Vinnie Paul Dies, Rockers React
The death of Pantera and Hellyeah drummer and co-founder Vinnie Paul has brought out expressions of grief from the rock and metal worlds on social media. You can read what they wrote below.
"Terribly saddened by the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing," Alice Cooper wrote. "Vinnie was a beloved fixture in the rock and metal communities and we will miss seeing him out on the road. His impact on heavy music is immeasurable. Rest In Peace Vinnie, condolences to your family, friends and fans."
Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses added, "RIP Vinnie Paul. Friend. Humorist. Badass drummer. All-around good man. Condolences to the family. You will be missed bro..."
"So sad to hear of the death of Vinnie Paul," Paul Stanley wrote. "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."
Born Vinnie Paul Abbott, he founded Pantera in 1982 with his guitarist brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and bassist Rex Brown. After nine records, four of which went platinum, they broke up in 2003, and the brothers formed Damageplan soon after. However, that band was met with tragedy when Darrell was killed onstage in 2004. Hellyeah was born two years later, and they released five albums together.
Many of the social media posts referenced that VInnie and Darrell are now reunited. Read what they wrote below.