Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has opened up about the surviving members of Pantera, including Philip Anselmo, Rex Brown, Zakk Wyldye and Charlie Benante reuniting for a world tour under the Pantera banner.

The band is set to headline a number of major festivals and concerts around the world and they will also support Metallica on their North American stadium tour in 2023 and 2024.

During an interview with Revolver, Ulrich said, “I think that the idea that they’re out celebrating the music and the magic of Pantera is … I know there’s been a lot of talk in the community about whether people support that or not. But I’m the type of person, if Glenn Hughes wants to go out and play a Deep Purple set, I’d support that.”

He continued, “I’m always in favor of people following their musical and creative ambitions; so this PANTERA reunion, I think, is good. And obviously having Charlie up there is great. I saw a video from one of the Mexico shows that felt like they were in the pocket. It’ll be fun to have them out.”

Speaking on Metallica’s relationship with Pantera, he said, “We met the brothers on the ‘Ride The Lightning’ tour and became friends with them. This was in Dallas in — what — 1622 or something? It was about 400 years ago. We obviously loved both of them, and they had a posse down there, and we would see them whenever we came through Texas. We watched the band evolve over the years from more rock vibes into that creative, unique force that they became. So, we’ve had a relationship with them for decades and decades.”