REX BROWN Issues Lengthy Statement On The Passing Of Longtime Friend And Bandmate VINNIE PAUL - "I’ve Been Devastated, Saddened, And Shaken, Almost Beyond Words"
July 5, 2018, 6 years ago
Pantera bassist Rex Brown remembered his longtime friend and bandmate, Vinnie Paul Abbott, as a game-changing drummer in a heartfelt tribute to Rolling Stone.
Vinnie Paul passed away in his sleep on June 22nd. He was 54 years old. An official cause of death has yet to be determined.
An excerpt of Rex Brown's remembrance follows:
"I’ve been devastated, saddened, and shaken, almost beyond words, about the passing of my longtime brother in Pantera, Vincent Paul Abbott.
"While I understand and appreciate the desire to hear from me, I have taken my time to collect my thoughts, to begin to process this terrible loss. I’ve chosen to decline the interview requests, because this is not about me. This moment belongs to Vinnie.
"I’d like to send out my sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his relatives, to the Pantera family, to his newer family in Hellyeah, and to all of the fans that Vinnie Paul spent his life entertaining. My thoughts and prayers are with every one of you.
"I’m especially heartbroken for Vinnie’s father, Jerry Abbott, who opened his studio and showed us the ropes in the early days. No man should have to bury his sons.
"All I can do is focus on the great times and the brotherhood the four of us shared."
Rex Brown’s full remembrance of late Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul can be found at Rolling Stone.
