In Memoriam
Dimebag Darrell
August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004 · aged 38
Groove Metal · Thrash Metal · Heavy Metal
Darrell Lance Abbott, famously known as Dimebag Darrell, was a heavy metal guitar virtuoso who redefined the genre in the 1990s as the driving force behind Pantera. Born in Texas in 1966, Darrell combined lightning-fast shredding with impossibly heavy, infectious groove riffs. Albums like 'Cowboys from Hell' and 'Vulgar Display of Power' propelled Pantera to massive commercial success during an era when grunge was dominating the airwaves. Following Pantera's bitter breakup, he formed the band Damageplan with his brother Vinnie Paul. Tragically, on December 8, 2004—exactly 24 years after the murder of John Lennon—Dimebag was shot and killed on stage by a crazed fan during a performance in Columbus, Ohio. He was only 38. His shocking death devastated the metal community, but his legendary riffs and larger-than-life personality have immortalized him as one of the greatest metal guitarists of all time.
Milestones
Walk, Cowboys from Hell, Cemetery Gates
Also remembered in 2004
- Johnny Ramone (1948–2004)
- Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004)
- Ray Charles (1930–2004)
- Rick James (1948–2004)