Pantera Plays First Show of 2026: Video, Set List

Why It Matters

The show underscores the commercial viability of legacy metal acts touring together, while Anthrax’s album news signals renewed creative output from thrash pioneers, energizing the genre’s global fanbase.

Key Takeaways

• Pantera opened for Metallica at Frankfurt's Deutsche Bank Park.
• Setlist focused on 1992‑1994 albums, highlighting 'Vulgar Display of Power'.
• Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante missed his own show to play with Pantera.
• Pantera will continue European dates, ending with a US festival in September.
• Anthrax announced first new studio album in over a decade, 'Cursum Perficio'.

Pulse Analysis

Pantera’s decision to launch its 2026 tour alongside Metallica reflects a strategic partnership that amplifies exposure for both legacy acts. By sharing a massive venue like Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park, they tap into a broader audience that spans classic‑metal purists and newer fans drawn by Metallica’s headline status. This co‑headlining model not only maximizes ticket sales but also reinforces the cultural relevance of 1990s‑era metal in a market increasingly dominated by streaming and festival lineups.

The Frankfurt setlist was a deliberate nod to Pantera’s most influential period, drawing heavily from *Vulgar Display of Power* and *Far Beyond Driven*. By foregrounding tracks such as “A New Level” and “Walk,” the band catered to nostalgia while showcasing the raw aggression that defined early‑90s groove metal. This choice resonated with the crowd, generating viral video clips that have already amassed millions of views, further extending the tour’s digital footprint and reinforcing the band’s brand equity in the age of social media.

Beyond Pantera, the tour highlights a resurgence among veteran thrash acts, exemplified by Anthrax’s drummer Charlie Benante stepping in for the Frankfurt show and the band’s announcement of *Cursum Perficio*, their first studio effort in over a decade. The simultaneous European circuit for both groups signals a robust demand for legacy tours, encouraging promoters to invest in larger venues and multi‑city packages. As festivals like Louder Than Life draw massive lineups, the commercial momentum of these seasoned bands suggests a sustained appetite for classic metal experiences, offering lucrative opportunities for merch, streaming, and ancillary revenue streams.