Legendary metal drummer Vinnie Paul died on June 22. Paul was a founding member of the GRAMMY-nominated band Pantera as well as Damageplan and Hellyeah.
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The tragic news arrived via a post on the Pantera Facebook page, announcing, "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away." No cause of death was revealed.
Known for his signature blend of technique and groove, Paul formed Pantera in 1981 with his brother Darrell "Dimebag" Abbot. The band became a powerhouse of the '90s metal scene with landmark albums such as 1990's breakout Cowboys From Hell, 1992's seminal Vulgar Display Of Power and 1994's punishing Far Beyond Driven, which earned the group their first GRAMMY nomination for Best Metal Performance for "I'm Broken" at the 37th GRAMMY Awards.
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After Pantera disbanded, Paul went on to form Damageplan with his brother. Tragically, "Dimebag" Darrel was murdered on stage in 2004 during a Damageplan show in Columbus, Ohio. Following the difficult loss of his brother, Paul went on to form the group Hellyeah, who he toured and released music with up until the time of his death.
The music community reacted with shock and grief to the news of Paul's death. Kiss' Paul Stanley said in a tweet, "So sad to hear of the death of Vinnie Paul. Loved when Pantera did shows with us and in later years Vinnie was always front and center at all Kiss shows. RIP and condolences to his family," while Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker tweeted, " Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul. Heaven has Dimebag and Vinnie now."
Paul's contribution to the legacy of heavy music and his influence as a drummer of will not be forgotten.
