Artists and friends paid tribute to the musician after the sad news
The music world was shocked last Friday, the 22nd, with the news that Vinnie Paul, drummer for Pantera, Damageplan, and Hellyeah, passed away at the age of 54. His death was confirmed on the official pages of Pantera and the drummer himself, and the cause has not yet been released.
Paul began his career in Pantera alongside his brother Dimebag Darrell. Between 1983 and 2000, the year the band disbanded, they released nine studio albums. The drummer and his brother soon formed Damageplan, which ended when Dimebag was shot and killed during a concert. After the tragic end of the group, Paul formed Hellyeah, a band he was active in until his death.
Many are mourning the loss, and the void Paul will leave is affecting people around the world. Artists and friends have paid tribute to him on social media as a way of coping with the situation. Read some of these tributes below.
Rest in peace, Vinnie Paul.
Chris Adler: “Vinnie… I told you 100 times that I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing if you hadn’t changed the world. I was lucky enough to have known you for the man and friend that you are. You made me feel good about myself. You taught me how. You showed me kindness and let me in. I will never forget. Thank you. Have a good trip, my friend.”
Papa Roach: “We are devastated to hear that the coolest guy in metal has passed away. Vinnie Paul showed us so much love. We will miss you, Vinnie.”
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
Geezer Butler: “Shocked and saddened to hear that Vinnie Paul has passed away. A true original. We had some great times when we toured together with Pantera. Gone too soon.”
Shocked and saddened to hear of Vinnie Paul's passing. The true original. Had some good laughs when we toured with @Pantera . Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/adiO8B16jf
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) June 23, 2018
Scott Ian: “Damn. I love you, brother. Rest in peace, Vinnie Paul.”
Dave Mustaine: “I just woke up in Belgium to the news that my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Another metal hero gone too soon. Say hi to Daryl for me. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
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
Duff McKagan: “Rest in peace, Vinnie Paul. Friend. Comedian. Drummer. Great person. My condolences to the family. You will be missed, brother…”
RIP Vinnie Paul. Friend. Humorist. Badass drummer. All around good man. Condolences to the family. You will be missed bro…
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) June 23, 2018
Sebastian Bach: “Rest in peace Vinnie Paul. Say hi to brother Dime for all of us. We love you. Wish you were here. You left too soon. Thank you for your music and most importantly: for our 30-year friendship. How rare is that in the industry? I will truly miss you.”
Rock in peace Vinnie Paul
Say hi to brother Dime from all of us
We love you. Wish you were still here. Gone too soon man. Thanks for the music. And more importantly 30 years of non stop friendship. How rare is that In this business? I'm really gonna miss you 💕 pic.twitter.com/LUY41pzC0l— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) June 23, 2018