HELLYEAH guitarist Tom Maxwell has released a statement on the tragic passing of his bandmate, Vinnie Paul. The two played in HELLYEAH since 2006, and naturally the band is all grieving.
Tom wrote on the band's official Facebook page:
Just so broken hearted and in shock. I’m struggling to write this but we want to thank you all for your kind words and support in this tragic time. We don’t have much info to give you other then Vinnie is now with Dime and they are together in a better place.
Sadness, shock, confusion, anger, despair. We feel it all together. Hug your loved ones and keep them close.
Thank you all again for all your love. Vinnie will be and is greatly loved and missed but his music will live forever. Crank it loud today and scream to the heavens so he can hear you.
-Maxwell ?
The band's label, Eleven Seven, also released an official statement:
Vinnie Paul Abbott wasn’t just a drummer, he was an iconic fixture in the metal and hard rock community, a pioneer, and an absolute legend. He was a self taught drummer who went on to win many awards for his impeccable skills throughout his career.
A founding member of Pantera, DamagePlan and his current band HellYeah, Vinnie was a vital force for bands and millions of fans worldwide. Whether fans were turning their volume to 11 or headbanging their hearts out at live shows, Vinnie was an inspiration.
His most recent release, Hellyeah’s UNDEN!ABLE contained three hit singles, thanks to support from Sirius XM’s Octane. “All of us at Octane are so broken hearted to hear of the passing of our brother Vinnie Paul. We sent love to his family, band members and fans. You will be missed. Thinking of you reunited and rockin’ with Dime… Rest in Peace, Vinnie Paul Abbott”, Octane released in a statement.
Today, the world not only lost a legend, but also a genuine human being who lived to put a smile on the faces of everyone he met. May he be reunited with his brother as we all strive to continue his legacy.
Eleven Seven Music is heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, bandmates, friends, and fans through this difficult time.
Vinnie Paul died sometime yesterday, June 22nd in Las Vegas. No further details are available about the cause of his death. Friends and musicians from all over the world have been paying tribute all day.
