex, and Vinnie would take the stage, pummel an audience, and leave them begging for more.

While we’re on the Pantera subject, we’ve done a number of Pantera-related episodes that you absolutely should check out. Links below!

Pantera Discussion with Chad Lee (Rock Photographer & Ride for Dime Nashville)

Ride for Dime Episode

Decibel Geek Podcast is a weekly hard rock and metal music and discussion talk show.  In existence since 2011 and with an archive of over 250 episodes, now is a great time to subscribe HERE in iTunes. We can also be found in your favorite podcast listening apps.