Pantera drummer and co-founder Vinnie Paul dies aged 54
Former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul has died. He was 54-years-old.
A statement on Pantera’s Facebook reads: "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time."
> Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away.
> Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands
> Pantera and Hellyeah.
> No further details are available at this time.
> The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time. pic.twitter.com/4yCzabmWVt
>
> — Pantera (@Pantera) June 23, 2018
Alongside his late younger brother ‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott, Vinnie founded Pantera in 1981 and over the course of their first three albums they embraced a glam metal sound that had parallels to bands including KISS and Van Halen.
With Phil Anselmo recruited as frontman in the late eighties, they took their music into heavier realms and in 1992 unleashed their influential sixth album ‘Vulgar Display of Power.’
After Pantera split in 2003, Vinnie and Dimebag went on to form Damageplan and they released one studio album ‘New Found Power’ before Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio in December 2004. He was just 38.
In June 2006, Vinnie formed Hellyeah which also featured Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett from Mudvayne, guitarist Tom Maxwell from Nothingface, and bassist Bob Zilla from Damageplan.
Alongside fellow conctant members Maxwell and Gray, they released five studio albums together including, most recently, 2016’s ‘Undeniable’.
A number of stars from across the rock world have paid tribute to Vinnie Paul. Read some of the tributes below:
> I just woke up in Belgium to the news that my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Another metal hero taken too soon. Say hello to Daryl for me. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. @Pantera @hellyeahband #vinniepaul > > — Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 23, 2018
> Shocked and saddened to hear of Vinnie Paul's passing. A true original. Had some good laughs when we toured with @Pantera. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/adiO8B16jf > > — Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) June 23, 2018
> Damn it. I love you brother. RIP Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/73fTmNLA2F > > — Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) June 23, 2018
> So sad to hear of the death of Vinnie Paul. Loved when Pantera did shows with us and in later years Vinnie was always front and center at all KISS shows. RIP and condolences to his family. https://t.co/DaQREBNVW7 > > — Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) June 23, 2018
> Rock in peace Vinnie Paul
> Say hi to brother Dime from all of us
> We love you . Wish you were still here. Gone too soon man . Thanks for the music. And more importantly 30 years of non stop friendship. How rare is that In this business? I'm really gonna miss you ? pic.twitter.com/LUY41pzC0l
>
> — Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) June 23, 2018
> My heart... pic.twitter.com/djZT5MMKYS > > — Charlie Benante (@skisum) June 23, 2018
> Vinnie... I told you 100 times I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing had you not changed the world. I was fortunate enough to get to know you as a man and as a true friend.
>
> You made me feel good about me. You... https://t.co/Qe8CYdPCnx
>
> — Chris Adler (@ChrisAdlerMusic) June 23, 2018
> I’m in shocked to say the least. I was praying to God the news wasn’t true....unfortunately and sadly it is. RIP my friend you are and will forever be missed. I will always be grateful for… https://t.co/HeL7LbDtri > > — ASHBA (@DjASHBA) June 23, 2018
> In honor of Vinnie’s passing, here is a piece Todd Newman and I did years ago to honor his brother, Dimebag. https://t.co/oMikpx7QXj > > — Dave Navarro (@DaveNavarro) June 23, 2018
> So sorry to hear about Vinnie Paul. The man was a Class act and always treated everyone with respect. Here’s to one of metal’s best! > > — Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) June 23, 2018
> Can’t believe it.
> R.I.P to our brother Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/In2Dlmmfq5
>
> — Anthrax (Band) (@Anthrax) June 23, 2018
> Vinnie was a great friend. My heart is aching. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, band and crew. Godspeed my friend. #VinniePaul pic.twitter.com/lY8JdvveBE > > — Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) June 23, 2018
> R.I.P. Vinnie Paul....
> Always had a great time with you buddy!! Now you can jam with Dime again....
>
> — John Corabi (@Crablegs59) June 23, 2018