Vinnie Paul, a real metal legend, died on June 22, 2018. Vinnie Paul made an unforgettable impression on the world of heavy metal as the co-founder and powerful drummer of the renowned bands Pantera and, subsequently, Damageplan.
His tragic passing sent shockwaves through the metal community, leaving fans and other musicians in disbelief.
In this article, we'll explore the circumstances surrounding Vinnie Paul's passing and pay tribute to his remarkable musical career.
Who Is Vinnie Paul?
Vinnie Paul was an American musician best known as the drummer and co-founder of Pantera.
He was born Vincent Paul Abbott on March 11, 1964, in Abilene, Texas.
He also co-founded Damageplan with his younger brother, ‘Dimebag' Darrell Abbott, in 2003, and was a member of Hellyeah from 2006 until his death in 2018.
Several rock publications have named Abbott one of the finest metal drummers of all time.
Jerry Abbott, a country music songwriter and producer, and Carolyn Abbott were his parents.
Abbott began playing the tuba but was directed to the drums by his father, who stated that there were no career opportunities for tuba players
His father purchased him his first drum set.
As a drummer, Abbott cites Peter Criss, Alex Van Halen, and Tommy Aldridge as his main influences.
How Did Vinnie Paul Die?
Abbott died on June 22, 2018, at the age of 54, at his Las Vegas residence.
It was later determined that Abbott died as a result of “dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease.”
His death was first announced on the official Pantera Facebook page, with a statement confirming his affiliation with the bands Pantera, Damageplan, and Hellyeah, as well as a request that his family's privacy be respected.
Abbott's final performance took place five days before his death at The Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas.
Following his death, tributes from members of Black Sabbath, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Megadeth, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Periphery, Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, the Acacia Strain, In Flames, and many others began to pour in.
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He is buried at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Texas, alongside his mother, Carolyn, and brother, Darrell.
A protective fence was constructed around the Abbott burial place in late 2020 in an attempt to prevent vandalism; years previously, following the defacing of his brother's grave, Abbott had noted that the vandalism was “a real disrespectful thing.”
