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BORN
1964
DIED
2018
Vinnie Paul Obituary
Pantera's official Facebook page posted a statement early Saturday announcing his death. The label of Hellyeah, his most recent group, confirmed the death but neither statement mentioned Paul's cause of death.
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His real name was Vincent Paul Abbott. He and his brother, Dimebag Darrell, formed Pantera in 1981. Dimebag, whose real name was Darrell Lance Abbott, was shot to death while on stage with the band Damageplan in 2004.
The two brothers founded Damageplan in 2003 after Pantera broke up.
Paul was most recently in the band Hellyeah, a heavy metal supergroup which included Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell.
"Today, the world not only lost a legend, but also a genuine human being who lived to put a smile on the faces of everyone he met," Hellyeah's label Eleven Seven Music said in a statement. "May he be reunited with his brother as we all strive to continue his legacy."
Alice Cooper tweeted Paul's impact on music was "immeasurable." Tributes poured in from others in the rock and metal communities, including Slash and the bands Disturbed and Megadeth.
We invite you to share condolences for Vinnie Paul in our Guest Book.
___
Written by The Associated Press
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
461 Entries
Daniel Hernandez
February 8, 2022
It was a pleasure meeting you Rock Star!
Gone to soon
Terri Rowe
July 23, 2021
Well its been 2 yrs since you passed. RIP Vinnie. You were a true inspiration to everyone.
Your missed each and everyday. Never Forgotten!!!! Rock on in Heaven!!!
My condolences to his family. A Fan from Las Vegas, Nevada Terri Rowe
StormeRebel Abbott L
September 4, 2019
KEEP ON KEEPIN ON SLAPPI.N THOSES SKINS
StormeRebel A.L
September 4, 2019
YOU ARE SO MISSED THANK YOU FOR BEING WHO YOU ALWAYS WERE..BIGG LOVE
How you can show support
jeff kimler
March 6, 2019
RIP and keep Rockin
Carl Glowacki
January 18, 2019
It was mant, many teas ago my friend when I met you and dime in NJ. All I can say is that I'm sure that you've found each other again and are tearing it up!!! Much respect my friend, unroll we meet again. RIP
Michael Earlywine
December 24, 2018
Thanks for the great music, it will forever be played and never forgotten, as you will not either be forgotten. RIp
ralf weber
December 18, 2018
one hell of a drummer
Lori Lowe
September 19, 2018
You are already missed, but your legend will last forever.
August 27, 2018
My sympathies to all who lost him. May the God of comfort sustain you
August 25, 2018
Each human being should stand for something during their life. Vinnie lived to inspire others and he most certainly inspired me. His music helped me through my darkest times and I hope that his family and friends continue to draw support from not only the fans but each other. He will always be remembered because people like him live on.
July 30, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man, who will be remembered for his musical contribution. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
July 18, 2018
GOD IS THE STRONGHOLD AND THE LIGHT FOR US. PRAYERS ON THE DAYS AHEAD.
ANDREW JOSHUA LAWLESS SR
July 16, 2018
SO , REMEMBER VINNY HEROES INDEED GET REMEMBERED BUT , LEGENDS NEVER EVER EVER DIE FOLLOW , YOUR HEART ..... & YOU'LL NEVER GO WRONG .... I PROMISE U ..... FAREWELL BROTHER VINNY SAY , WHAT'S UP 2 DIME DARRELL 4 ME ..... JUDGES 9:23 !!!!!! JOSHUA 6:11 ??????? CORINTHIANS 2:4:12 ........ MARK 8:32 ..... MATTHEW 19:13 & 19:14 ...... & JOHN 12:01 .......
July 14, 2018
My sincere condolences for your loss, may all your family and friends, have peace and comfort in your time of loss.
Kristi Avalos
July 10, 2018
Vinny Paul was an excellent drummer. I loved him and Darrell while they were in Pantera. Very talented musicians. Forever will be missed
Gene Jones
July 2, 2018
R.I.P. Vinnie you will be missed thanks for the music and memories and friendship. Give dime a hug for me.
Heather J.
July 2, 2018
Reign In Peace Vinnie..
Regina Morgan
July 2, 2018
May you forever rock on! I've cried so much. Your music has touched sooo many lives, including mine. You will be missed dearly!
You & Dime finally back together...
Sending our Love & Condolences to your family ,bandmates, ex-bandmates, friends & to all us fans that are totally in a state of shock, denial,& disbelief as we try to cope with the loss of a GREAT LEGEND!
P.S. My son Matthew is Severe Autistic and I've raised him up on Pantera, Damage Plan,& HELLYEAH.....
#333FOREVER
Love Y'all Forever,
Regina Morgan
Matthew Morgan
Mohawk Bob Clark
Navajo Natt
Natt Quintana
July 1, 2018
RIP. I know you had an incredible reunion with Dimebag. Now God is jamming. Loved your music and it will live in my heart forever. My condolences go to Mr. Abbott and to all the rest of the family. This is not goodbye for me but till my time comes and get to hear your music again in heaven.
Eva
July 1, 2018
Rest easy Vinnie Paul.
Lisa P
July 1, 2018
Saw you around town a lot. You always seemed so happy watching live music and enjoying life in general. Great drummer and fan in general.
Rachelle
July 1, 2018
Rest in peace Vinnie and that Heaven is rocking together with Dime!always in my heart
Zachary Waszak
July 1, 2018
Rest easy St. Vinnie
James Miller
July 1, 2018
R.I.P. you will be missed in the metal world by all
Glen Waszak
July 1, 2018
R.I.P. St. Vinnie
July 1, 2018
Rest easy, brother!
john walsh
July 1, 2018
R.I.P Vinnie
John Doe
July 1, 2018
I didn't know you personally but I felt like I did,listen to pantera since 1990,idealized you as a drummer!you will be missed,R.I.P.
Garrison Love
July 1, 2018
Vinnie my main man, you were an amazing friend and an amazing mentor to me. I will always remember your smile and laugh.
Tina Bollin
June 30, 2018
RIP VINNIE FLY HIGH MY BROTHER YOUR WITH DIME NOW YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED REST EASY .......
Heather Pursley
June 30, 2018
RIP Vinnie. Cant believe this but here it is...you are greatly missed. My heart goes out to the family with prayers of love and strength. welcome home to Texas just didn't think when you rolled back through that thus is how it was to be. Much love and peace brother.
Debbie Tipps
June 30, 2018
Thank you Vinnie! R.I.P You will
be missed!
J D
June 30, 2018
RIP VP seemed like a good guy!
The Kit is ready!
Stacey Cunningham
June 30, 2018
R.I.P
Chris Reiser
June 30, 2018
Thanks for the gifts of music and happiness you and your brother brought to others. Though saddened by your passing, I pray you are reunited with Dime and your Mom.
T Jr.
June 30, 2018
My Heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of the one and only Vinnie Paul. I had the privalage to not only see Pantera (Numerous Times), but to see Hellyeah from the 2nd row with my Son who was 12 at the time. Vinnie came down after their set and made sure my Boy got his drumstick. He was a Class Act in every meaning of the term.
The Metal Community lost a real treasure.
lee
June 30, 2018
We always had fun Xing at Joes! R.I.P. Big Vin
Nicole P
June 30, 2018
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to each and every family member and all of Vinnie's friends. I'm so sorry for your loss. Much love and respect to his family! You will be missed !
Brad Sherron
June 30, 2018
R.I.P. Vinnie thank you!
Erica Messenger
June 30, 2018
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be missed dearly. Keep on rocking up there in heaven with your brother. I look up at the sky and think of you both. Heaven is going to sound beautiful. I know you are up there now, watching over your family, friends, and fans. Rest easy, Vin. We love you.
Kristi
June 30, 2018
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to each and every family member and all of Vinnie's friends all over the world. I'm so sorry for your loss. Much love and respect to his family!
Dana Hughes
June 30, 2018
Vinnie the Metal world loved you and you were takin to God's Tavern too soon. We love you. My prayers and thoughts are with the Abbot family. Thanks for all you did in this world. Rest in Peace.
Rickybobby
June 30, 2018
Another legend carrys on
Yvette Boyer
June 30, 2018
Prayers of strength and peace to the family.
Melissa Carter
June 30, 2018
You will be missed. RIP
April and Greg Silver
June 30, 2018
Vinnie, you were a true rock star who adored his fans. Your presence in Vegas has been undoubtedly missed by so many and will continue to do so. I know Greg and I will never forget you, and always appreciate your friendliness and support.
CF
June 29, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Paul family and friends at this difficult time.
Shel
June 29, 2018
Thank you for all the great music..
RIP
I love you Vinnie
Angi Gordon
June 29, 2018
Vinnie, you were a very important part of my life
I was fortunate to know you and to know what a kind heart you had. Your music influenced my life in so many ways. I can't thank you enough for your gift to the world. It's amazing how a little band from Texas can take the world by storm. I am eternally grateful I love you and you will never be forgotten
Linda Sanfilippo
June 29, 2018
You belong to the people man today tomorrow and forever. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to party it on brothers with the whole Pantera I had a three-block drive I lived on Meadowbrook and got to go to the tattoo bar as often as I could Thanks for the Memories Vinnie Paul love always Linda Lou
James Shingola
June 29, 2018
RIP
Tracy Rhodes
June 29, 2018
Say hi to everyone up there.
Kelly Stutesman
June 29, 2018
Kelly Stutesman
Jr M
June 29, 2018
Thank you for all of the great memories and music Vinnie! Being from
Grand Prairie, I was always proud of the fact that you and Dime were local boys who waved the Texas flag around the world and made some great music for us all to enjoy!
Im so glad that I got to see you and Dime play at reunion arena once in 2000. What a show! My 11 year old son enjoys listening to Pantera, Damageplan and Hellyeah! The mark that you and Dime left on this earth will live on forever! :)
We hope that you are reunited with your mom and Dime and rest in peace forever! May God bless the Abbott family!
Jr and family
Dean S
June 29, 2018
Rest In Peace Brother. You will be truly missed
Daniel Benante
June 29, 2018
R.I.P. Vinnie Paul you will be missed by many but never forgotten you and Dimes music will live on forever
Keith Knaus
June 29, 2018
A huge fan . Thank you so much for your awesome music and dedication to your fans.. you and your brother made a huge impact on my life.. R.I.P
Stacy Peters
June 29, 2018
Rest in peace vinnie your going to be missed
Donevin Johnson
June 29, 2018
Pantera is what shaped me into becoming my own person without vinnie and darrell i couldn't call myself a man but 18 now and ready for the next step, thank you for giving me the gift of your music and loving spirituallity for what music embodies rest easy vinnie.
Forever Stonger Than All!
Suzanne Minter
June 29, 2018
I remember showing you the Christmas trees I did for your mother and Dime when I saw you and Chelsea st sams club - the smile on your face and when you showed her and said look what she does for my brother- I will forever be honored to light it up for you now - so sadabout your passing so suddenly - I just saw you at the gas monkey on your birthday in March . God bless you and your family - praying for your father now . SDMF
Dave Rowe
June 28, 2018
RIP to the nicest person in metal. See you on the other side.
June 28, 2018
Best memories only!!! RIP Louisiana
June 28, 2018
Rest in peace dear Vinnie. Thank you
Justin Coryell
June 28, 2018
Thanks for great music and now see your brother and mother again
Steve Ramos
June 28, 2018
Your finally at peace brother you and dime hade one hell of a ride see you both on the other side miss you both
Amie Brown
June 28, 2018
Being from Arlington you always had a connection to Vinnie, whether it was someone who you know who went to school with him or hung-out with him and or someone in his band. I am deeply sorry that he had to leave you all. I pray for love and peace to be with each of you. You are all in my thoughts. Amie
Heather Shallowpoint
June 28, 2018
I only got to meet you once,but our band opened for Hellyeah and it was one of the best days of my life! I will never forget that i had to climb over your drum set to get on the stage and Patrick was looking at me really weird.You forever inspired me to keep playing music! much love always,a great loss to music.
Shawn Faulkner
June 28, 2018
I am so saddened by the loss of former Pantera , DamagePlan and Hellyeah Drummer Vinnie Paul. Your music has gotten me through many hard times in life and helped me persevere through many tough patches in my life. We all love you Vinnie and your music will forever live on through your Family, Friends and Fans, FOREVER! Pantera Forever! R.I.P Vincent Paul Abbott
Nick Evanuska
June 28, 2018
R.I.P Brother of Metal!
May you join your brother, Dimebag, and keep the metal thunder rolling.
Of all the times I've see you jam in Pantera, Damageplan and Hellyeah will always be memorable shows.
You're music and legend will never die!
Cheers!
Michael Herbert-Smith
June 28, 2018
The thunder that roars in the heavens will be the drums of Vinnie Paul
June 28, 2018
Dear Vinnie-
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you numerous times. You always had a smile and made time for your fans. You are finally reunited with your brother You truly are a legend and I will never forget you.
RIP Vinnie
David Baillie
June 28, 2018
Vinnie Paul was the reason I started playing drums. I first heard Pantera 17 years ago as a 15 year and that was me set for life, I still listen to them today. Pantera were a legit game changing band.
Dime and Vinnie..... 2 legends who influenced countless people the world over. Goodbye Vince.
Rachel Tuomi
June 28, 2018
Theres so many words I can still say...thank you for all the happy memories your music brought to me throughout the years and meeting you;I can still hear your laugh..I love and will miss you and Dime,you're always in my heart you two;rest in peace:(
Randall Mullis
June 28, 2018
R.I.P Vinnie
True legends never die
#RIPCFH
#bigvin
Billy Watson
June 28, 2018
It nice meeting you when you toured with your scrapbook of Dime! Rest In Peace, brother Vin!
Leslie Esquivel
June 28, 2018
Never got the chance to see you rock out. But your music has changed my and my boyfriends life since we were young. You and Dime are together again and i know heaven is jamming for your arrival.
CFH FOREVER
CHEERS RNR
leigh castellas
June 28, 2018
keep rockn with dime vinnie cheers
Chris Chandler
June 28, 2018
Your music and you will never be forgotten
R.I.P. Vinnie Paul
Fancie Reeves
June 28, 2018
Love you your music has influenced my life in so many way. Keep rockin!
King Toehead
June 28, 2018
We love and miss you my condolences to the family
Rick Ramos
June 28, 2018
Rip vinnie paul rock on in heaven next to your brother darrell you was a great drummer!!!!!
Bobby Costa
June 28, 2018
When I woke up last Saturday morning to hear the news I just couldn't believe it. Was overtaken with sadness so I went into the garage and started working on my lawn mower and cranking Pantera. Just jamming out like I've done a million times before until Hollow started playing. Actually started to cry and I said to myself "why are you crying? You don't even know him." But in reality I did. Your music has touched me and driven me in so many ways I can't thank you enough. RIP Vinnie Paul, I hope you are at peace and surrounded by the ones you love and miss.
anonymous anonymous
June 28, 2018
I will miss your playing, your sence of humour and the great music you helped write. you and Dime were a HUUUGE Impact on music, the rhythams you played and the beats ohh man I dont play drums myself but it was always your music I played when I did. and i think i speak for alot of people when I say have a blacktooth grin with Dime, yous are togeather again and you will be very much missed just like dime. rock on wherever you are and thanks for the compassion, the music and the heart you gave into the world. RIP dude
Adrian Lugo
June 28, 2018
R.I.P. Vinnie Paul...it was an honor and privilege to have been able to see you and Dimebag perform four times with Pantera...still hands down of all the shows I've been to those will always be at the top of the list a the best shows I've ever seen...Rest easy CFH! now you can join in with Dime and have a clinic together in Heaven....Rest in Heaven brother you will be missed by millions around the world!!!
Gunner
June 28, 2018
Thank you for everything you and Dime did for music!! And especially rememebering me everytime you cane to town!! I'll NEVER forget the times hanging out together!! R.I.P. Big Vin!!
Corey Justin
June 28, 2018
Rest easy, Big Vin. Thanks for all the jaw dropping tunes and shows, and your undying love for music. I'll never forget just how good you were, you made me smile bigger than I ever have on your last tour and tore the roof off the place!! Give Dime a big hug, from all of us. Peace and Love.
Amanda Honeycutt
June 28, 2018
Thank God that we get to take the ride with people like Vinnie Paul lighting our way through the darkness... Your light will never burn out ♥
Something you never forget!!♥
Amanda Honeycutt
June 28, 2018
Sharon May
June 28, 2018
RIP and thank you for the amazing music
Nicki Pepin
June 28, 2018
R.I.P Vinnie Paul You are sorely missed.
Rock the heavens with Dimebag and your Mom.
Love ya brother \,,/
Jesse Steel
June 28, 2018
Thank you for everything you and dime did, pulled me through hard times and helped me party in the good! Love you man, glad I was able to meet you! Rest easy cowboy from hell.
Love from Wellington New Zealand.
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