R.I.P. Darrell Abbott
Published December 09, 2004
Late last night at a club in Ohio, a young man ran onstage at the start of Damageplan's set and shot "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott multiple times at point blank range, killing him. This is not just about Darrell, four others were killed, including another member of the band, and two injured before the gunman was shot and killed by a police officer.
I know for most of you this is old news, but this is the first moment I have had to sit down and write something. It is weird because I was listening to Pantera's greatest hits album last night and this morning on my way to work. A co-worker told me about what happened and I didn't want to believe him, but he wasn't lying.
Dimebag's untimely passing is a loss to the world of music and to those who knew him. I have heard that he truly was a good guy. No one should ever have to lose a loved one in such a violent manner as this in such a public arena. Why someone would want to kill him is beyond me, it is an unthinkable act from a disturbed mind.
I had the opportunity to see Pantera perform live a few years ago, and am very glad to have been there. The live show they put on is incredible, loud full of energy, feeding off the crowd of ravenous fans in the pit. Tearing through all of their hits with fearless aggression, taking on the world. It is a show I will always remember.
My heart goes out to Vinnie and the rest of Darrell's family and loved ones. He will truly be missed. Always remember he will live on in the music he has created for us.
Visit me at Draven99's Musings.
See all our Damageplan shooting coverage here
Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings and Draven99's Media Center. 
- R.I.P. Darrell Abbott
- Published: December 09, 2004
- Type:
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Metal, Music: Hard Rock
- Writer: Chris Beaumont
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Comments on this articleComments
dimebag darrell was amazing talent...i met him on the cowboys from hell tour here in L.A. Ca. and then met darrell again at the L.A. Forum on the great southern trend kill tour.his personality was the same..straight up texas good people all around...world will miss you darrell....your moshing wings will fly forever my friend.
singer / songwriter charlie z of the militants
I would just like to pay my respects to the greatest metal guitarist ever. (in whatever way I can) And would also like to say that I was at the show when Dimebag was killed. Front row, center. and it was the most tragic event of my life. I'll never forget standing about 3 feet away from dimebag as he lay on the floor of the pit at the Al Rosa Villa as I asked myself "why did this happen". As i stared in disbelief. I couldn't sleep for days and still can't believe what happened. Dimebag will never be forgotten.
there is nothing i can say in words or writing to explain how fucked up it was to hear that my idol dimebag darrell had been shot, my heart goes out to his friends and family...metal will never be the same, RIP darrell may us fellow musicians pay respect to the greatest........
Moments like this people are usually concerned with 'I', but this time it is someone else that we should be conserned with and that is DIME! Dime was such an insperation to all of us. So much infact that we have taken timeout of our day to show our appreciation and respect for the style of life that he shared with us through his guitar palying. Dime in my opinon made Metal as popular as it is. He continues to help me trough my struggles and he was always ture to himself. A down to earth and mellow person! Rest In PEACE DARRELL 'DIMEBAG' ABBOTT! This jay is for you my friend!
I cried when I heard the news. He really was a beautiful person. I read in 'Guitar Player' how he said that guitar always sounds good to him, no matter how well or bad it's played.
RIP.
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In a display of support, all the albums of Pantera and Damageplan have appeared on newsgroups,
Ebay stuff being hocked too - one guitar is going for $2500
Commercialism at its 'best'