Rob Monk/Metal Hammer Magazine/Team Rock via Getty ImagesVinnie Paul, co-founder of Pantera has died. He was 54.
A message on the Pantera Facebook page 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.”
Paul and his brother Dimebag Darrell founded Pantera in 1981; the band found fame in the late ’80s with its second lead singer, Phil Anselmo. Its career spanned nine albums and four Grammy nominations, including the influential 1992 album Vulgar Display of Power and the #1 1994 release Far Beyond Driven. Pantera has sold over 60 million records.
After Pantera split, Paul and Darrell formed Damageplan in 2003. In 2004, Darrell was tragically shot dead onstage during a concert.
Paul has been the drummer for Hellyeah since 2006. The band also includes Mudvayne singer Chad Gray and Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell.
The metal and hard rock world took to social media to mourn Paul’s passing.
Alice Cooper tweeted, “Terribly saddened by the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. Vinnie was a beloved fixture in the rock and metal communities and we will miss seeing him out on the road. His impact on heavy music is immeasurable. Rest In Peace Vinnie, condolences to your family, friends and fans.”
Dave Mustaine wrote, “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.”
Slash wrote, “Tragic news about Vinnie Paul today. He was one of the warmest people I knew. A truly good & fun friend. We’re going to miss you more than you could possibly have known. RIP buddy.”
Sebastian Bach tweeted, “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.”
Zakk Wylde wrote, “GOD BLESS VINNIE PAUL – 1964-2O18 – FATHER VINNIE,Your Compassion for others & Your Love for seeing everyone around you Happy I will never forget – Your Heart of Gold Made The World a Better Place – Go be w/Your BELOVED BROTHER – I LOVE YOU – tBLSt SDMF.”
Duff McKagan tweeted, “RIP Vinnie Paul. Friend. Humorist. Badass drummer. All-around good man. Condolences to the family. You will be missed bro…”
Disturbed tweeted, “Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, fans, family, and loved ones of our friend, Vinnie Paul. Our hearts are broken.”
Shinedown’s Brent Smith posted a video in which he recall the first time he met Paul, 18 years ago at a festival in Kansas City. Smith recalled that his band was in a trailer with two parts, separated by a door, on the other side of which were Paul and Dimebag Darrell. The brothers kicked down the door, and told Smith, “There’s not going to be any doors between us. We’ve never met you and you’ve never met us but, but at this moment in time, we’re all family.”
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