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The Day the Metal Died - RIP, Dimebag Darrell

I've admittedly been out of the normal loop of knowing the day's top stories, but I was absolutely floored when reading about the tragic and senseless murder of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, best known for his groundbreaking guitar work with Pantera.  To a metalhead and musician like myself, he was a true inspiration and I'm literally shaking as I write this.  I'm that moved.  I haven't been this offset by the loss of a musician since Randy Rhoads died in 1982.

God, I still can't believe it.

I remember reading Dime's tutorials in Guitar World Magazine years ago, and being amazed at how a guy with so much technical ability could explain such advanced concepts so simply.  I never knew him personally, but the mass of support I've already read online all confirms what we could instantly tell - the man loved life and was a true friend.

Rest assured that although Dime's place in music history was forever cemented far before the recent tragedy, he's immortalized as one of the metal genre's true pioneers, and a truly beloved musician.  He was this generation's Eddie Van Halen, and he'll never be forgotten. 

My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Abbott family in their time of mourning. 

You can also check out a more formal article I did on Dime at: http://www.kuam.com/news/11879.aspx

Published Dec 10 2004, 01:10 PM by guam-aspdev
Filed under:

Comments

 

Geoff Appleby said:

Wow. I dont' much about the guy, but I can so often recognise his guitar work.

It's a shame. Pantera rocks a lot of butt.
December 9, 2004 10:45 PM
 

Jessica said:

I've been into Pantera for 6 months and didn't know the members well, but when I heard the news it hit me like a ton of bricks. It's a shame he was killed and three other innocent lives were taken. It filled me with rage, saddness and disbelief when I heard it, it's a shame we have to celebrate another death date on a life that ended so tragically and had an even more promising career ahead of him and it was cut short by some deranged, envious person.
December 10, 2004 7:10 PM
 

Jarek said:

IT'S OVER!!!IT'S OVER!!!IT'S OVER!!!I CAN'T BELIVE IT!!!WHY DARRELL???Ten ktos kto to zrobil jest gnojkiem!!!Nie zasługuje na to zeby byc nazywany człowiekiem!!!Pewnie miał kompleksy bo DARRELL był kims wielkim!Kims kto powodował że u wielu ludzi pojawialy sie ciarki na plecach!!!DZIEKUJE CI DARRELL!!!
December 10, 2004 7:25 PM
 

Bob The Builder said:

Rofl, that guy got owned!
December 10, 2004 7:29 PM
 

disasterpiece219 said:

i'm glad they shot the fucker that killed Dimebag
December 10, 2004 7:29 PM
 

brian kletzka said:

he was one of my heros . i have ben playing guitar for 10 years or so and he is a god. i can not belive that this happen what the hell is wrong with people .. R.I.P. DIMEBAG ..
December 10, 2004 7:40 PM
 

Metal_Man said:

I cant beleave it dude i cried when i heard the news man R.I.P Dimebag Darell Abbott
December 10, 2004 9:00 PM
 

wallace said:

Rock In Peace Dime. You were a god, now even more up above
December 10, 2004 9:05 PM
 

wallace said:

I'm speechless, so speechless.anywhere you are, you're still the best. love you Dime
December 10, 2004 9:07 PM
 

nz dimebag said:

I have been a fan for the past 14 years have learnt to play most of dimebags songs on the gat and i was absolutely flawed when i heard the unspeakable news, dimebag is a god, He will be missed RIP Bro!!
December 10, 2004 9:24 PM
 

Chasu said:

damn so sad i cried too man my favorite guitarist died damn shame RIP dime
December 10, 2004 9:32 PM
 

Brandon "disto" White said:

such a tragic loss, not much for a christmas present, Rest In Peace, Rock In Peace Dimebag Darrell Abbott, the god lives on as a higher being
December 10, 2004 9:44 PM
 

Robbo said:

if it wasent for Dimebag and Kirk Hammet i wouldnt play the guitar right now. I remember one of the first real technical song i learned from them was cemetary gates. I have Dimebag to think for my rising hobby of playing the guitar. I was on the way to school when i heard on the radio that Dimebag got shot at his concert. When i heard that i almost ran off the road because of the shock. I dont think ill ever forget about the awesome guitarist Dimebag was. Metal will never be the same without Dimebag Darrell Abbott
December 10, 2004 10:00 PM
 

Mickey said:

man i cant believe that dime is gone hes my role model he was the reason why i started playing guitar and to the guy who killed dime you can rot in hell
R.I.P Dime Bag Darrell
your spirit lives on
December 10, 2004 11:25 PM
 

groovemetalhead said:

fuck this, i loved pantera, i loved damageplan, i love dime, i never got to meet him but i feel like i've lost a brother!!! metal will never be the same! DIME, i love ya bro! R.I.P.
December 10, 2004 11:35 PM
 

RCF said:

When will Americans understand that the only people in society who need and should be allowed to own guns are the police, security forces, Farmers & hunters? Why was this lunatic ever allowed to own a gun? Why does anyone in a city need a gun? Why can't we just punch each other a few times, shake hands, have a beer and go quietly. Guns are for cowards, real men use their fists. This should have never happened. What a tragic loss, such a gifted musician and a wonderful human being.
December 10, 2004 11:45 PM
 

Christian Roberts said:

im glad the cops killed dimes murderer. because if he wasn't dead id have to kill him myself. that was a sad time for the metal world. you were the best. and will always be. if i ever become deaf i will still be able to here your shreddin solo's ringing in my head. ROCK IN PEACE. just ROCK IN PEACE. you will always be a legend. your talent will never die.
December 10, 2004 11:57 PM
 

lobu said:

R.I.P dimebag the music never dies u will rock forever!! u are god but higher in power!
December 11, 2004 1:11 AM
 

felix diaz said:

it is so sad,sorry dude i am still in shock,wherever you are Dime STAY HEAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 11, 2004 1:21 AM
 

Dave M said:

Dimebag was one of the best ever. He could do things with a guitar that most musicians will never be able to do. The metal world will miss him forever. My prayers go out to Vinny. Stay strong man, your brother is sadly missed by many.
December 11, 2004 4:07 AM
 

cory said:

i never met him but i knew someone who did and she was so shook up like ive never seen her. He was an amazing musician but from what ive heard an even more amazing friend and person. R.I.P. dimebag
December 11, 2004 6:19 AM
 

Dave, undefined said:

This is shit, what the hell did he do to any one. I've been into Pantera for 8 years, and finding out he died, i have nothing but visions in my head of what he would have looked like in the aftermath. I wish they didn't kill the bloke who did it. I whish they arressted him so every fucker in jail and the world could find him and make his life hell.
See you up there man!! R.I.P DD.
December 11, 2004 7:18 AM
 

Rach said:

R.I.P Dimebag, you will be greatly missed in the world of metal, and whoever shot you deserved to have his life ended. Love you man!
December 11, 2004 9:45 AM
 

MARIO said:

I CAN HARDLY BELIVE THIS HAPPENED !!! REST IN PEACE DARREL !! THE BEST MAN AN GUITAR PLAYER!!

MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!!
December 11, 2004 9:52 AM
 

eric said:

rip
December 11, 2004 10:17 AM
 

D said:

that killer is lucky he died. if he went to jail, where there are hundreds of pantera fans i'm sure, you know exactly what would be happening every single day. that fuckin' dumbass. i'm sorry, i live in columbus and i can say that damageplan was playing in the smallest club in columbus. there is no security there, none practically. i always stay out of the pit because i always thought about how it would suck if some psycho brought a knife in and started slashing people, and know look what happened. dime didn't belong in the alrosa, that place is for underground metal bands. damageplan could have taken a bigger venue easily. RIP to those who lost their lives. Dime, and especially the fans who just wanted to see their heroes.
December 11, 2004 11:50 AM
 

JP FI said:

Since Cowboys from hell was released, me and many of my friends (most of them musicians) have been devoted fans, Dimebag´s killer sound and riffs made the music feel like you´re in no holds barred bare knuckle fight taking blows all over the body and LOVING IT the whole time.Right after we heard the shocking news,depression and anger took over , because for decades there has been at least one safe place for bands and artists: THE STAGE and that line is not meant to be crossed EVER!! Riffmeister Abbott, remembered and respected- R.I.P.
Our condolences to all the families who lost a member and to those who were injured and/or traumatised on that night.
December 11, 2004 12:05 PM
 

Charles said:

Unbelieveable !!! First off, Vinnie, Rita,and Jerry... I feel absoultly hollow inside at the thought of your loss! I know how much Darrell ment to countless friends,and fans. And to his family, and loved ones this is an undescribeable tragedy ! My heart ,and prayers go out to you all ! I live in Arlington TX. I have been a avid Pantera fan for 21 years. I am exactly 3 days older than Darrell. I first saw Pantera in the spring of 1983. It was at a little club in Fort Worth (Savvys) .I had just recently bought their newest album " Projects In The Jungle" . And I could'nt believe my ears when I heard the shear wizardry of Darrell's playing, and the total kick ass grove that is Pantera. From the frist time I saw them live I knew Darrell ,and Vinnie were going to reach the highest peaks in the metal world. Darrell's gifts were beyond belief. The guitar was'nt an insturment for him, it was an extention of his body, and spirit ! At 17 years old he was undenyably the most creative, and talented guitarist to walk the earth !!! And in the 21 years to follow, his gift to us all, his passion for his craft only shined brighter, and brighter every time he entered the studio, or took the stage. As a guitarist Dime you are without a doubt my all time favorite !!! Simply Untouchable !!! And I am lucky to say that I am fortunate enough to have many awsome memories of Darrell off stage as well. I would go and see Pantera 3,4,5 nights in a row when thay would play Savvys. And the 3rd ,or 4th time I saw them i had been standing against the stage in front of Darrell Banging my head .and air guitaring the whole night. As they were taking a break ,and leaving the stage I yelled " Darrell You kick ass!" He turned to me , and reached to shake my hand ,and said "No dude you kick ass, you 've been banging it out the whole time ! Fuck em up, bang ! " Well as you can imagine I was in a state of disbelief, There my guitar god was giving me props ! And for the next year I adopted his saying " fuck em up, bang ! . And I honestly have at least 100 other stories of times that I got to hang a little, or drink a beer , or black tooth, shoot the shit, talk music,and guitar,or smoke one in the old suburban behind Savvys during stage break. I saw them at Rascals, Raffels, Joes, Bronco bowl, Ricks, The Electric co. ,Savvys, On The Rocks, Starplex , The Denver Colisuem. Mile high Stadium, and I know I am leaving out so many other venues. But everytime , every show, every encounter, it was a unforgetably awsome , and exciting experience ! The "Abbott brothers" are truely wonderful people !! Who care, and love their fans. So many people can testify this to be true . All around the World they have welcomed us all to stop ,and say howdy, shake your hand, sign your cd's , take a picture, or share a beer. They are the perfect example of how a Rock Star should treat their fans. No bullshit, just mutual gratitude between a couple of dudes from Texas who love to play their insturments, and millions of fans across this planet who love to listen to them do it ! Dime, Vinnie, I cant thank you enough for what you have given to us all, We will never forget, we just wish there was more to come ! I'll play my cd's ,and watch my videos, and show off my autographs, and tell my stories to anyone who will listen. Darrell's legacy will never fade ! And his guitar will echo throughout time !!! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING BOYS !!! And thank all of you who took the time to read this . Its been 21 years for me folks , and I just needed to tell someone how I feel . It hurts like hell , but I feel A little better now ! Dime,& Vinnie I love you guys.... You are the greatest !!! GOD BLESS YOU ! FUCK EM' UP , BANG !
December 11, 2004 12:11 PM
 

Renzo said:

es lamentable y triste que existan locos de mierda que te pueden matar cuando estas en le escenario, me uno al dolor mundial pro esta terrible perdida.
December 11, 2004 12:19 PM
 

PhiL said:

man im 14 and like Dimebag was my idol and i cant belive that this happend i mede a tribute page on my site to Dimebag if any one wants to look at it http://28phil28.piczo.com/?g=2393025. "Dimebag"Darrell Abbott was one of the best metal gatiuar players of all time and he will e missed but never forgoten
December 11, 2004 1:19 PM
 

sid h said:

An icon, a hero, an idol, a god .. he was larger than life.

Truly, the great metal era has ended.

It's sad..


RIP Dimebag Darrell
December 11, 2004 1:23 PM
 

tommy said:

if you think it's a good thing dime is dead you are a fagot muthafuckin cock sucker that s.o.b who killed him i hope he rots in hell like the fucking piece shit he is
dime was the shit.
fuck you im out
December 11, 2004 2:05 PM
 

tommy said:

r.i.p dimebag
December 11, 2004 2:06 PM
 

Adrian said:

"I'd bust the punks that rape steal and murder" anselmo should write hollow part 2. he lived by his guitar and died whit it R.I.P
December 11, 2004 2:06 PM
 

Shredmaster said:

I'm just passing by, but allow me to express my thoughts on this.

Just been told of this terrible, TERRIBLE news by a friend of mine. As a musician and a metalhead, I've always loved Pantera's work. Truthfully, I don't know what to say other than that I'm so very sorry about what happened. God, how this all had to happen to one of the most influencial musicians in the modern heavy music scene is completely beyond me.

R.I.P. Dime... And I thank you for being one of my musical influences.
December 11, 2004 3:36 PM
 

shocked said:

wow....i cant beleive it....how could a ture metal head kill one of the best metal guitarist is ridiculouls...so what pantera broke up...this was senseless..i dont really know what to say except that i wish the cops didnt kill that guy cause that motherfucker should have been tortured!!! as a bassist he inspired me as well..i want to do what he did on guitar on bass.he made me really look at other instruments for inspiration...metal hasnt been as popular as in the past....it has been getting better...but my point is...he stayed true to metal never even slowed down never sold out....shit he just got heavier and sicker!!! and how da fuck did someone get in there with a gun anyway? they need to shut down that club for ever and make sure he never opens another venue again and he should pay for the rest of his pathetic life...man i'm so pissed i could write about this for hours...i'll just stop right now..dime i'll miss you...but at least your music will live on bro...:(
December 12, 2004 3:15 PM
 

David said:

If only I could go back in time to that show and stop this. Then I'd have some fun with that Gale motherfucker who killed him. I can't even begin to explain the pain I'd put him in. Never the less, I can't, and all I can do is mourn. Dime was the best Metal guitarist of the past 20 years, possibly the best of all time. It's people like his killer and those Columbine bastards that ruin our country. No matter what, if you kill it's bad, but when you're such a worthless, pathetic piece of shit, to kill over some bullshit, like "They took my songs" which I bet isn't even true, you deserve to be up there with people like Bin Laden. I kind of wish the police didn't kill him, so he couldn't go to prison, and get the shit beat out of him every day. My condolences go out to all of the Abbot family. Vinnie you're an awesome drummer as well, you're one of my biggest influences. Also, I wish everyone luck in getting through this, and just remember, in instances like this, a good beating can do the trick, but don't fucking kill someone. This really sucks. R.I.P Dime.
December 12, 2004 3:30 PM
 

Marco said:

I remember seeing Pantera first time long time supporting, I think, the Monsters Of Rock tour at some enormo-dome in New Jersey. Was for 'Cowboys from Hell'. That was great...and I became a fan from then on. But for their next two albums I had the sweet pleasure of seeing them at NYC's Roseland Ballroom (and kept the ticket stubs like a chick does), a 750 to 1000-person standing-room kinda place, where I have seen a ton of other bands if all kinds, especially heavy ones. I have never seen a venue turn into such a monstrous mosh pit in my life. Pantera were just soooo fucking heavy...I mean...I've seen Celtic Frost, Slayer and VoiVod in tiny shithole clubs, back when the heavy music was heavy, before it started to fucking suck for a long while, which Pantera then came around to save. And Dimebag was a singular reason for that rescue...with that god-size guitar tone....fucking love and death in every riff....those weigh-more-than-ten-tons sized riffs...let alone what Vinnie and Phil and Rex were adding into the mix. But that mammoth guitar....like the middle section in 'Floods' before the acoustic guitar and Dime-solo...sounds like a prehistoric fucking creature coming out of the woods, in slow sludge steps. Dimebag's tone. And at those Roseland shows...sweet Christ the place went fucking apeshit bananas. Awww God...it was just so beautiful and heavy. And perfect...cuz they played all the tracks as if they were playing the record. I didn't know how Dimebag would pull that shit off live....and he was a monster...thrashing, banging his head, 'acting like a maniac', and nailing every lick, every twisted, screaming solo, every bestial, fucking hollowed-out bent E that reminded me of why I needed them so much in college to get me through my fucking shit at the time....bodies were flying everywhere...they did 'Fucking Hostile' at both shows and I thought nothing would be left. They were just soooo fucking heavy...and real. A no bullshit band. No bullshit players. No toning down. For love. For love of the feeling of such fucking beautiful, heavy music. Shit man...the opening riff to 'New Level'...awww man...Dime...I hope you know what you have done to set
heavy music right...to put the teeth back in guitar after years of fucking falsies.
In the long line of musicians in history, Dimebag will be that landmark where it all pivoted around. Like that other Texan before him, a certain little Stevie Ray Vaughn, he changed how it all should be...how it could be done and how it could be. I'm glad I bore witness. Condolences sincerely to the Abbott family.
Bless your son.
December 12, 2004 4:34 PM
 

Kaino said:

DIME!!............why man, WHY??? to me this is the single most tragic thing to ever happen! I cant understand why some little bitch of a piece of shit excuse for a man would ever want to hurt Dimebag, or metal for that matter. I dont blame any single person in general, other then that fucken worthless piece of shit that is, but i dont think that his murder should of ever been allowed to happen! but i wont go any further then that. I would just like to say to all metal fans out there who loved pantera or damageplan, all you fucken awesome guys and girls out there just keep remembering what Dime did for us and to never say he's dead, cause he wont die in our hearts and minds if we dont let him. RIP "DIMEBAG" Darrell Lance Abbott. I'll miss you buddy!
December 12, 2004 5:05 PM
 

Jason said:

I met him once, just a few months ago. They were just about to start the Damage Plan tour and they were at my local radio station. I drove to meet them and Dimebag was the nicest guy. He joked with me, signed an autograph and gave me a hug telling me he appreciates that im a fan. Nobody could have deserved this less.
No offense to Phil Anselmo, but he was an asshole when i met him. He acted like he was higher than me, Dimebag is on the same pedistal and he never forgot why he was there. He died playing, he'll play from beyond. RIP Dimebag Darrell.
December 13, 2004 5:30 AM
 

TrackBack said:

December 13, 2004 4:11 PM
 

TrackBack said:

December 13, 2004 4:15 PM
 

Brian said:

I feel so bad about what happened.Pantera was one of my favorite bands and how could one of thier fans kill one of the members.I just dont get it.They were one of the greatest metal bands ever and someone had to end DimeBags career in an instant.
December 13, 2004 7:03 PM
 

Jason Salas said:

I just did a more formal article to remember Dime: http://www.kuam.com/news/11879.aspx
December 14, 2004 7:17 AM
 

Tom. M said:

Allow me to get this off my chest...

I saw Pantera only once in my life, sadly beacuase I don't think I had any friends cool enough to introduce me to them...it was in 2001 at Festival Hall in Melbourne, Australia. I rocked up tipsy and relaxed after many cans of jim beam and coke, with some friends.....and that night I can honestly say was the best day of my life. Even though Philip Anselmo had drunk way too much, and was being a dirtbag to the audience, and not even trying to do the songs very well, it was still the best day of my life, and I'm forever greatful for it.

I think it makes sense that Darrell stated the bastard of a song to put together, 'I'll cast a shadow' ended up for him being , '"It's my favorite now, the most badass song on the record." .

-- Darrell Abbott, you have died... and you ARE casting a shadow, over the whole metal world.

Darrell was the "whole package", guitar skill and mastery of movement with the instrument.

May your father, brother, wife and son have the strength to carry on.

Your death will get more people interested in your music, and hopefully one day just one day. we will see another gentle giant like yourself with an amazing ability to play axe, have fun, and give joy to millions of metal heads.

Quote Darrell Abbott - "Alright brother, rock on!"

Hope to see you again some day, wherever you are. Maybe you could pour me a black tooth'? Cheers, wheewwww!
December 14, 2004 7:55 AM
 

ishfaque , abu , omra said:

tor maire chudi khanki maggir pola jaita darell dimebag re marse hala tui na morle tore ami maire feltam.....shala go to hell the murderer.....
December 14, 2004 9:20 AM
 

Todd said:

RIP Dimebag.. wish I could hear your duet with Randy Rhoads at the pearly gates.. theres some major shreddin goin on in heaven tonight.
December 14, 2004 1:15 PM
 

Pantera fan said:

I can't believe that dimebag darrell was killed by some lunatic. What an a**hole. Dimebag had a lot ahead of him. He was a very good guitar player. The guy who did this should be shot to death the same way he did to dimebag. I cannot believe this s***. He was probably a linkin park and hoobaskank fan. It's not dimebags fault he is a good musician. Linkin park and hoobaskank aren't alrite. They suck a lot.
December 14, 2004 5:02 PM
 

Pantera fan said:

Man! its all over now that dimebag is dead. Now Pantera can't get back together. And now there ain't gonna be a reunion tour for Pantera. F*** that dirtbag. When I see him he'll know watsup when I f*** him up s***.

R.I.P dimebag darrell much love for you!
December 14, 2004 5:06 PM
 

Damon said:

Pantera fan your right man. This guy is a linkin park and hoobaskank fan. Why would he do this shit man. Just because linkin park and hoobaskank suck doesn't mean he had to do this shit. He should've came up to me instead and fought me instead. I would've fucked him up. It's all about Pantera shit. dimebag darrell one of the best guitarists in the world man. Fuck all those ass hole hattin. Better pay your respects for dimebag.
R.I.P
December 14, 2004 5:13 PM
 

kelelle said:

I was and still am floored at the passing of Dimebag Darrell. May he rock forever with best who have passed before him.
REST IN PEACE DIME!!!!
December 14, 2004 7:39 PM
 

Mr. K. said:

R. I. P.......
December 15, 2004 12:31 PM
 

MetalLord said:

This is just insane, the rock world is empty without Dime Bag in it. Yeah its a real good thing that killer got shot because his ass would be had. Rock on Darrell!
December 15, 2004 4:29 PM
 

pacs said:

I sympathize and deeply saddened with the loss of a great metal guru of our time. Thanks for the music and inspiration... You're truly one of a kind... Your legacy will continue and your music will live on... Rest in peace man, rock on!
December 15, 2004 7:53 PM
 

metalfukdemon666 said:

i'll kill that pice of shit that killed dime fuck him
December 16, 2004 6:50 PM
 

Richard said:

Dime is one of the Best metal Guitar players out there. he's My Hero. He was living a great life. I'll Drink a beer and a shot of whiskey in remembrence of dime. I know your rockin out in heaven as i speak. R.I.P Dime and good bye you cowboy from hell Youve made Guitar History
December 31, 2004 6:51 PM
 

jason said:

who da hell would kill the worlds greates riff gutarist i knw if dat dude was nt dead i would hang him and chop of is head in front of millions of people !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and he changed the word metal dime rip m8

June 5, 2007 9:32 AM

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