The Murder of Dimebag Darrell: You Are Not Forgotten

I was just watching a rerun of “That Metal Show” that Vinnie Paul appeared on and talked about his brother, Darrell Lance Abbott, aka Dimebag Darrell. Vinnie and Dime were founders of the bands Pantera and Damageplan, both bands that I do like and have listened to. The murder of Dime during a show in Columbus, OH by a mentally ill “fan”, Nathan Gale, was a shock to the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Three others, Jeff ‘Mayhem’ Thompson (the band’s head of security), Erin Halk (Alrosa Villa employee), and an audience member, Nathan Bray, were also shot to death in this incident. Bray was trying to perform CPR on Dime and Mayhem and it got him killed. During the melee, the drum technician for Damageplan, John ‘Kat’ Brooks and Chris Paluska were also injured and Brooks was taken hostage by Gale. During this, Gale was shot and killed by a Officer James D. Niggemeyer, who was later awarded several awards for his actions during the incident. The motive for such hatred towards the band? Theories including blaming the Abbot brothers for the breakup of the popular band, Pantera and also a dispute between Pantera singer Phil Anselmo and Dimebag. Police did rule these out, but these theories are still popular amongst heavy metal fans. Other theories include Gale’s belief that Dimebag stole one of the songs Gale had written, but probably the most popular theory (and maybe closest to the truth) was that Gale, a paranoid schizophrenic, was having delusions at the time that overwhelmed him. However, due to Gale’s death, all theories are just that, theories and hopes to have an answer that the world will never have. But the world will always have the legacy of music that Dimebag left. And the lives and bravery that those who were killed and injured during this incident displayed. Dimebag Darrell, the world still loves and misses you. Your music will live on with your fans.

And for those of you that love Pantera, below is the link to my post in my personal blog where today the song of the day is Walk by Pantera. Excellent song! Also, Zakk Wilde did a song in tribute to Dimebag, his friend. It is a great song by his band, Black Label Society. The song is “In This River” and it is posted below. Dime was Zakk’s best friend.

Victims
Darrell Lance Abbott, aka Dimebag Darrell, 38
Jeff “Mayhem” Thompson, 40
Erin Halk, 29
John “Kat” Brooks (survived)
Chris Paluska (survived)
Travis Burnett (survived)

Dimebag Eternal
Damageplan website
Pantera website
A look back at the life and death of rock legend “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott
Dimebag Darrell, Four Others Killed In Ohio Concert Shooting
Remembering Dimebag Darrell Abbott on the Anniversary of His Death
“Dimebag” Darrell Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004)
Dave Mustaine on ‘Dimebag’ Darrell: ‘He Would Want Us to Remember Him by Celebrating and Not Mourn’
Wikipedia: Dimebag Darrell
Song of the Day: Walk by Pantera

Books
A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage At The Alrosa Villa
Black Tooth Grin: The High Life, Good Times, and Tragic End of “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott

Movies/Documentaries
Shattered: The Last Song