Cemetery Gatez is recognized as the longest running touring Pantera tribute band delivering the raw energy, crushing riffs, and authentic attitude of the legendary heavy metal group since 2000. Operating across the Midwest and Southwest, the band features members Brian Mills (guitar and vocals), Rick Henderson (vocals), Nate Arrington (bass and vocals), and Octavio de la Pena (drums).
Band Profile & Setup
Motto: "If you can't have Pantera, get Cemetery Gatez."
Stage Production: Features replica kick drum heads , stage carpets and scrims from the current tour set up of Pantera.
Contact & Booking: Headquartered out of San Antonio, TX and Peoria, IL regions.
Rick 309-202-8622 or Nate 309-642-5240
Selected Past Shows & Tour History
July 2026: Josabi's in Helotes, TX
October 2025: Ragnar’s On The Compound in Wimberley, TX & 502 Bar in San Antonio, TX
July 2025: Jamo’s Live in Mokena, IL & Ragnar’s On The Compound in Wimberley, TX
December 2024: Tony D's in Elmwood Park, IL & Pops in Sauget, IL
Typical Setlist
According to booking metrics tracked on The Bash, the band pulls heavily from iconic Pantera albums like Cowboys from Hell, Vulgar Display of Power, and Far Beyond Driven.
Their staple live sets include:
Cowboys From Hell
Cemetery Gates
Walk
I'm Broken
5 Minutes Alone
Domination
Mouth For War
This Love
Fucking Hostile
Becoming
Floods
Strength Beyond Strength
Past Shows & Tour History (2000s–Present)
Because tribute schedules from the early 2000s were highly localized, their history is characterized by consistent multi-city club runs across the Rust Belt, the Midwest, and the Deep South.
The Modern Era (2024–2026)
July 18, 2026: Co-headlined an outdoor, all-ages metal showcase at Josabi's in Helotes, TX with Alice in Chains tribute band Three Legged Dog.
July 5, 2025: Took over the massive 40-foot outdoor main stage at Ragnar’s Viking Stronghold in San Marcos, TX for a double-headline event alongside Haywire.
October 17, 2025: Packed out the 502 Bar in San Antonio, TX with Chevelle tribute act Panic Prone. []
December 6, 2025: Headlined Dimefest 2025 at Pop's Concert Venue in Sauget, IL alongside Conquestmetal to celebrate the legacy of Dimebag Darrell. [1]
July 2025: Traveled north for a headline club performance at Jamo's Live in Mokena, IL.
December 2024: Played a high-capacity holiday metal night at Tony D's in Elmwood Park, IL.
The Mid-Career Era (2010–2023)
During this decade, the band established its split-chapter model, branching aggressively into Texas while anchoring the Midwest metal tribute scene.
Annual Tribute Fests (2015–2019): Frequent headliners at regional Illinois venues like Pop’s Concert Venue (Sauget) and The Castle Theatre (Bloomington), as well as regionally The Machine Shop(Flint Michigan)The Annex(Madison, Wisconsin) , The Warehouse(Clarksville Tenn) and anchoring massive single-day tribute festivals alongside Metallica and Black Sabbath acts.
Texas Circuit Expansion (2019–2023): Initiated regular routing through Texas venues including Fitzgerald's (San Antonio), Main Street Crossing, and various outdoor compounds surrounding Austin and San Marcos to accommodate their expanding Southern fanbase.
The Foundation Era (2004–2010)Following the tragic passing of Dimebag Darrell in late 2004, the band shifted from a regional passion project into an active touring act. They filled a massive void for communities across Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, playing small theaters, local fairgrounds, and heavy metal bars to keep the groove-metal movement alive in the Midwest.
Cemetery Gatez, the long-running Cemetery Gatez Pantera Tribute band led by Rick Henderson, express extreme gratitude to their fans, emphasizing that the crowd is the true "heart and soul of metal" throughout their multi-year run keeping the spirit of Pantera alive.
Final Thoughts and Legacy
Gratitude to Fans: The band continues to thank the metal community for years of unwavering support, love, and energy.
Support Live Music: Members urged fans to keep supporting local independent music venues so heavy metal culture can continue thriving.
Brotherhood: The members reflect on sharing an intense musical bond through the highs and lows of touring.
What's Next: A show at your Venue!!!
