June 22, a somber day for the heavy metal and hard rock community. Vinnie Paul Abbot, co founder and innovative drummer for the legendary Pantera, was found dead in Las Vegas. His death due to an enlarged heart and coronary artery disease. Yet another unexpected death in a series of rock community deaths that started with Scott Weiland in December of 2015. The trend has slowed down a little bit in 2019, but for about three years it seemed like some sort of apocalypse for aging rockers. And it was just heartbreaking learning about Vinnie Paul. One of my biggest drumming influences.
One of the elements I liked about Abbot’s drumming was how he held his sticks; at the heads instead of the ends. Which is part of what made his sound so big. That combined with sheer power and superior production skills put Vinne Paul’s drums in the top tiers of drumming. His sound was so crisp and clean. Yet heavy and phat. Which gave even the most manic of Pantera’s songs structure. His ability to thrash and sit in the pocket simultaneously has yet to be matched. And while there were drummers using double bass pedal that proceeded him, Paul took it to the next level. Accuracy and speed unlike anything people had heard before. Yes, there were fast drummer before him. But songs like ‘Strength Beyond Strength’ and the live version of ‘Becoming’ display a cleanliness that’s rarely achieved. Even by the greats.
But what’s missed most is his larger than life personality. Always welcoming, always friendly. Legendary with the fans. He and his brother Dime truly cared about forming a community. And they were constantly smiling. Except for album booklet photos and all that of course. But the sheer joy they got out of playing what they loved together is forever inspiring. Vinnie’s heart was truly too big for this world. We’ll miss your talents and your much needed sense of community.
