Megadeth have paid tribute to late Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul in a recent performance at France’s Hellfest. The legendary metal act played their 1986 track ‘My Last Words’ off the album Peace Sells….but Who’s Buying? to honour Paul’s memory.
Multiple commenters on the video of the performance have noted that it was the first time the band had played the track live since 2010, despite Mustaine saying the band hadn’t performed it in 20 years.
Prior to performing the song, frontman Dave Mustaine said the performance was, “dedicated to a friend of mine – all of ours – who passed away. This song is dedicated to you, Vinnie. This song is called ‘My Last Words.’
“Listen, this next song we’re gonna do for you – we played it last night [at Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium] for the first time in almost 20 years; we haven’t played this song for a very long time. We dedicated it to a friend of mine – all of ours – who passed away. This song is dedicated to you, Vinnie. This song is called ‘My Last Words.'”
Watch Megadeth perform ‘My Last Words’ at Hellfest:
Vinnie Paul passed away at aged 54, on Friday June 22nd in his home in Las Vegas. Yesterday, sources close to Paul revealed that the drummer died of a “massive heart attack” during his sleep. His body is currently with medical examiners who are verifying his cause of death before he is buried in Texas.
Since his passing, multiple tributes have poured out in honour of his memory. Artists like Foo Fighters, Slipknot and Slash have come forward to celebrate his legacy as a musician and hospitable persona.
“You inspired us all, not only with your music, but with your love and hospitality. You were one in a million, and will be missed,” wrote the Foo Fighters on social media.
Watch Pantera’s ‘Cowboys From Hell’:
