10 Most Heartbreaking Tragedies In Rock Music
3. Dimebag Darrell's Murder
In the world of heavy metal, Dimebag Darrell was a one of a kind musician. Aside from his ripping leads, Dime always related to his fans in a down to earth way, almost like he wasn't even sold on the more outlandish guitar skills that he had. Given his amazing interactions with fans and musicians alike, it's shocking that his sudden death had to play out so gruesomely on a public stage.
After the breakup of Pantera, Dime and his brother Vinnie Paul formed another group called Damageplan, which went on a mini tour of the US to promote their debut record. When they stopped at the Alrosa Villa club in Ohio, the unthinkable started right as the band was about to go on. Just a few seconds into the set, Nathan Gale stormed the stage with a pistol, killing Dime instantly. The horror continued until police arrived on the scene and shot the assassin, leaving Dime and 4 concertgoers dead.
Though the whole hard rock world banded together to pay tribute to Dime, it would be years before Vinnie Paul would be comfortable on a stage without his brother by his side. While it is tragic that Dime had to meet his end in this way, it's better that we remember him for the way he was: a legend on the guitar, and an amazing friend to the metal community.