The news shocked the internet Friday night
Former Pantera drummer and co-founder Vinnie Paul has died at the age of 54 we have learned. News surrounding his shocking death broke the internet Friday night (June 22nd). No cause of death has been revealed.
“Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away,” Pantera writes on Facebook. “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.”
Paul co-formed Pantera along with his brother and guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott in 1981. The heavy metal band gained mainstream success when it hired second lead singer Phil Anselmo. Billboard reports Pantera earned four Grammy nominations and charted nine albums on the Billboard 200 charts throughout its career.
After Pantera called it quits, the brothers formed Damageplan in 2003. A year later, in December 2004, Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed on stage during a performance in Ohio after a gunman opened fire on the group for disbanding Pantera. Paul co-formed Hellyeah in 2006 where he is credited as not only drummer, but also producer and engineer on the band’s projects.
More details will be revealed as they become available.
The news sent shock waves across social media with many media and industry personnel speaking out about Paul’s death.
Absolutely stunned to hear the unbelievable news that Vinnie Paul @Pantera has died… I knew Vinnie well. Did my shows many times. A great drummer and music fan and always a blast to hang with. Beyond tragic. Can’t believe it. #RIPVinniePaul .
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/1010376988983521280
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
Love you Vinnie Paul-miss you already-I’m going to play drums all night-it will make me feel better & closer to VP
— Stephen Perkins (@stephenperkins) June 23, 2018
W T F !
Vinnie Paul Rest in Peace!
Pic: Vinnie at #Ozzfest 2008
Finally reunited with Dime 🙁 https://t.co/BsWwvXHYKy pic.twitter.com/HlgccWNXVN— OzzFest (@TheOzzFest) June 23, 2018
Damn it. I love you brother. RIP Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/73fTmNLA2F
— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) June 23, 2018
Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul. Heaven has Dimebag and Vinnie now 🙏🏻#RIPVINNIEPAUL
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) June 23, 2018
So sorry to hear about Vinnie Paul. The man was a Class act and always treated everyone with respect. Here’s to one of metal’s best!
— Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) June 23, 2018
Vinnie was a great friend. My heart is aching. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, band and crew. Godspeed my friend. #VinniePaul pic.twitter.com/lY8JdvveBE
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) June 23, 2018
Can’t believe it.
R.I.P to our brother Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/In2Dlmmfq5— Anthrax (@Anthrax) June 23, 2018
Gutted to hear about the nicest guy in metal passing. Vinnie Paul showed us nothing but love. We'll miss you Vinnie.
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) June 23, 2018
I just woke up in Belgium to the news that my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Another metal hero taken too soon. Say hello to Daryl for me. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. @Pantera @hellyeahband #vinniepaul
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 23, 2018
