Pantera

In 1994, their album Far Beyond Driven debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, solidifying Pantera as a band that kept heavy metal alive in an era dominated by grunge and alternative rock.During the mid-1990s, the band faced internal conflicts, mainly due to Anselmo's drug abuse, which led to erratic behavior and his distancing from the group. Anselmo attributed his addiction to a chronic spinal problem, resulting from his intense stage performances. In 2001, they decided to take a break and each member followed their own path. Anselmo continued with his projects Superjoint Ritual and Down, the latter with Rex Brown, while the Abbott brothers formed Damageplan, after unsuccessfully trying to contact Anselmo.

Pantera officially disbanded in 2003.The possibility of a reunion faded with the tragic death of the guitarist Dimebag Darrell, who was shot to death on stage at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, on December 8, 2004, by Nathan Gale, a former marine. Days before this incident, Anselmo had told Metal Hammer that the other members of Pantera should not comment on his addiction and that Dimebag deserved a beating. Anselmo later clarified that his words were ironic and criticized the sensationalism of heavy metal press, assuring that he would never have harmed his friend. However, Vinnie Paul did not believe him and blamed Anselmo for being indirectly responsible for his brother's death, suggesting that his words might have influenced the killer, who was schizophrenic and was upset about the breakup of Pantera.

Darrell's family did not allow Anselmo to attend the funeral.