On June 22, 2018, Vincent Paul Abbott — Vinnie Paul — drummer of PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN, passed away at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of fifty-four. Alongside his brother Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott, Vinnie Paul was the rhythmic and emotional core of PANTERA, co-creating one of the most powerful and influential rhythm sections in heavy metal history across albums including Cowboys from Hell (1990), Vulgar Display of Power (1992), and Far Beyond Driven (1994). His massive, propulsive groove metal drumming was central to the band's ascent from Texas glam metal to global heavy metal phenomenon. Following Dimebag's tragic murder in December 2004, Vinnie Paul continued with HELLYEAH but never returned to PANTERA. His death closed the final chapter on one of heavy metal's most beloved and essential bands.
