Two of the most successful and long-running music festivals in Germany have canceled Pantera’s 2023 tour appearances at the fests this spring, following a public outcry over singer Philip Anselmo’s past racist remarks. Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park take place every year simultaneously over the same weekend with usually similar lineups, and this year will be held on June 2nd and 4th in Nürburgring and Nürnberg. After with artists, partners and fans, the festival promoters decided to remove Pantera from the bill. Both fests made social media posts announcing the surprising news. Part of the reason for the outcry is the history both cities have with the former Nazi regime during World War II, and current rules against racism and Nazi activities in Germany, even though Anselmo has apologized and been without public incident since the Dimebash incident of 2016, seven years ago. These are the first shows canceled involving Anselmo since Down’s summer 2017 tour was canceled along the same lines. The reformed lineup of Pantera, including Anselmo, Rex Brown, with Zakk Wylde, and Charlie Benante has shows booked through 2024 at the present time, including multi-year tour dates with Metallica.

 

https://twitter.com/rockamring/status/1617601960357801984

https://twitter.com/rockimpark_com/status/1617601868439617544