Former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott has died. He was 54 years old.
“Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away,” reads a statement on the Pantera Facebook page. “Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.”
Vinnie Paul and his brother “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott co-founded Pantera. When Pantera broke up in 2003, they formed Damageplan. On December 8, 2004, while performing with Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old.
Paul Stanley tweeted, “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.”
Scott Ian wrote, “Damn it. I love you brother. RIP Vinnie Paul.”
Travis Barker tweeted, “Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul. Heaven has Dimebag and Vinnie now ??#RIPVINNIEPAUL.”
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. https://t.co/DaQREBNVW7
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) June 23, 2018
Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul. Heaven has Dimebag and Vinnie now ??#RIPVINNIEPAUL
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) June 23, 2018
