Jerry Abbott, known for his role in the formation of the heavy metal band Pantera, has died at 80. He was the father of the late Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, two of the band’s members. Danny Wood Sr., a friend of the Abbott family, made the announcement on social media, revealing that a private funeral service for family and close friends was to be held with a memorial service set to be held at a later date.
Jerry Abbott played an instrumental role in the rise of Pantera, managing the band and co-producing several of their albums in the 1980s. His background as a renowned recording engineer was a key factor in shaping the band’s sound. In 2014, he published his autobiography Over My Shoulder: The Life and Times of Jerry Abbott, where he detailed his relationship with his sons, his career as a musician, and the highs and lows of Pantera’s success.
Dimebag Darrell, whose real name was Darrell Lance Abbott, was tragically murdered by a fan while performing on stage in Ohio. His brother and bandmate, Vinnie Paul, passed away suddenly in June 2018 from severe coronary artery disease. The Pantera tribute band made a stop in Austin, Texas, last year, to celebrate what would have been Darrell’s 57th birthday, the same state where he was born.
Pantera announced plans to reunite with a revamped line-up in July 2022, featuring Phil Anselmo on vocals and Rex Brown on bass, Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne) on guitar and Charlie Benante (Anthrax) on drums. Anselmo commented on the reunion, stating that he believed his late bandmates would have been supportive of the reunion. This is a developing story, and more information is to be expected in the coming days
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