DAMAGEPLAN drummer VINNIE PAUL – brother and bandmate of DIMEBAG DARRELL who was shot and killed onstage on Wednesday (December 8) – has issued a statement about the tragedy.
As previously reported on NME.COM, Nathan Gale, 25, of Marysville shot four people dead, before being killed by a police officer at the gig at the Alrosa Villa Club.
Guitarist ‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott was shot and killed first, before the assassin targeted the crowd.
Vinnie Paul said that his brother will be missed mostly for his giving personality as well as his guitar playing: “With all his greatness and accomplishments on the guitar, Dime will be missed more for his giving personality, charisma, caring for others, love and most of all his heart. Twice as big as the state of Texas. Dime gave it all every day to each and every one of us and our lives have forever been hollowed without him…”
He added: “Thanks to all of you for reaching out to us in this time of our immeasurable loss. Rest in peace brother Dime.”
According to MTV News, the surviving members of Damageplan also issued a statement confirming that Chris Paluska, who worked with Damageplan’s management and was their acting tour manager, was also shot and is in a critical but stable condition.
John ‘Kat’ Brooks – the band’s drum technician – was also hit by a bullet but was due to be released from hospital yesterday (December 10).
Jeffrey ‘Mayhem’ Thompson, Damageplan’s head of security, was also killed in the tragedy.
The statement said: “Jeffrey ‘Mayhem’ Thompson was not just a true part of the Damageplan family, but part of the whole Dallas music scene. He was friend to all, with a great personality. He bent over backward to help us all with his trademark phrases like “What can I do for you sir?” and “Coming up!”
“He stated his willingness to protect us, saying, “I’d take a bullet for ya,” and unfortunately did in defence of our lives. He truly lived and died for his friends and made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save ours. For this we will never forget. You will be missed, big man.”
Damageplan’s record label Atlantic Records also have issued a statement saying: “Dimebag Darrell was an exceptional musician and an extraordinary person. Along with his brother and bandmate, Vinnie Paul, he was a member of the Elektra/Atlantic family for the past 14 years, and he will be deeply missed. The bravery displayed by Damageplan, their crew, their fans, and the local police will never be forgotten.”
Darrell formed Damageplan with brother Vinnie Paul Abbott after the split of Pantera. Both were members of Pantera before their recent split.