Pantera made massive waves in the metal world with their groove-heavy riff-driven take on the genre in the ‘90s. Songs like “Walk,” “Cowboys from Hell,” “Cemetery Gates,” and “Five Minutes Alone” are certified classics. While everyone in the band gave it their all, there is no denying that guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbot’s six-string wizardry was the heart of the band’s sound.
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Unfortunately, Pantera disbanded in 2003. As a result, Dimebag and his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott formed Damageplan. The band was tragically short-lived, though. On December 8, 2004, a crazed fan named Nathan Gale took the stage at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio with a firearm. He opened fire, injuring three people and ending four lives. Dimebag, Gale’s main target, took multiple shots to the head and was pronounced dead on the scene.
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Fortunately, though, death could not stop Dimebag’s influence from spreading nor could Gale kill his legacy.
Metal Legends on the Influence and Legacy of Dimebag Darrell
Recently, Guitar World asked some of the biggest names in metal “Why is Dimebag still so far beyond relevant 20 years after his death?”
“Once you establish yourself onto the scene, most people can’t get enough of what you’re doing. And there’s generally a bunch of young axe-slingers looking to unseat you. But with Dime, not only was he taken away from us way too soon, but I’ve yet to see that next ‘it’ guitar guy,” former Slayer guitarist Kerry King said of Dimebag Darrell’s legacy.
“Pantera is and always will be the gold standard of the extreme metal/power groove genre they created,” said Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde. “Obviously, Saint Dime sits at the table alongside the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Randy Rhoades, and Eddie Van Halen because, just like them, his playing will always be far beyond relevant,” he added.
“Dime’s relevance is rooted in his authenticity,” Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton said. “Of course, his technical skills were top-notch. But it was his ability to blend elements of Black Sabbath power, ZZ Top swagger, and Van Halen fireworks into a voice that became uniquely his own that sets Dime apart as one of the greats,” he added.
“Why is Dime still relevant? Because he is one of the greatest players of all time, hands down,” said Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo.
“Dime is one of the most recognized guitar players of all time. From his tone to his phrasing of his riffs, to the way he incorporated all of it together, it was in a class all of its own,” opined Pantera bassist Rex Brown. “It was so special being there in real time – and that spirit is still shining bright. He was a glowing beacon of light in so many people’s lives with his personality and generosity.”
Featured Image by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images
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