Dimebag Darrell Killed

Former Pantera Guitarist Shot & Killed While on Stage

In February of 2003, the heavy metal world suffered a tremendous blow when a fire sparked by pyrotechnics at a Rhode Island club killed fans, and a member, of Great White. A community struggled as it attempted to piece together what happened. Yesterday, in Columbus, Ohio, former Pantera guitarist, Dimebag Darrell, was shot multiple times at point blank range and instantly killed.

I was never a big fan of Pantera, but appreciated their music and enjoyed several tracks, esp. "Cemetary Gates." As far as I am concerned, if you can write music, play an instrument, sing, etc., you have talent. Dimebag Darrell (whose real name is Darrell Abbott) was a talented musician who was responsible for many of Pantera's hits. He was currently touring with his band, Damageplan, which also featured his brother, Vinnie Paul (Abbott).

The tragedy is that Abbott was not the only person killed. Three other innocent concertgoers were shot to death when the gunman opened fire on the crowd. Had police not been in the area, and responded expeditiously, this situation could have been much worse. The shooter was killed when an officer opened fire.

The flag of heavy metal flies at half mast today in memory of Darrell Abbott and the three Columbus, Ohio natives killed in this tragic occurrence.

UPDATE 12/13/04: Click on Yahoo for comments from music industry.