Pantera Co-Founder Vinnie Paul Has Passed Away
Rest in peace.
Vinnie Paul, co-founder and former drummer of legendary thrash metal band Pantera, has passed away. The cause of death has not yet been made public. A statement on Pantera’s Facebook page reads:
“Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. 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 formed the band with his late real life brother, Dimebag Darrell, in 1981. The group later found mainstream success with second lead vocalist Phil Anselmo. Pantera earned four GRAMMY nominations throughout its career and charted nine albums on the Billboard 200. Its 1994 studio album Far Beyond Driven debuted at No. 1. After the disbanding of Pantera in 2003, Paul and Darrell formed Damageplan. Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed onstage during a concert in Columbus, Ohio in 2004.
May Vinnie Paul rest in peace. We send condolences to his family and loved ones in this time of difficulty.
