A public memorial service for Pantera/Damageplan guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott took place Tuesday night (12/14) at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, TX. Fans turned out by the thousands to say goodbye to the guitarist, and musicians such as Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, and members of Slipknot were on hand to pay their respects. Former Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell performed at the event.
"I'm here for the same reason as everyone else, to give some love back," Van Halen told the crowd, according to the Dallas Morning News. "This guy was full of life. He lived and breathed rock and roll." Wylde added, "A whole part of my life is gone."
The Associated Press said that Dimebag's brother, drummer Vinnie Paul, went on stage with a cardboard cut-out of his brother holding a guitar and encouraged the fans to yell "Dimebag!" He told the crowd that Abbott gave his all during every show and "went down" doing what he loved.
In other news, for those wishing to make a donation in honor of Dimebag, two memorial funds have been set up in his name. The Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund has been established to help fund bereavement and medical expenses for drum tech John "Kat" Brooks, tour manager Chris Paluska, and head of security Jeffrey "Mayhem" Thompson. Donors can make checks payable to The Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund and mail checks to: 110 SW Thomas, Burleson, TX, 76028.
Another fund has been set up through VH1's Save The Music Foundation, which purchases new musical instruments to restore music education programs that have been cut in schools due to budget reductions, or to save programs at risk of elimination. The Foundation also conducts awareness campaigns, musical instrument drives and fundraising events. To contribute to that fund, mail a donation to: VH1 Save The Music Foundation, 1515 Broadway, 20th Floor, New York, NY, 10036.
Michelle Branch with Dimebag
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Meanwhile, while dozens of musicians from the Metal and Rock worlds have released statements about their feelings for Dimebag, Pop singer Michelle Branch also had a story to share. On her Web site, michellebranch.net, she posted a photo (right) and a message saying, "I am so sad to hear about Dimebag being shot and killed while doing something he loves. I was lucky to meet him and he was one of the sweetest guys. It's hard to believe that a lot of clubs don't offer metal detectors (because they can't afford them) or proper security. Most of the security you see at shows are just normal guys who either volunteer or simply wear a t-shirt that says security. Something needs to change. Any ideas? Petitions? Letters to your local clubs? If musicians start feeling unsafe doing what they love, we'll have a big problem."
