It's been 18 years since Dimebag Darrell passed away, but many of his fans and former bandmates still remember him today.
Taking to his official Instagram account, Pantera bassist Rex Brown shared a heartwarming tribute dedicated to his old pal, thanking supporters for keeping his legacy alive.
"It's been 18 years since Dimebag Darrell was tragically taken. Thanks to all of you for keeping his memory alive!" he wrote. (via 98 Online)
On the other hand, drummer Charlie Benante took to Twitter to share an old photo of his good pal with the caption, "Remembering @dimebagdarrell today and everyday."
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains topics about shooting
How Did Dimebag Darrell Die?
According to an article published by MTV 18 years ago, the Damageplan and Pantera guitarist tragically died during a shooting spree at a nightclub in Columbus Ohio. He was 38 years old.
Aside from the musician, there were also four other people who were killed that evening. Among those who died were the band's bodyguard Jeff Thompson, Nathan Bray, Erin Halk, and the gunman Nathan Gale.
Three other people were wounded after the incident.
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It all began when Damageplan was performing their first song in front of a 250-people audience. Gale then jumped onstage to make comments about Pantera before shooting Darrell several times.
James Niggemeyer, a patrol officer who happened to be around the area, heard gunshots at around 10:18 p.m., he was able to gain access to the club by entering a back door. He confronted the suspect, who held a hostage, on stage without backup.
"The officer was able to strategically gun this guy down before he was able to kill his hostage, and it appeared that he was about to kill his hostage," public information officer, Sergeant Brent Mull said.
As of this writing, the gunman's motive remains a mystery.
Who Was Dimebag Darrell?
Born Darrell Lance Abbott in Ennis, Texas on August 20, 1966, the musician started his music career in high school.
His father, Jerry Abbott, was also musically-inclined as he is a country songwriter and producer.
Pantera was formed in 1981 along with bandmates, Terry Glaze, Tommy Bradford, Donny Hart, and his brother, Vinnie Paul.
Dimebag Darrell later became a part of Damageplan along with his brother, Patrick Lachman, Bob Zilla, and Shawn Matthews.
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