Image: Facebook / Pantera

Tributes Flow For Pantera Drummer Vinnie Paul, Dead At 54

Hearts are breaking across the metal world following the shock news of Pantera co-founder Vinnie Paul Abbott’s death at the age of 54.

His cause of death remains unknown, but his family have told TMZ that the legendary drummer died in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas.

His body has been turned over to the medical examiner, after which he’ll be flown back to his home state of Texas to be buried between his mother and brother, Pantera co-founder Dimebag Darrell.

Meanwhile, tributes have been flowing across social media for the beloved groove metal pioneer, as his friends, fans and peers struggle to come to terms with his loss.

Vinnie’s Hellyeah bandmate Tom Maxwell has penned a heartfelt homage to the late legend, confessing that he feels “broken hearted and in shock”.

“I’m struggling to write this but we want to thank you all for your kind words and support in this tragic time,” the guitarist writes.

“We don’t have much info to give you other then Vinnie is now with Dime and they are together in a better place.”

As fans will know, Vinnie’s passing follows the tragic assassination of his brother, Dime, onstage during a DamagePlam show in 2004.

“Sadness, shock, confusion, anger, despair. We feel it all together,” Maxwell continues. “Hug your loved ones and keep them close. Thank you all again for all your love. Vinnie will be and is greatly loved and missed but his music will live forever. Crank it loud today and scream to the heavens so he can hear you.”

Other metal legends to tip their hats to the great Vinnie Paul include Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Slash, Alice Cooper, KISS’s Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, Avenged Sevenfold and more.

Read their words and memories of below.

https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/1010376988983521280

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