News of Vinnie Paul’s death first broke an hour ago on Billboard as of the time I’m writing this. A while later news of his passing was posted on the Pantera Facebook page.
Vinnie Paul was, as the Facebook page makes note of, the drummer of Pantera and Hellyeah. He was also the drummer in Rebel Meets Rebel and Damageplan.
From the time of the release of Pantera’s Metal Magic through till his death, Vinnie Paul had been involved in the heavy metal scene for over 35 years, setting the rhythm from behind his kit that would drive Pantera and Hellyeah to the front of the pack.
You can’t throw a rock in the heavy metal community without finding a fan of the music Vinnie helped make. From shotgun-slinging Cowboys From Hell to those who have a New Found Power, to those who just like to throw up their devil horns and declare Hellyeah! Vinnie Paul has been a prolific contributor to the scene.
Metal Riot contributor Andrew Johann Datoush had this to say about the news:
“I’ve always been a fan of everything Pantera did prior to Cowboys From Hell. That entire era for them was criminally underrated. There was some excellent song writing in those days. Dime had a different guitar style back then, and Vinnie’s drumming back then very clearly showed his love of KISS. There was definitely some Eric Carr influence to his drumming present in those days. While a lot of fans will be playing some of the harder tracks during their tributes tonight, I’ll be sticking with their more melodic era, and playing their tune “We’ll Meet Again” from their Power Metal album. Rest easy Vinnie. Give Heaven a Hell of a soundtrack!”
As I listen to “Matter of Time” and feel a chill run through my body, I don’t have anything more to say. We here at Metal Riot are all deeply saddened by Vinnie Paul’s death. It’s almost 1am here on the east coast of the U.S. and sometimes all you have is to put the metal on and break the fucking knob.
Rest in Peace Vinnie Paul!
Terribly saddened by the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. Vinnie was a beloved fixture in the rock and metal communities and we will miss seeing him out on the road. His impact on heavy music is immeasurable. Rest In Peace Vinnie, condolences to your family, friends and fans.
— Alice Cooper (@alicecooper) June 23, 2018
FUCK!!! Just waking up here in Belgium to the news of Vinnie Paul…I’m in total shock…Heaven just got a little crazier with the Abbott Bros back together again…RIP Bro ? pic.twitter.com/HkC2yVaqtu
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) June 23, 2018
Tragic news about Vinnie Paul today. He was one of the warmest people I knew. A truly good & fun friend. We're going to miss you more than you could possibly have known. RIP buddy. https://t.co/yQqruY4tio
— Slash (@Slash) June 23, 2018
GOD BLESS VINNIE PAUL – 1964-2O18 – FATHER VINNIE,Your Compassion for others & Your Love for seeing everyone around you Happy I will never forget – Your Heart of Gold Made The World a Better Place – Go be w/Your BELOVED BROTHER – I LOVE YOU – tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/8VC3T3hQa2
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) June 23, 2018
Not confederate flag apologist at all+def was not into Phil white wine antics but this is about good Vinnie did, not just low points. pantera made a huge impact on metal and did more good than bad. Crushed live. hellyeah camp was swell to M Riot. Hardest snare hit in metal. Rip
— Morgan Ywain Evans (@morganyevans) June 23, 2018
