Former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo has made a concise, yet touching tribute to his former bandmate Vinnie Paul during his public memorial recently. Anselmo and Paul had been estranged from each other for years following Pantera’s collapse in 2003.
Anselmo said in a video message that was screened at the memorial, “Vince, always have love in my heart for you, man, rest in peace.”
Watch it below:
Paul’s memorial featured a slew of tributes from other musicians and industry figures, with members of Kid Rock, Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, Slayer, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Disturbed, Megadeth and Ozzy Osbourne sending flower arrangements that were displayed onstage.
Paul’s drumkit from his band Hellyeah featured onstage which was played later on in the night by Anthrax’s Charlie Benante and Lamb of God’s Chris Adler.
Several other musicians including KISS drummer Peter Criss and Overkill drummer Jason Bitner also paid tribute to Paul.
Watch Vinnie Paul’s Public Memorial below:
Vinnie Paul died at age 54 of what was revealed to be a “major heart attack” during his sleep on Friday, June 22nd in his home in Las Vegas.
Paul’s death was announced over a Facebook post on Pantera’s official page, reading, “Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.”
Since his death, many musicians have taken to the stage to celebrate his memory, with metal legends Megadeth performing their 1986 track ‘My Last Words’ in honour of the Pantera and Hellyeah drummer’s legacy. Grunge legends Alice In Chains have also remembered Paul’s legacy, dedicating their track ‘Nutshell’ to Paul during their recent set at Hellfest.
Watch Pantera’s ‘Cowboys From Hell’:
