Dimebag Darrell: gone, but never forgotten

We all know what day it is today. Exactly 6 years ago one of the greatest musicians of all time was shot on stage. Of course, I am talking about Darrell Abbott, otherwise known as Dimebag - the legendary Pantera guitarist.

This year many of the great have fallen and even though I take my hat off for each and every one of them, none of these deaths have touched me as deep as Dime's. I have never known him in person, and it's not a secret that I am a Pantera fan (face it, there are very few who aren't and they most probably suck), yet I don't understand why it brings me to tears every year. It is hard for me to find the right words to write here now, but this post has to be written.

It's near impossible to comprehend his death as a fact, because he is immortal. Dimebag will live forever in his music, in the hearts of people his music has touched, in so many Pantera tattoos, in every kid who discovered Dime's bands and decided to pick up the guitar. He continues to live in those bands we like who have been inspired by him and who would've never been the way we know them without him. Dime is everywhere, if you know where to look.

I am going to spill the beans and tell you that soon we are going to post an interview we have conducted recently with Vinnie Paul and Chad Gray, where Vinnie said some heartfelt words about Dime. Being there and listening to him say that probably made this tragedy even closer to my heart.

Meanwhile you can check out something we have done the previous year: an interview with Ville Sorvali (Moonsorrow), Jules Näveri (Profane Omen) and Nico Hartonen (Godsplague) who take part in the annual DIMEBAG BEYOND FOREVER tour around Finland. Click here to read. Unfortunately this great tradition is coming to an end in 2010 with the closing show taking place in Nosturi, Helsinki on December 11. If you have the opportunity to be there - don't miss it.

I hope you will find your own way to commemorate the guitar god who was taken away from us in such an unfair and preposterous way. May he rest in peace.




Proud to be loud.
-Tanja