Metallica, Black Sabbath, Foo Fighters, GNR & many more remember Vinnie Paul
Legendary drummer Vinnie Paul of Pantera, Damageplan, and Hellyeah passed away at the young age of 54 yesterday — in his sleep in his Las Vegas home according to TMZ who spoke to family members — and the metal world is especially feeling the loss.
Randy Blythe of Lamb of God wrote this lengthy tribute on Instagram:
Very sad news this evening. This man always treated me & the guys in my band like family, from the very first time we ever met him with his brother at a Damageplan gig in Texas– whether backstage at a show, on his crazy tour bus, at his club, at his house, he was always a gracious host to us. He just wanted people around him to be happy. I didn’t see Vinnie much the last time we played a gig together because I heard he was in a very foul mood– this was highly unusual for him. Why was he in a foul mood? Because we were playing a big festival in Chicago, he had bought a TON OF FOOD to grill in the parking lot for everyone (as usual), & the fire marshall came and shut him down before he could start the bar-b-que. That’s the type of dude he was– he just wanted to make sure people were having a good time, & he took steps to make that happen. He also did me a very solid favor when I was in some very serious legal trouble a while back by writing a detailed letter to a judge explaining what had happened to his brother & the need for good stage security– that wasn’t an easy thing for him to do, but he did it anyway because he was a true friend and knew I needed some help– I’ll never forget that, & I made sure he knew I appreciated it. He also never minded when I got in his face with my camera– I took this photo with a 50mm fixed lens at a festival we were playing with Hellyeah in Iowa in 2016– that means I was basically inside his drum kit. When he saw me poking my head in there, he just turned, flashed me this grin, & kept on rocking. I love this photo– Big Vin smiling and doing what he did best. Rest In Peace, Vinnie Paul. You’ll be missed. BIG LOVE.
That photo and many more tributes, below:
Thank you for all the good times, Vinnie…your incredible hospitality and warm vibe was infectious and inspiring. Here’s to another shot of Crown Royal and a next level game of air hockey down the road! RIP, brother. Much love. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ehNXoO88jY
— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) June 23, 2018
Damn it. I love you brother. RIP Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/73fTmNLA2F
— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) June 23, 2018
Rock in peace Vinnie Paul
Say hi to brother Dime from all of us
We love you . Wish you were still here. Gone too soon man . Thanks for the music. And more importantly 30 years of non stop friendship. How rare is that In this business? I'm really gonna miss you 💕 pic.twitter.com/LUY41pzC0l— Sebastian Bach™️ (@sebastianbach) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/1010376988983521280
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. https://t.co/DaQREBNVW7
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) June 23, 2018
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
Vinnie has been at nearly every birthday bash in Cabo from the beginning. I was at the cantina in Cabo late last night when I got the news. It sure is hard to believe. Great drummer, great guy and a great friend. Very sad.https://t.co/ieHMsqi8rw
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) June 23, 2018
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. @Pantera @hellyeahband #vinniepaul
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 23, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear that our dear friend and brother, Vinnie Paul has passed away. Rest in Peace Vinnie, you will truly be missed and forever remembered. @Pantera @hellyeahband #VinniePaul pic.twitter.com/1y6r0mBRy5
— Megadeth (@Megadeth) June 23, 2018
Super sad news. Great guy/Great drummer. No idea what happened. Like his bro, gifted & too young to go. May they jam in eternity #RIPVinniePaul https://t.co/Y2XRmXScXg
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) 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
RIP Vinnie Paul. Friend. Humorist. Badass drummer. All-around good man. Condolences to the family. You will be missed bro…
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) June 23, 2018
#Rip Vinnie Paul , A monster of a drummer and always the life of the party !! Thanks for all the good times and the hospitality at The Clubhouse in Dallas . A true Rock N Roll Spirit that will be truly missed . pic.twitter.com/HXq1cPS3BU
— matt sorum (@mattsorum) June 23, 2018
Sorry to hear about Vinny, way too young. https://t.co/JlRTWpalUf
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) June 23, 2018
Vinnie Paul #RIP 🙁 https://t.co/TIiT7Snxwc
— OzzFest (@TheOzzFest) June 23, 2018
Shocked and saddened to hear of Vinnie Paul's passing. A true original. Had some good laughs when we toured with @Pantera. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/adiO8B16jf
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) June 23, 2018
Rest in Peace Vinnie Paul. pic.twitter.com/3PHSWSBURw
— Official Dio (@OfficialRJDio) 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
Such devastating news. RIP Vinnie @Pantera @hellyeahband https://t.co/EqDHVrgRBt
— OVERKILL (@OverkillBand) June 23, 2018
RIP Vinnie Paul – metal drumming will not be the same without you my friend! pic.twitter.com/ZfspSNMPC0
— Jason Bittner (@jbittnerdrums) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/codeorangekids/status/1010396195984953349
RIP Vinnie Paul. A massive influence to so many drummers including myself. Thanks for the advice! https://t.co/SYW0UaOlEg
— Zack Simmons (@Zackattack666) June 23, 2018
Vinnie…..to the man with the slickest kicks and the best vibe ALWAYS. You inspired us all, not only with your music, but with your love and hospitality. You were one in a million, and will be missed… pic.twitter.com/CTa5rWClJl
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) June 23, 2018
Rock in peace sonicbombast Texas bloodbrother Vinnie Paul. I will jam for you forever.
— Ted Nugent (@TedNugent) June 23, 2018
Sad 2 hear of Vinnie Paul of #Pantera passing…great guy…RIP
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) June 23, 2018
Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul. Heaven has Dimebag and Vinnie now 🙏🏻#RIPVINNIEPAUL
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) June 23, 2018
Gutted to hear about the nicest guy in metal passing. Vinnie Paul showed us nothing but love. We'll miss you Vinnie.
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) June 23, 2018
So sorry to hear about passing of Vinnie Paul. Such an incredible force & influence in metal. I remember literally stopping song Becoming 1st time I played it on radio, opening the mic & freaking our over his drumming on air. How many drummers make somebody do that? #RIPVinnie
— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) 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
Shocking news, RIP! Thank you for the music and the great times! https://t.co/btWsi1wXEM
— Andreas Kisser (@andreaskisser) June 23, 2018
💔 RIP Vinnie Paul, my condolences to the HELLYEAH extended family, band, crew, fans & everyone whose life was made better/touched by his kindness, generosity & bad ass drumming. Such a star & a game changer. Getcha pull in the next dimension brother!
— amij (@simswapperamij) June 23, 2018
Fuck man. Just waking up to the news. Another one of our friends In Rock gone way to soon. Respect and love to his close friends and family. Such a Sweetheart.
Rip Vinnie Paul.— ɐuıɯ❣️ (@MinaCaputo) June 23, 2018
20 years ago, had the pleasure of playing with Vinnie Paul & Pantera on Ozzfest ‘98. Then later on with Damageplan & Hell Yeah. Always kind, friendly and generous. RIP Vinnie. Condolences to his family, close friends & Pantera fans everywhere. pic.twitter.com/KyGDpYcFG7
— Alan Robert (@arobert) June 23, 2018
Rest in peace Vinnie Paul, May God bless your soul.
— SAL ABRUSCATO (@salabruscato) June 23, 2018
Jam Pantera right now. RIP Vinnie Paul.
— The Sword (@TheSword) June 23, 2018
Vinnie was a great friend. My heart is aching. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, band and crew. Godspeed my friend. #VinniePaul pic.twitter.com/lY8JdvveBE
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) June 23, 2018
Sad to hear about my friend Vinnie Paul’s passing. One of the true great ones. He’ll truly be missed. RIP Brother.
— Vince Neil (@thevinceneil) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/DaveNavarro/status/1010374205412540416
Remembering our friend Vinnie Paul today. A good man gone way too soon. https://t.co/EhvMRYSpzk
— Alice in Chains (@AliceInChains) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/MrGregDulli/status/1010590735056269312
https://twitter.com/WAVVES/status/1010576384308101120
Miss you. Vinnie. A total monster behind the kit and a blast to hang with. Way too soon, but go be metal gods with your brother. We get it. #ripvinniepaul pic.twitter.com/NFU5ayLqhg
— Brian Posehn (@thebrianposehn) June 23, 2018
VINNIE PAUL GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 23, 2018
Rest In Peace, Vinnie Paul. ❤️🥁🤘 pic.twitter.com/nihwxcCEU8
— GWAR (@gwar) June 24, 2018