PHILIP ANSELMO Says REX BROWN's Version Of Why He 'Quit' DOWN Is Full Of 'Mythology'

In a brand new interview with MetalSucks, ex-PANTERA and current DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo was asked for his opinion on "Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story Of Pantera", the recently published memoir from his former PANTERA and DOWN bandmate, bassist Rex Brown.

"Honestly, [Rex's] assessment of me [in the book] — I don't care," Anselmo said. "Egotistical, self-centered, everything is always about me. Y'know what? I'm a lead singer and he's a bass player. That's his perception. So I'm fine with it. I don't hold any fucking grudges. But I think he did take some angry swipes and I don't need to be specific. There is a great deal of mythology when it comes to his 'quitting' DOWN. That particular chapter is a little disturbing."

Anselmo also commented on the fact that former PANTERA drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott was at times painted in a very negative light in Rex's book.

"I'm not sure that type of beating [on Vince] was necessary," Anselmo said. "Vince is a difficult guy and was always a different type of guy. But did he deserve that type of beating? I don't think so. When I do my book, I want it to be known that it's not just a PANTERA book. And I'm not in a pissing contest with Rex. It's a shame."

He continued: "Rex has many faults, just like anyone else. But it sure seems like he wants to put fault on other people to take away from his humanity. We're all full of faults. Maybe it's easier for some of us to admit."

During an April 2011 interview with High Times, Anselmo said that that since he underwent surgery in 2005 to repair several damaged disks in his back, he's helped many friends get clean and that he has about a 50 percent success rate in getting them sober. One person that he said he couldn't seem to help was Brown, who in 2009 was diagnosed with pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas which can have severe complications and high mortality despite treatment. "That's the only rift between me and Rex; other than that, we're fucking best friends," Anselmo said. "He just can't stop fucking drinking."

He added, "I've tried. I gave it my all and I love Rex Brown with all of my fucking heart and soul. But, goddamnit, he will not put down that fucking bottle for any of us. He is, and has been told, he is going to die. I'm gonna tell you this: He's not gonna die on my time, because he ain't drinking around 'The Kid.' Straight up. And that means he can't be around right now, 'cause he's fucking drinking. And that's that. That's that fucking story in a nutshell."

Brown's replacement in DOWN is Patrick Bruders, who is also a member of the New Orleans sludge metal legends CROWBAR alongside DOWN guitarist Kirk Windstein.