Dimebag Darrell(Ex Pantera Guitarist) Shot & Killed On Stage

[DUKE]

Dimebag Darrell Killed / Columbus Ohio

Shooter climbs onstage, shoots Damageplan guitarist and three others

Damageplan guitarist Dimebag Darrell (born Darrell Abbott) was shot dead at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio, last night. Soon after the band began playing, a gunman charged the stage and began firing at the band and into the crowd. Three others were killed before a police officer fatally shot the gunman. Abbott, 38, was formerly a member of Texas thrash metal giants Pantera.
The shooter -- identified as Nathan Gale, 25, of Marysville, Ohio -- dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and hockey jersey, jumped onstage at about 10 p.m., just as Damageplan were beginning their first song. After making a statement about the breakup of Pantera, he shot Abbott in the chest several times at close range and then turned his gun on the crowd of hundreds. Among those killed were fan Nathan Bray, 23, and Erin Halk, 29, who was either a fan or band employee -- the third victim and two wounded have not yet been named.

District patrol officer James D. Niggemeyer, 31, responded within minutes to the call about shooting inside the club, entering through the back door to investigate. The officer then fatally shot the gunman, who at the time was holding an unidentified hostage by the neck.

Approximately 250 audience members are being questioned by police about the incident.

Formed in early 2003 soon after the breakup of Pantera, Damageplan also includes singer Patrick Lachman, bassist Bob Zilla and Abbott's brother, ex-Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul. Their debut album, New Found Power, was released last February.

[kashikis]

I was reading this, this morning. F-in sucks man. He was one of the baddest guitarists around anymore. Well between him and Zack Wylde in metal.

R.I.P. Dimebag

[tman570]

Bummer to hear about this man. RIP.

[Dr. Duran Duran]

My cousin and I used to listen to Pantera when we were in high school. It's a real shame to hear about this, they were one of the best heavy metal bands I've ever heard. May he rest in peace.

[deluxe_247]

i didnt really listen to pantera that much...but being a guitar player like myself i recognized him as being creative and a great talent at what he did. quite the shame. just shows you how you never know what can happen at ant time. crazy people.

[CC]

One of my friends went home from school when he heard about this.

[Mercer Boy]

I wish people weren't so screwed up in the head. What seriously makes you want to go up to any person (famous or not) and just take away their life. What did they ever do to you? Oh darn, they left their old band. Is that seriously worth what you just did? You're still around; how can you possibly feel better about yourself after doing something like that.

Damageplan had just released a CD. Our local station had played at least one of their songs, and I liked it a lot. Unfortuantely we won't be able to hear anymore because of some stupid wack-job.

This is the type of stuff that makes me want to stay at home, type on the computer, and watch TV all day.

[Guttpuppy]

One of my friends went home from school when he heard about this.

I told my buddy at work about it,a HUGE Pantera fan...he walked around in a daze and could barely function for a few hours.

Sucks man,friggin' nutjob.

RIP Dimebag.

[Tiki]

Sad he died and RIP, but Pantera sucked...

[Guttpuppy]

but Pantera sucked...

Without bands like Pantera you would have no clue as to what music's all about.

YOU suck...wait 'til Nelly gets capped young one...or whatever you listen to you little bitch!

Yeah,I said it...Tiki,you have no clue,grow up and then come here to talk.