Reaction to the death of metal guitarist Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott continues to flow in Friday, two days after he was shot and killed onstage in Columbus, Ohio, performing with his band Damageplan.

Abbott was a member of the band Pantera, who broke up in 2002, after becoming one of metal’s biggest bands in the 1990s. Police say that witnesses told them before Nathan Gale, the gunman, shot him five times in the head, he uttered something about the break-up of Pantera.

His brother, Vinnie Paul, who played with him in Pantera and Damageplan, says he will miss him most for what he did away from music.

“With all his greatness and accomplishments on the guitar, Dime will be missed more for his giving personality, charisma, caring for others, love and most of all his heart,” he said in a statement released by Warner Music, Damageplan’s record label.

“Dime gave it all everyday to each and every one of us and our lives have forever been hollowed without him,” he continued. “Thanks to all of you for reaching out to us in this time of our immeasurable loss. Rest in peace brother Dime.”

The band’s head of security, Jeffrey “Mayhem” Thompson, also was killed by the same gunman in the club.

“Jeffrey ‘Mayhem’ Thompson was not just a true part of the Damageplan family, but part of the whole Dallas music scene,” the band collectively said in a statement. “He was friend to all, with a great personality. He bent over backward to help us all with his trademark phrases like, ‘What can I do for you sir?’ and ‘Coming up!’ He also stated his willingness to protect us, saying, ‘I’d take a bullet for ya,’ and unfortunately did in defence of our lives. He truly lived and died for his friends and made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save ours. For this we will never forget. You will be missed big man.?

An employee of the club, Erin Halk, and a member of the audience, Nathan Bray, were also killed. Chris Paluska, the acting tour manager, is in critical but stable condition after being shot, Warner Music said. John ?Kat? Brooks, the band?s drum tech, was also shot and is being released from the hospital today. The gunman was killed by police while allegedly taking an audience member hostage after shooting the victims.






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