Vinnie Paul, metal drummer and co-founder of the band Pantera, has died aged 54.
The news was broken on the band's Facebook, in a statement from the band which read: "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. 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."
Born in Abilene, Texas, Paul's father was a country music songwriter and producer. In 1981, he formed Pantera with his brother Dimebag Darrell (then known as Diamond Darrell), with four of their songs - "I'm Broken", "Suicide Note Pt. I", "Cemetery Gates", and "Revolution Is My Name" - earning Grammy nominations for best metal performance.
The band eventually started to fracture and disbanded in 2003, due to long-running disputes between its members. The Abbot brothers went on to form Damageplan and recorded a single album, New Found Power, which was released in 2004.
On 8 December, 2004, Dimebag Darrell was shot dead onstage in Columbus, Ohio. Damageplan disbanded shortly after. Paul took an 18-month hiatus, unsure as to whether he would return to music after his brother's death, before eventually joining the heavy metal supergroup Hellyeah, who released five albums together.
Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, with Dave Mustaine of Megadeath posting on Twitter: "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."
Paul Stanley, lead singer of KISS, wrote: "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."
Rock band Papa Roach also posted a statement on Twitter about Paul's death. "Gutted to hear about the nicest guy in metal passing. Vinnie Paul showed us nothing but love. We'll miss you Vinnie," it read.
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