In memory of Dimebag

Darrell Lance Abbott who later became known as "Dimebag Darrell" and then simply "Dimebag" or "Dime" was born on August 20, 1966. He was born to country musician and producer Jerry Abbott in Dallas, TX.

Dimebag picked up the guitar at a young age and became a master of the instrument very quickly. He won various awards and competitions as a teenager.

He is most known for forming the heavy metal band Pantera with his brother Vinnie Paul in the early 1980's. Pantera went on to release numerous albums and do tours with many well known bands around the world. Pantera soon came to be known as the founders of what some label as "groove metal" and became very famous within the heavy metal scene.

in 2003 the members of Pantera went their separate ways and Dimebag went on to form the heavy metal band Damageplan. He performed various guest spots on albums by Anthrax, David Allan Coe, King Diamond and others. He also performed in a country band called Rebel Meets Rebel.

Dimebag was known to be an extremely talented guitar player. His spine tingling intricate guitar solos made him a true legacy.

On December 8, 2004 while performing with his band Damage Plan in Columbus, Ohio Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed by an angry Pantera fan Nathan Gale. Nathan Gale killed 3 others and injured 2 before a Policemen shot and killed him.

This was a sad day for many of Dimebag's fans. Four years later he is still not forgotten and never will be!

I grew to love Pantera when I was in high school. Dimebag was a legend in my eyes. I was lucky enough that I was able to see him perform with Pantera 4 times before their split. I was even LUCKIER to be able to meet Dime, Phil and Rex in 1996. Dime was extremely friendly. I was very shy and a bit star struck but he joked around with me and helped me to relax a bit.

Dimebag was well known for being very personable. He had an amazing personality, was always the life of the party and wanted to be friends with everyone. I think this in itself made him even more of an amazing person!

R.I.P. Dime.

Many well known artists brought their talent together to create the Six-String Masterpieces: The Dimebag Darrell Art Tribute.

Sixty-six handpainted and sculpted Dean ML guitars were made in tribute to Dimebag Darrell and exhibited at special events all over the country including the Family Values tour. Artists that participated in this amazing event included:

Ozzy Osbourne
Ace Frehley (KISS)
Al Jourgensen (MINISTRY)
Dean Karr (award-winning video director, photographer)
Paul Raven (MINISTRY, KILLING JOKE, PRONG)
Jim Root (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR)
Cristina Scabbia (LACUNA COIL)
Alex Grey (legendary psychedelic artist)
Billy Gibbons (ZZ TOP)
Leslie West (MOUNTAIN)
Jamie Jasta (HATEBREED)
Aaron Lewis (STAIND)
Rob Zombie
Marilyn Manson
Metallica
Mudvayne
Zakk Wylde
Kerry King (Slayer)
Paul Booth
Godsmack
Deftones
Otep

.. and more!

*Above is James Hetfield of Metallica signing one of these guitars*