R.I.P. "Dimebag" Darrell
We here at 99.5 KISS are saddened by the loss of former Pantera/Damageplan guitarist, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, who was murdered on stage on 12/08/04, in Colombus, Ohio. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Abbott family, all the victims that died or were wounded in this senseless tragedy, and to the rock community in general.

"Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was loved and respected by thousands of fans and friends all over the world. We here at 99.5 KISS would like to give San Antonio's Pantera and Damageplan fans the chance to pay tribute to this hugely talented individual. Email Us your thoughts, pictures with Dime, etc. and we'll try our best to post as many as possible.*

He's still rockin the heavens above. We'll never forget. Rest In Peace "Dimebag". - Nathaniel *** After I heard about the tragedy, I was shocked and refused to believe the news. Then I read it for myself, and I immediately became depressed. Bad things always happen to the people who never deserve them. As I sit here and listen to PanterA, I remember the first day I heard them from my brothers room, blaring from his speakers, insane guitar riffs and all around talent. I ran into the room and demanded to know who they were. I was 12 then, I'm now almost 18 and my love for PanterA has never changed since. - Sally *** Throughout the years, I had grown wanting to be a guitarists as great "Dimebag" and the fact that this happend....it sucks for the fact that not only was he a great metal guitar player, but an icon as well. I am still in disbelief but in time somehow we will all accept it. Darrel will be greatly missed and from me and the members of my band spawn of hate, we give our thoughts and prayers to all of his family, all of his fans, and all of the musicians and friends of this metal god. We'll miss you "DIMEBAG". - Grudge *** My wife thinks it silly of me to mourn the loss of Darrell because I never really knew him. But the thing is I feel like I did know him through his music, the multiple times I saw him live, and through the Pantera home videos. It seems like a friend is gone and he will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to the Abbott family and the families of the others killed in this untimely sensless tragedy. Peace be with you Dime. You will be greatly missed as a rock star and a person. - Chuck *** Hey I'm not big on words but i really cant believe a madman would do such a stupid thing. Pantera was a band i really love to listen to alot. Its crazy cause it wasnt too long that Dimebag was here in town...kind of makes you think one moment you're here, the next you're gone. But i see it as he's up their with Dave Williams of Drowning Pool and together they're up there making music and just partying like rock stars! But he will be missed greatly. - Jeremy *** I remember when I first heard of Pantera. I lived in White Settlement, TX. and Joe's Garage was the club that they played at. I was wondering what the word Pantera meant. Then I heard Dimebag. Pantera was whatever Dimebag played on his guitar. It was raw, it was pure, it was wonderous! It was the very first show I saw. God Bless You, Dimebag,and all his fans. Joe's Garage is now closed, but I hope they pay a tribute there because it's where they started. - Babs *** To be honest this is difficult for me to write. That is to write about the man I looked up to more than any other in the world. The unfortunate is the fact that no matter how many times I saw PanterA (12) I didn't get the chance to see my icon. Dime has been an inspiration to me from the first time I heard him shredding on Cowboys From Hell and Vulgar Display Of Power in early 93'. With a heavy heart and tear stained eyes I write this only wishing to have my guitar hero back. it's hard for me to understand how he affected me so much until this atrocity. If you ask my friends at one time they were starting to call me nickel due to the fact I looked up to Dime and no one else. To Vinnie Paul, Rita, their family and the families of the other affected by the worst day in my life and metal history I send my most heart felt condolences and as much love as can be sent. I know Dimes already got a part time band upstairs, Dime, Jon Bonham, Layne Staley and Cliff Burton. This Black Tooths For you Dime. - Jimmy in Indiana *** First and foremost, Dimebag is, without a doubt, a legend. His sound was so unique and his style was genuine. The industry will change and I'm sure concerts wont be the same anymore. I'd really like to send my deepest condolences to Vinnie Paul... Vinnie, I know what its like to lose a brother through murder. This Thursday December 16th, I will be lighting a candle in memory of my brother's death last year. His name was Christopher. He was shot and killed also, here in San Antonio. It was the infamous Sonic shooting back in 2003. It's hard to accept still and we both also played music together. We had a band and now our band is made up of 2 brothers instead of 3. I cant imagine how you must feel having to witness this. I still cant get that phone call in the middle of the night out of my head. We grew up listening to you guys in Pantera and it just crushed me to hear about what happened. For brothers to play music together is an awesome feeling and when something like this happens you don't know what to do. I have to face 6 trials against my brother's murderer this coming year starting in January, 2005. All the holidays arent the same and every day you're reminded in some way. Hang in there man, it wont be easy, but just know that because of his great personality, you'll have millions of fans to back you up. At least Dime's murderer got killed, I still have to face my brothers' in court. As for our band, it took us a while to figure out what we wanted to do and for his and my families sake, we're going to continue the dream as a strong 2 piece. Well, im not sure if you'll ever get this, but maybe if someone reads this, they can somehow pass it along to you. I couldn't stop thinking about how you felt and it just brought back all those bad memories of when it happened to my brother. I just felt like I could relate with the whole brothers in music together and then murder. Just know that nothing can touch him now...rest in peace Dimebag (the legend). - Mikey *** All I can say it was such a honor to meet him the 2 times I did and to see him play will never be forgotten, just like him. He was the nicest guy and was never bothered to take a picture or sign anything...he was amazing. Dime, you're in my thoughts forever. - Kevin in Las Vegas *** ROCK ON FOREVER DIMEBAG!!! - Robert *** I woke up on the morning of December 9, 2004. I got online to finish a paper for school and saw a picture of Dimebag Darrell excited to see what the news was... when I read " shot and killed." Pantera was my favorite band, and I had a horrible day. I can't imagine what Vinnie must be going through and everyone who knew him on a personal level. We have lost one of the best guitarists in the metal world. All I can say is I hope you REST IN PEACE, you will be remembered in the hearts of hardcore fans like me. I wish Vinnie the best and of course all of the Abbott family. - Lacey *** PANTERA has always had a great infuence in my life. My 3 friends and I used to live by COWBOYS FROM HELL and WALK as highshcool kid. As a man and father to 2 kids and 1 on the way, I hope to pass that kind of music to them. It brings tears to my eyes of what happened, but those 4 Cowboys From Hell changed the way I live my life. So thank you to Dimebag for being a great part of that. - Jaime *** I really think you all have been so respectful of Dimebag's death; the Morning Show. It was good not to hear a lot of listeners calling in, asking yet more questions, and Lisle as Hahn were quick to point that out. I was driving all over SA that day, and kept waiting to hear Pantera or Damageplan start to pop on the air all over the place. That didn't happen, and again I am grateful in that his / their music will always be there, and it wasn't a time I wanted to hear them just yet. Hoping for MAJOR security at all shows, frisking, you name it. Time to listen to Damageplan's 'Ashes to Ashes' on the Punisher soundtrack...sigh. - Kelly *** I am deeply saddened at the loss of an icon. I've seen Pantera 4 times and the shows were phenomonal. I cannot even express the feeling I had when I heard the news, truly heartbreaking. I know so many guys who looked up to Dimebag and it hurts me to see them mourn the loss of someone they idolized. The music industry has lost a legend. I know Dimebag will be remembered as an icon, a true trend-setter, a legend......and THE BADDEST COWBOY FROM HELL!!!!! Everytime i smoke a dime bag......I will always remember DIMEBAG DARRELL!!!! - William *** Thursday morning around 6:50 I hear the rock report while listening to Lisle & Hahn - Last night Dimebag Darrell was gunned down at a Columbus show. I layed in bed staring at the ceiling until 8. How could someone have so much senseless hate against someone so incredible? After finally pulling myself out of bed I made it to school and although one of my idols was gone I felt a sense of comfort from all the metalheads alike who grieved with me. All through the day I sat in the back of my classes with the few metal fans at my school sharing concert stories, listening to music and honoring Dime. For the past 3 days my free time has consisted of blasting Pantera/Damageplan and honoring Dime in any way I can, even if that something is making a shirt with Dimebag and lyrics on it. Probably the most painful aspect of this tragedy other than the tragedy itself is the disrespect given to him from the pop/rap/emo community who don't understand who he was and what he did. Just yesterday I was talking with my friend Sara about it and this guy Travis said "Oh yea I saw the video on Kazaa, that's so awesome!" I wish i could take a cinder block to his face for the disrespect and cowardly comments he said about a god in the metal community. He may be gone but his music and soul will live in us all until the end of time. - Wade *** Some say that Dimebag was a rock legend, a brother or sister to him/her, or even a great friend. But he was more to me than that. He was my hero. Dimebag Darrell was such an influence to my life, and to many others as well. How can we lose someone like Dimebag in our lives? How can people take others from their loved ones, and from what they had? It's such a tragic loss that his life had to end this way. Some people say that he's not around anymore, but I believe he still is, inside us, keeping heavy metal alive. - Marco in Laredo *** It's hard to imagine that one of metals most dynamic icons is gone. To think that there will never be another concert with Dimebag kicking ass on stage is only the beginning of this travesty. This crazed maniac not only has taken the life of a great musician and human being, but also spat in the faces of those who love and respect both the man and his music. What tribute can I possibly give that is even close to the tribute that his musical legacy will no doubt be? There in lies the greatest triumph Abbott has left us...that even in death, Dimebag will continue to influence the musicians of today and those yet to come with the infectious energy and searing intensity which has, and ever will be, his hallmark. To the Abbott family, the families of the others caught in this senseless rampage and the whole rock community, my deepest condolences. We all mourn together... - Roger *** "Dimebag" was able to capture the sense of frustration and anger that I, as a youth growing up in SA, felt towards a world I didn't understand. I am sure I am not alone in expressing this sentiment when I say that had it not been for his sound to sooth my own demons then I would be in a worse place today. He kept it as real as possible and was a much needed source of authenticity in todays superificial rock scene. I will sorely miss his presense. My thoughts go out to Vinnie Paul as well. Rest in Peace Dime. - Greg in Houston *** Dimebag was an awsome guy, especially in Pantera.I just want to tell Dimebags family and friends that I am sorry for their loss. And that I will never forget Dimebag Darrell. - Anonymous *** I never met Dimebag but just wanted to say how sad it is we live in a world that some idiot has to go and do an act so thoughtless. I can't believe he is gone but I believe he is with his buddy Dave Williams and they are rocking in heaven. - Bill *** You will always be in our hearts, minds, and your everlasting music will run through our veins for ever. It's just sad how people think that they can get away with things like this. Dimebag, you are forever in our hearts and I hope you are now sleeping with the angels. You will be forever remembered. RIP - Sophia *** I had just gotten to school when I heard the news, and I immediately felt sick. Why would such an idiotic and sick being who doesn't even deserve to be called human, much less a fan deprive the world of the talent of one of the greatest guitar players in the universe? I went the whole day holding back tears of anger, with my fists clinched in rage and not wanting to believe it. I never got to see Damageplan or Pantera in concert, but Dimebag always has been a major influence in the way I play guitar ever since I first heard Pantera on the radio several years ago. I thank God for Dimebag, for the life he led, for he lived for the music and fans...and loved every second of it. I plan on making a Shirt to honor Dimebag and I want to make tribute wristbands with an inscription of Dimebag's name. All of my prayers and thoughts go to the families of the victims, especially Vinnie Paul and the Abbotts. God Rest You Dimebag You will not be forgotten. - Nick in Boerne *** I just wanted to say r.i.p. dime you will be missed so everyone raise your glass and smoke one for the late and great dimebag darrell you will be missed but never forgoten. - Raymond *** When I first heard the news that Dimebag was possibly dead...I was stunned..too overwhelmed to believe it...but as I watch the news the next morning and saw his picture..thats when it sunk in...I couldn't understand why...why would someone do that. It wasn't fair...no one should have to die that way...I hear rumors that the gunman killed him because he had a grugde against dimebag for supposdly breaking up Pantera..even so..people need to understand that these things happen bands break up and go their seperate ways...sometimes they get back together and sometimes they don't. But to have to take a life...that's just unforgiveble..I never got to see Pantera or Damage Plan....but I new Dimebag was an excellent person and musician...May he finally rest in peace and I'll be praying for his family. - Alejandra *** I have been listening to and have been of fan of Pantera since I was in middle school. The "Cowboys from hell" album is one of the greatest metal albums that is out there. With every album they came out with , you can hear the growth in their music.They grew up right before our eyes.You can say we all grew up with them.Darrell was family. When I heard of the sudden tragedy ,I was deeply saddened. It was like finding out that a childhood friend that you grew up with was gone. Darrell will not go down as one of the greatest giutar players, but he will go down as one of the greatest musical genius. His style of playing cannot be replaced. His sound was rare. Its been almost fifteen years since I bought my first Pantera album and I still listen to it this day.I want to take time to show my respect and to say Thank you to Darrell.Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for making music that inspired me. Your music will inspire generations to come. Farewell Friend, you will be missed. You are gone but not foregotten. R.I.P - Jojo *** WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT WHAT HAPPEN ON DECEMBER 8, 2004 TO DIME WAS HORRIBLE. I HAVE BEEN I FAN FOR MANY YEARS AND IT HURTS ME DEEP INSIDE TO SEE A MAN WITH SO MANY TALENTS, AND A GREAT HEART BE TAKEN DOWN THE WAY HE WAS. REST IN PEACE DIME ME AND THE HOME BOYS WILL BURN A FAT ONE FOR YOU. - Big Dave *** If I could just talk to Dime one more time, I would say "Thanks for the good time great tunes and sharing his talent with us". My heart goes out to Vin and his family. I can only imagine what heaven will be like with Dime there. With Jimi, Stevie, Jon, Cliff, Paul, and now the great Dime. He will always rock in our heart and radio. Thaks to stations like this one. I just moved to Eagle Pass, but got to see Pantera live once in McAllen (where I am from). And was I glad I skipped work to go. So I raise my beer and crank the amp. In memory of our good friend "Dime". - John *** I have been a Pantera fan for many years and have admired the amazing playing skills of Dime since i first heard "Walk" on the radio ten years ago. Upon hearing the first single with his new group Damageplan I knew I had to own the album. So this wednesday (10 months since it's release) I finally scrounged up the 15 bucks to buy it and after listening to the whole thing i was pretty psyched to see them live in the near future, since I knew how amazing their live shows would be having been rocked by Pantera before. When I woke up to the tragic news thursday morning I was deeply saddened at the loss that has been bestowed upon the metal world, and heart broken he would no longer get to bring his art to us live. However, I am certain that his legend will live on through the music he has left us and for that I am thankful to Dime. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and friends, and I will definitely raise a beer and a shot of jager in his honor. - Matt in Austin *** DIME WILL LIVE ON IN THE KICK ASS MUSIC HE MADE! REST IN PEACE BROTHER - Rudy *** When I heard the news on kiss it seemed like nobody wanted to believe it. WHY? WHO? DIMEBAG? But as the news became more real it was hard to digest. Murdered onstage, it's scary to think about and leaves me feeling sick. Pantera was the reason I listen to metal and rock in general. I never got to see Pantera play live and knew i probably never would after the break-up but did get to see every member play live with their respective bands. This summer I had the honor to see Damageplan live at Verizon Wireless. Front row I got to see what an amazing guitar player Dimebag was. I was also lucky enough to catch a pick thrown by him. As many concerts as i have been to, seeing him play live was just amazing. As my tribute to the man you'll here me playing Pantera and Damageplan loud enough out of my car he'll hear it from skies above. Nothing but Love goes out to Dime. We will all miss you. - Andrew *** Today my friend told me that Dimebag was shot and killed on stage in Ohio. I covered my eyes and started to cry asking her if she was lying. Dimebag couldn't have been shot. Why would he get shot? He was very nice and very talented! I met him at the big f show thanks to my boy friend Devon. He was really nice. It suprised me because most people in a band would just be like hi and bye, but he was really cool. On stage he was an artist. An artist that thousands of fans, friends and family are grieveing for. Why do people have to get so caught up in what band members do, and get obsessed. I'm sure he just wanted to further his carrer with DamagePlan. He was doing his job. Doing what he loved. John Lennons death date as well. Weird, isn't it? I just want to thank Dimebag for all the great memories of music and for being a nice person. I wish the band,family and friends better days - Carol in Luling *** i am from san angelo texas and i came down for your kiss big f rock show and out of all those bands yall had there was damageplan and when they took the stage everybody took notice it was special and everybody loooked at dimebag for his riffs to soothe a hard rock itche they have been waiting for a long time a true pioneer at keeping it raw and down right heavy he will be truly missed and hard rock and most of all heavy metal will never be the same just because of this senseless act of one. - Jason *** I heard about it just tonight on the news. Was just sitting there on the couch, and it came across the television, hitting me like a sledge-hammer in the chest. I was shocked at first. Had to ask the person in the room with me a couple of times if the word "killed" had actually been used in reference to Dimebag. Then I cried. (I couldn't help myself.) I then paid tribute in the only way I knew how...Pantera CDs on full blast and whiskey. I've loved Pantera since I was about 10. They were the band that introduced me to metal in the first place. My first metal show ever was, of course, Pantera. Dimebag was an incredibly talented and bright individual and it bites beyond belief that he's dead. Still doesn't seem real. I heard it was a Pantera fan that killed him. Yeah, what a great way to show your love for a band, put six bullet holes in their former guitarist. Yeah, real mature, real productive. Part of what angers me is that I can hear all the rabid conservatives and fundamentalists now, twisting this tragedy around to prove how rock music induces violence and using it as a springboard to further their attempts at raping and censoring music like the Orwellian pigs they are. The other part of what angers me is that because of this Darwinian reject that called himself a "fan", there's potential that the real fans might have to suffer with tighter security measures. You know, the decent fans that just go to shows to listen to music and have a good time. Good way to ruin everybody's fun, boyo. Speaking of security, it seems that from some reports I've seen that there was almost no real security at the place. What were they thinking? It should be common knowledge that any show can get pretty rowdy and that its a good idea just to make sure that no one is getting through with anything that might seriously harm others, like, you know...guns. So much for common-sense, I suppose. Because of that grave oversight there's a painful gaping hole in the metal world today. Another beautiful flame has burned out. R.I.P. Dimebag. - Eryn *** It was my sons 4th B-day jan 28 at Harley Davidson. Dimebage picked him up to the crowd and said "Rock n Roll." with his deep voice. I will never forget it. My prayers are with you and your family, along with all your fans. I will never forget Pantera or DamagePlan - Kim *** Hi all man i cant believe wat happened with Dimebag that just flat out sux i cant believe this crap when i heard it this afternoon it blew my mind completely. I never got 2 c Pantera or Damageplan n concert just hear the music all the time and it rox. Vinnie i feel 4 ya man im sry u lost ur bro that would just tear me up completely. I hope that Damageplan can 1 day overcome this horrible tragedy and keep on jammin, gonna b hard 2 find some1 with the same riff affects as dimebag he had some killer riffs and sounded good. Peace 2 u all Damageplan and hope u guys can stick it out. - Heath *** Dimebag Darrel Abbot was a guitar legand for metal heads everywhere. this sensless tragedy will forever plauge the memories of fans every where. My thoughts and prayers go out to Vinnie as well as all the family members of the other victims in this event. if i ever got the chance i would piss on his (gale) grave too many times to count. - Chad *** Man what in the world is happening to people now a days. How can someone be so crazy and psychotic as to want to kill a living legend, or even just an average human being for that matter. Out of all the bands that have ever existed, it was my wish for pantera to get back together and have a reunited tour. Only being 18 I never had the chance to see them live or else i would have. Pantera is by far my favorite heavy metal band and Dimebag was one of my favorite guitarists. Well I hope Dimebag Darrell had a good life while he was here on earth, and let this be a lesson to all of us, that we need to live life likes it's your last day, because you never know if it is. You'll be missed by all metal heads and so many more. R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell - Chris *** Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott has certainly changed the face of heavy metal. He is and will always be a respected person and musician. He will not be forgotten. My prayers go out to the family, especially Mr. Vinnie Paul, as well as the family of the other members of Damageplan and families who lost loved ones. God rest his soul. - James *** I wonder if the authorities involved in the case have made the connection between this and the murder of John Lennon? Both events share a date: Dec. 8th In any event, the world is less rich for the loss of this gifted musician and my deepest sympathies go out to the Abbott family in this time of great tragedy. - Mike *** This such a tragic news to hear. Dimebag Darrell was a great guitarist and he did not deserve to lose his life this soon. My thoughts and prayers go to the band Damageplan and Pantera as well as their families. My thoughts and prayers go to those others were also killed at the concert. God Bless you. Pantera and Damageplan will always rock!! One of these days can our world just live in peace instead so much violence going today. REST IN PEACE Dimebag Darrell. We will always love you!!! - Joy *** I first met Darrell in 1987 when I began taking guitar lessons from him. We only had a few lessons and we didn't seem to get along that well at first. A bit later, after seeing him and Pantera play in clubs around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I approached him again about lessons to which he agreed. This time, at his mom's house instead of a music store, he began to teach me and we clicked. I found his ability far transcended anything the public ever got to hear. At some "lessons," we sat there talking instead of playing. At other times the lessons were intense; I left his house with my hand aching and my desire to learn more whetted. One of the best memories of my life was when, on my 20th birthday, he got me up on stage with Pantera to play Metallica's "Seek and Destroy," a song he had been teaching me. My "recital" went great. I'll never forget how proud he looked of his student. There are no words to describe what has been lost to the world with the murdering of my teacher and my friend. - Todd *** I only met the guys once when they came to Javalina last January. I have their pictures and autographs hanging on my wall. Dime's picture is right next to my light switch. As i turned out the light last night around 11:00 I was listening to KISS, right when i turned out the light i was looking at Dime's pic and at that same time i heard the news. He said it could be just an internet romour. But as I looked into Dime's eyes it was like something was missing from the picture. A soul. I knew it was no hoax or some cruel joke. Lying awake thinking about how the band and most of all how Vinnie must feel, "to lose his best friend best drinking buddy favorite band mate and more importantly his little brother. To watch him die. Horrible." About the time those thoughts went through my head, once again it was announced on KISS that Dime had been shot then it was confermed by elektra. At least he went out on stage, with the washburn in hand. My heart goes out to the fans, the friends, the band, Vinnie, and the family. RIP - Anonymous *** i don't have really much to say except for one thing. DIMEBAG will be missed not only as a musican but as a caring person. i still reemember when they came last month. i meet him and he was a really great guy. i just don't see how anyone could do such a thing like that. DIMEBAG YOU WILL BE MISSED - Anonymous *** I am still in shock that one of metal's icons is now gone. Dimebag was an extremely talented guitarist and one of the greatest guys you could meet. On November 3rd, I got to meet Dimebag and the rest of the members of Damageplan along with Shadows Fall after their show at Sunset Station. They were very nice and very easy to talk to. I never got to meet Pantera but I was happy to finally meet Vinnie and Dimebag. I will treasure that night cause I've been listening to Pantera since I was a little girl. I'm 22 years old, and on that night I finally got to meet some of the members of a band I grew up on. My thoughts and prayers go out to Vinnie and his family and to the others affected by this tragedy. Dimebag will be missed and I will continue to crank up Pantera and Damageplan to represent our Texas brother. So for all you Dimebag fans... raise your glasses and give respect to one of the most influential metal musicians and most down to earth guy. Rest In Peace Dimebag... love you bro. - Roxy *** Our hearts go out to his brother and family and also to the loved ones of the other victims... we are hurting with you... "Dimebag" Darrell was not only very good with his music but he was also very good with his fans and nothing could ever justify something like this... To his family and friends: Since we no longer have the chance to tell him ~ we'd like to say thank you for all he has given us through the years... We send love, strength and prayers to all those affected by this tragedy... Please... remember the way you feel right now next time you think about going to look for someone else in anger... I don't know if empathy can be taught but I ask for people to realize how many are affected and hurt by one senseless act of violence... it's never worth it... - Blake & Caprice *** OMG, I heard about this at 1am. I couldnt believe it. This is digustingly horrid. Dimebag will be missed by many MANY musicians and fans alike. What a tragic loss - Juvencia*** As a local musician I feel this tragic loss to the metal world. Dimebag was an inspiration to a lot of guitar players. He will be missed but not forgotten. His memory and his music will live forever. God bless and thanks for the kick ass music - Anonymous*** hi my name is danielle. my sister & i are sitting here in shock. my sister knew darrell well. she used to hang out with him at the tattoo bar in ft worth. i got the chance to meet darrell in odessa. my band was opening a show for pumpjack. darrell & vinnie showed up & watched us. when we got offstage darrell told me he thought we were awesome & he signed my son's vintage les paul. he also gave me a five dollar bill for a shot (ha ha) very nice guy. much love & prayers go out to vinnie & the rest of the family. r.i.p. darrell. you were one of a kind - Danielle*** Today is truly a sad and dark day for many metal fans everywhere. When I heard the news at midnight I almost fell to the floor in just pure shock. Dimebag along with Pantera geared the way for the metal scene. Without his guitar riffs we will not have some of the awesome guitarists we now have and will have in the future. Words cannot describe the sympathy that I feel for Damageplan and the Abbott family. Dimebag was a undescribable musician as well as person. I will truly miss the music he made and his spirit will forever live in my heart. - Vanessa*** As a proud Texan now based on the East Coast, it hurts to know that we have lost a guitar giant, a colorful character, a wonderful human being, and a fellow Texan. To the Abbott family, the surviving members of Damage Plan (especially my brother-in-drums Vinnie), and to the family and friends of those fans whose lives were taken so early, my heartfelt condelonces to all of you. Please take comfort in knowing that they are now back with a Higher Power, and will forever filter throughout our lives to gives us all a New Found Power. Respect. - Robert*** I am not very creative when it comes to things like this but I felt like I had to say something. I can't sing, play the drums or guitar for that matter but I know what good music is and Dimie sure made it possible to understand good music. As I sit searching for answers as to why someone would want to take a person like Dime away from us is beyond me. Pantera, Damageplan, and the rock-n-roll world will never be the same with out him. I never got a chance to meet him in person but I never missed a show. It feels like I have lost a family memeber and I will never forget what he did for music and for me as a person. R.I.P Dime - Gabe*** What is it to say that one had an affect on your emotional state as well as how you recognized other people? The Pantera and Damageplan family will miss one of those individuals who did just that, affected and recognized all people. He did it in such a way that it was not only expressed in his music but the laughter and humility he showed among his fans. I remeber the first time I heard the rage of his guitar in 1991, I never looked back at the so called Metallica Mania, because Pantera was far more connected with my being. Though I never had a conversation with Darrell, his music and I are familiar to the end. I hope that the three Pantera members reunite for a benefit for Darrell's family. We all will miss your fire breathing, ass kicking sound. See you in the next Life. Pure Pantera Fan - Jeff*** This is a really sad day in the rock world. We have lost one of the greatest guitarists and human beings in the music industry. Everything he has done has been because he loved his fans. The only reason Pantera ended was because of Phil and he loved music so much he formed a new band. i have read a lot of articles about dimebag and you can tell he cares about his fans. - Vanessa*** This sad and horrible tragedy has somewhat left a void in the metal community. The initial report stated that a "crazed fan" had gone up and shot members of Damageplan, but I say he was not a fan. I do not think that the cowardless gunman deserves that recognition. Although I was not a huge Pantera fan, I did appreciate what they and especially Dimebag did for music. Metal music is something that is felt and not just listened to. The metal scene is closeknit family and whether you were a fan or not, it hits close to home. As corny as it may sound, coming from the Metallica concert I felt a sense of "pride" for the simple fact that we did not have to go through any metal detectors and the only security was a simple pat down. It was a relief seeing that there were no major incidents, unlike the vibe awards and concerts of that nature. I say this to all the Metal community, don't let this bring us down. We have lost some great musicians over the years, but Metal is here to stay. Dimebag was a great guitartist and no way will this incident haltar his legacy. To his family, friends, touring mates, I send my prayers. - J.D.*** I am still physically sickened when I think about the tragedy that befell Dimebag Darrell. I saw him perform with Pantera during the Southern Trendkill tour and was amazed at his talent and the energy he poured forth during his performance. This is truly a tragedy to the metal world. I offer all my sympathies to Darrell's family and friends, especially Vinnie Paul who had to witness the events that led to Darrell's death. Hopefully this will lead club owners to offer better protection for the bands and members of the audience. Hindsight is always 20/20, but I really hope that this devastating occurrence does not mean that future concerts can only be seen by the crowd thru bullet proof glass protecting the band. Once again, all of my thoughts and love go out to the Abbott family and those close to Dimebag Darrell. He will be sorely missed today and for many years to come. - Heather*** this gunman must have been deranged if he was so disillusioned by pantera breaking up that he couldn't hear how good damageplan was. "new found power" is arguably as good, if not better (in my mind), than any pantera records, all of which i own. from one native-born texan, and dallas cowboys fan to another, cheers, dimebag. r.i.p. we'll miss you! - Chris*** I just barely heard about this incident today as I was driving to my fiancee's house. My sister calls me up and tells me that someone shot and killed Dimebag and a few others, for no reason. I was agast. I just saw these guys when they were here at Sunset station and was marveled at how he totally rocked the house. I had never really thought how such a gifted and talented person could be just taken from us without any reason and in cold blood. If it was over Pantera breaking up and he blamed him, then what is this world coming to when we as fans become a little too overly obsessed and take an innocent life just because he (Dimebag) wanted a change and people like that $%^@ (the gunman) couldn't handle it. My sincere condolences are with the Abbott family and those who were also gunned down. It is just a shame that now we live in a world that we can't even enjoy a good show or concert without someone screwing it all up for all of us. RIP Dimebag and thanks for the memories. - Jeremy in Seguin*** The murder of Darrell has rocked our rock community to the core. The motive for this act matters not. No one has the right to murder someone in cold blood. All that I am grateful for is that he died doing what he lived for. My prayers this evening will be for the family members of those murdered and for the audience who witnessed such brutality. At lease Darrell will be with Stage again. Look our Lord, the party has begun!!!! Rest in Peace Darrell Abbott. - Tara *** Thank you KISS for allowing all Extended Family Members the opportunity to pay our respects. Dimebag was a metal icon; a musical genius. He left his mark on the heavy metal music industry unmatched by any other. I send my deepest condolences to the remaining members of Damageplan and especially Vinnie Paul. We will probably never understand why this tragedy occurred, but we can get through it together and keep Dimebag's legacy alive through his music. - Julie *** I'm saddened, shocked, and heart-broken over this tragedy. Of all the people who could use a bullet - it shouldn't have been this guy. Though I've always known him as "Diamond Darrell", he was a staple of my metal diet for a good 7 years. I taped together my first fake ID so I could sneak in to a Pantera show, probably thanks to free tickets from 99.5 KISS. It's a freggin shame. He was one of those larger-than-life icons that you meet who really makes you feel like you were his favorite fan. You don't just walk away from meeting him saying, "Oh my god, I got Dimebag's autograph!" Instead you walk away saying, "I met Dimebag Darrell and he gave me a tattoo and poured Jagermeister down my throat and then shaved my head, and then dyed my goatee pink for me and bought me and all my friends cheeseburgers and then we all crashed at his house!" I sure hope Vinnie and all his family & friends can find the strength and support they will need to deal with the huge void in their lives now that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. Nathan Gale, I wish I could've had the honor to cast the first stone at your public "Lone Star State" style execution - your death was way too swift. - Laurie in Austin *** Its a sad day for Rock music. I have to say that i was never able to see Pantera live eventhough i am a big fan of their music, but i did get to see Damage Plan and Dimebag did an awesome solo he was such a great guitarist and their music as damage plan rocked Sunset Station so hard that i can just imagine how Pantera was live. I heard the news today when i was heading to school from Randy and i really could not believe that this had happened, i still really cant. It's a sad day for any Rock music fan, even though i was not their biggest fan it still brings a tear to my eye think of the loss that an imbecil brought to all rockers. - Hector *** lets all raise our beers and shots of jager to one of the best metal guitarist of our time and celebrate the magic he was able to share with us while he was here. here's to you dime. R.I.P. - Luis*** man i can't even get over the fact he's gone, i never knew him personally but pantera has had a hudge influence in my life and to think a world with out Darrell, that sucks. i shocked that somebody can walk up to someone they don't know on stage and just off the guy, how fucking f***ed up is that? it's a sad day in the music world, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all the others who were shot by this f***ing moron. thanx for the chance to let fans express their feelings. - t.j. *** "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was a living legend and how such a tragedy could occurr is beyond comprehension. There will be those who point the finger at the music, saying it makes its listeners violent, and here's the proof. Well, I don't buy it...this is just a case of one idiot spoiling something for everyone else. No matter how you felt about the breakup of Pantera, nothing can justify the death of another human being, especially one as talented as Darrell. Pantera was the reason I started listening to heavier music and Dime has served as a constant inspiration to guitarists everywhere. He had a huge heart and his love for music shone through in everything he did...he didn't have a big "rock star" attitude...he wasn't blinded by fame or money like so many others. I had the opportunity to meet him twice and he was one of the most "down-to-earth" people you could meet. Although no Pantera or Damageplan fan will every fully recover from this tragedy, all I can say is that Dime lived every second of his life to the fullest and he died doing what he loved. We should all strive to acheive those same ideals. So tonight, when you raise your "Black Tooth Grins" in his honor, remember the man, the guitarist, the eternal inspiration that was "Dimebag" Darrell. Rest In Peace, Dime, wherever you are. - Ryan