Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott Dies at 54
By Andrew Magnotta
June 23, 2018
Pantera drummer and co-founder Vinnie Paul Abbott passed away Saturday morning, his family has confirmed.
Pantera announced the news in statements released to the band's official social media accounts.
"No further details are available at this time," read the statement. "The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time."
Paul was 54.
Paul is revered for his work in the iconic '90s heavy metal band Pantera.
Paul formed Pantera in the early-'80s with his brother Darrell. Pantera rose to prominence in 1990 upon the release of its Cowboys From Hell album. Paul's "power groove" style of drumming, along with his brother's unique guitar playing-style inspired a generation of rock and heavy metal musicians.
The band is best-known for shocking the music industry in 1994 when its album, Far Beyond Driven, debuted at #1.
Though defunct since 2003, Pantera has remained one of the most influential American heavy metal bands of all-time.
Darrell was murdered in 2004 during a concert at a club in Columbus, Ohio, with his and Paul's post-Pantera band Damageplan.
For years, Paul openly struggled with depression stemming from his brother's death.
The drummer took a few years away from performing live, until forming Hellyeah in 2007 with members of Mudvayne and Nothingface. Hellyeah went on to release five albums from '07 to '16.
Tributes from Paul's heavy metal contemporaries poured in all day Saturday.
Tragic news about Vinnie Paul today. He was one of the warmest people I knew. A truly good & fun friend. We're going to miss you more than you could possibly have known. RIP buddy. https://t.co/yQqruY4tio
— Slash (@Slash) June 23, 2018
RIP Vinnie Paul. Friend. Humorist. Badass drummer. All-around good man. Condolences to the family. You will be missed bro...
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) June 23, 2018
I just woke up in Belgium to the news that my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Another metal hero taken too soon. Say hello to Daryl for me. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. @Pantera @hellyeahband #vinniepaul
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 23, 2018
Very saddened to wake up in Belgium today to the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. You were a good friend and left us an amazing legacy. Go home in peace.... #ripvinniepaul hellyeahofficial… https://t.co/Wwn5VQqzbr
— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) June 23, 2018
Terribly saddened by the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. 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.
— Alice Cooper (@alicecooper) June 23, 2018
Just heard that Vinnie Paul of Pantara has passed away... God Bless RIP with Darryl 🙏🏽
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) June 23, 2018
Sad news about Vinnie Paul, our first trip to Dallas at Trees, he and Dime (RIP) came out. We were on same label (Atlantic), but I heard they did that with all new bands, bein’ the cool guys they were. Made the mistake of drinkin with ‘em all nite...pee, meet pants in the am! RIP
— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) June 23, 2018
Waking up to these news. RIP Vinnie Paul. Big loss for the music world. :( https://t.co/venFkipBQV
— Gus G. (@gusgofficial) June 23, 2018
Photo: Getty Images