VINNIE PAUL of PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN Dead at 54

It is with great sadness that we are receiving the word that founding member and drummer of Pantera, Vinnie Paul has passed away at the age of 54. In an official statement released by the band, it was announced; “Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.”

Paul formed Pantera in 1981 with other founding members Dimebag Darrell and lead singer Terry Glaze. Paul’s death is of course preceded by that of his younger brother Dimebag Darrell, who was murdered on stage in 2004 when he was shot and killed. During his illustrious career in music, Paul was also the co-founder of the highly successful heavy metal band Damageplan.

While it’s a time for sadness, it’s also a time of celebration. So go put on some Pantera or some Damageplan today, turn it up really loud and either blow out your speaker system or drive your neighbours crazy. It’s what heavy metal’s all about really isn’t it?