It's absurd to say Pantera 'brought back' metal in the '90s, because metal never truly went away, and half of the 'alternative' artists were really heavy metal bands at heart - Tool, AIC, Soundgarden, White Zombie, Monster Magnet, Faith No More - while certain other explicitly metal acts remained successful at least to some degree into the decade. Even Grunge/alt-rock groups that leaned decidedly toward more punk or classic or rock - like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins - still had metal roots that were obvious in their music. However, Pantera chose to embrace the metal tag, and were the most explicitly metal band of their time. Dimebag's guitar playing is for the ages, and reason enough to induct Pantera. But, I don't see it ever happening.

Posted by Sunking278 on Wednesday, 04/24/2013 @ 07:11am

Heinous oversight but so many tremendous metal bands are overlooked that they won't get in for another decade, if ever. Phil Anselmo and Dimebag did brilliant things. If Pantera ever played with a guest guitarist at the show (I'd suggest Scott Ian) they would blow everybody else off the stage and cause half the attendees to piss their pants.

Posted by Hunter Morrow on Wednesday, 08/28/2013 @ 14:28pm

Come on HOF get your heads out of your asses. Who put these tool bags in charge anyway?

Posted by Mike Lawson on Wednesday, 09/11/2013 @ 12:24pm

Pantera definitely deserve to be inducted. They had a swagger matched by none. If you think they didnt carry metal and attitude throughout the 90s you either werent alive or old enough to see it or you simply werent paying attention. They are absolutely innovators of extreme music. you truly missed something special if you didnt get to see them live. They purposely took struggling/unpopular metal bands that deserved to our attention on tour with them and they didnt give a shit what anyone thought. Dimebag changed the way extreme music could be played, if that makes sence. No one can play like him. He had soul and feeling in his riffs and solos, ya he still played solos when alot of bands found it uncool. Listen to the solos on songs like the sleep or floods. Anselmo changed the way vocals and even lyrics were used in metal. That dude is the metal frontman template. They should be inducted now, but i can see it taking a few years.

Posted by themanthatfollowshell on Saturday, 01/18/2014 @ 08:46am

RIP Vinnie Paul

You’re maybe gone, but you and your brother Dimebag are finally together again in the afterlife. #Panteraforthehalloffame

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 06/23/2018 @ 01:40am

Vinnie died peacefully in his sleep. I just thank God he wasn’t in pain when this happened. #Panteraforthehalloffame

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/vinnie-paul-died-in-his-sleep/

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 06/23/2018 @ 15:53pm

Okay, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vinnie Paul, I am certain that he will be missed. :-(

It’s always difficult to hear about someone passing at such a young age. I will however remember his presence in the documentary, “Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage.”

Thank you Vinnie Paul.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 06/24/2018 @ 08:13am

I highly recommend reading this tribute - it's a good one! #Panteraforthehalloffame

"VINCENT PAUL ABBOTT (March 11, 1964 – June 22, 2018)

Born in Abilene, Texas, March 11, 1964, to Carolyn and Jerry Abbott.

VINNIE PAUL ABBOTT: REMEMBERING PANTERA’S
PATENTED POWER-GROOVE PIONEER WITH MUCH
REVERENCE, RESPECT & LOVE

Black days in the already dark domain of metal have regrettably become far too common of late. Friday, June 22, 2018, is sadly another such day, as on it we lost one of heavy metal’s most talented and influential drummers of all time: the pioneer of Pantera’s patented Power Groove — Vinnie Paul Abbott.

Drummers often invariably get the short end of the stick (awful pun unintentional — but it’s staying, as it’s pretty apt), as do bassists. Why? Because the vocalist and lead guitarist get the spotlight. In truth though — drums and bass are quite literally the foundation of any great band or song as they can make or break a riff or passage. A great guitar riff will inspire you to make your “metal face,” but ultimately, it’s the rhythm section that will bang the head that won’t bang and incite a mosh pit. Like I said: Make or Break…

That’s why rock drummers such as John Bonham, Keith Moon, Neil Peart, Bill Ward, Mitch Mitchell, Charlie Watts, and Alex Van Halen are rightfully considered legends. They didn’t just keep time and create a beat — they literally drove songs to new levels of intensity, light, shade, and groove.

Vinnie Abbott was (damn — the use of the past tense here is heart-wrenching) such a drummer and a high-ranking, much respected member of the aforementioned elite few.

Simply put — what made Pantera such a groundbreaking, timeless, and influential band was the combustible combination of the four members: Dime, Philip, Rex, and Vince. As Aristotle’s age-old adage states: “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” — and Pantera was living, fire-breathing proof of this undeniable but uncommon truth.

The recipe was delightfully simple: take Dime’s brilliantly brutal yet catchy riffage; mix in Rex’s carefully crafted low-end rumble; sprinkle Philip H. Anselmo’s angst liberally over the top; then place this trio over a thick, rich base built from Vinnie’s pummeling precise drumming…and “Hey-Presto”: the POWER GROOVE IS BORN.

I had the amazing privilege of watching Pantera grow from the ground up…from dingy clubs and bars in Texas to theatres, then stadiums and arenas, right up to dominating massive festival stages all over the world. I was also fortunate enough to see them not only pummel all over America but also in England and even in Tokyo, Japan. My Tokyo experience was 333% Pantera! I literally got off a 14-hour plane ride, went straight to the venue, drank WAY too many Dime-poured Black Tooth Grins in Grady “Grand Dragon” Champion’s guitar world, before being dragged onstage to do backing vocals on, of course, “Walk.” Unforgettable. Unrepeatable. Priceless….

My first brush with Pantera was in 1985 on Grim Reaper’s Fear No Evil tour during the Terry Glaze era when they opened for us in Texas. I was blown away by their performance, and Dime gave me a cassette tape (remember those?) of Projects in the Jungle. I still have it, and it still rules. Then, in 1987, on the Hell on Wheels tour, I stage dived and landed on this pretty intimidating but amiable dude…his name was Philip H. Anselmo, and we enjoyed a post-show herbal cigarette. He’d recently moved to Texas to join Pantera — as Walt Disney’s annoying tune states: “it’s a small world, after all.” Sadly, it’s growing smaller. Anyway, back to the tale...

Then, Reaper’s management (hi Walter, hi Bob, hi Kimberly) signed Pantera; then there was all the Guitar World stuff with Dime (numerous articles, 64 columns, the Riffer Madness book, yadda, yadda). Suffice to say, I spent a lot of time with Dime and the band. This also continued with Dime and Vinnie when Pantera fragmented and the criminally overlooked Damageplan project was born. During that entire period, though, while I knew Vinnie, we didn’t really talk that much — apart from the usual, “Hey, nice to see you again” type stuff. Why? Because I was always with the human whirlwind, Dimebag, of course — he was the consummate host and redefined the term engaging.

Then came one of metal’s darkest days: Wednesday, December 8, 2004….

Prior to flying to Darrell’s funeral and public memorial service, I called Vinnie to express my profound sorrow and condolences. As expected, given the heartwrenching circumstances, the phone wasn’t answered by him, so I simply asked if my best wishes and love could be passed on. As soon as I said my name, though, I was told: “Vince was hoping you were going to call; he’d really like to talk to you.” It was in the lengthy, tear-inducing but beautifully moving conversation that followed where our relationship went from acquaintances to true friends.

While the funeral and the public memorial were, of course, understandably somewhat somber at times, our goal was to celebrate Dime’s remarkable life, and that was achieved in spades. Jerry Cantrell, Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Maynard Keenan, members of Anthrax, Disturbed and others paid tribute from the stage and impromptu performances.

The graceful, gregarious generosity, bravery, brotherhood and sisterhood I witnessed at both events was life changing — especially from Vinnie, his and Darrell’s father Jerry “LD” Abbott, Rita, Grady, John (a.k.a. Kat), Sterling, Wirez, Chris (a.k.a. Crusher), and the man who redefines “work ethic” Mr. Guy Sykes. It was deeply moving. The fact that Vinnie was able to wear his trademark smile despite his palpable pain was far beyond touching.

I had the unbelievable experience of playing with Vinnie at a couple of Dimebashes — we did “This Love” and also a couple of Kiss tunes with Ace freakin’ Frehley on lead. Believe me — hearing VP’s power groove is one thing, but literally riding on its gigantic sonic wave when playing with him is a whole, er, new level. Unforgettable, unrepeatable, priceless moment #333.

I got invited to Memphis, Tennessee, during Elvis Week with LD, Vinnie, and Bridog (my friend — I’m so very sorry). It was an amazing few days of bonding and fun that included a tour of Sun Studios and, of course, Graceland: home of Elvis.

And 2006 was also the bearer of more great news — the world would once again get to hear and see Vinnie’s peerless drumming driving his new band, Hellyeah. Can you say “celebration”? The news of VP’s return to the studio and stage caused a global tsunami of triumphant celebration in the metal realm.

Since forming, Hellyeah has toured extensively and released five critically-acclaimed and fan-loved albums. Alongside Vinnie – Chad Gray (vocals) and Tom Maxwell (guitar) have been at the core of the band since day one. Hellyeah - completed by Kyle Sanders (bass) and Christian Brady (guitar) - was working on album No. 6 when this tragedy occurred.

Vinnie’s remarkable drumming talent is well known; what is maybe less well known is this: behind his larger-than-life onstage presence and muscular (he hit those freaking skins hard) yet musical drumming was a kind, gentle, generous,
and funny guy with an infectious smile and a heart the size of Texas.
Vinnie’s kindness and generosity helped make a difference for many. Since he was as humble as he was thoughtful, though, he never made a big deal aboutsuch amazing acts…to him, helping others was just “the right thing to do.”

But 54 is young, way too freaking young…if there is any collateral beauty in this soul-crushing, tear-stained loss, it is this…

After nearly 14 years apart: Vinnie and Dime are finally together again in an even better place. Their last words to each other on this planet were “Van Halen” (their code for having a kickass show). I know they’re in God’s Tavern (© Zakk Wylde) right now, clinking their glasses while exclaiming “Van Halen” in unison and both sporting THOSE grins.

To close — my thoughts, prayers, best wishes, and broken heart are with Vinnie’s family, bandmates & friends…and especially Jerry “The Eld’n” Abbott.

Vincent is preceded in death by his mother, Norma Carolyn Abbott, and his brother, Darrell Lance Abbott. He is survived by his father, Jerry Abbott, of Arlington, Texas, his loving partner, Chelsey Yeager, of Arlington, Texas, his right hand man and constant companion, Charles “Bridog” Jones of Arlington,
Texas, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, friends too numerous to mention, and millions of fans worldwide.

Vinnie — thank you for the music, the many indelible memories, and your Gentle Spirit. Big Luv, my dear friend...Big Luv, always.
REST IN PEACE & please say “hey” to Dukebox Damage, for me.

-Nick “Hitchcock” Bowcott

During Pantera’s blazing run of successes, the band was nominated for four Grammy Awards, all in the “Best Metal Performance” category:

“I’m Broken” (1994 – Far Beyond Driven)
“Suicide Note Pt. 1 (1996 – The Great Southern Trendkill)

“Cemetery Gates” (1997 – Cowboys From Hell)
“Revolution Is My Name” (2000 – Reinventing the Steel)

Vinnie did not have one favorite charity. His generosity was spread widely between his friends and strangers. If you’d like to make a donation in Vinnie’s name to your favorite charity, please do so."

Posted by The Dude on Friday, 06/29/2018 @ 12:26pm

Dude,

Saw Hellyeah at Louder Than Life a couple years ago. In this writeup, in this comment:

'That’s why rock drummers such as John Bonham, Keith Moon, Neil Peart, Bill Ward, Mitch Mitchell, Charlie Watts, and Alex Van Halen are rightfully considered legends. They didn’t just keep time and create a beat — they literally drove songs to new levels of intensity, light, shade, and groove.'

IMO, should have included Janet Weiss up there with those other drumming icons. She is that good.

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 06/29/2018 @ 15:26pm

Did ya know there’s an edited, instrumental version of “Death Rattle” from Pantera’s last studio album, Reinventing the Steel? It was used on Spongebob Squarepants, for “Pre-Hibernation Week” episode.

RIP Stephen Hillenburg

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 11/27/2018 @ 17:13pm

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 03/23/2019 @ 22:10pm

Right click on image and stick it in between the following:

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 03/23/2019 @ 22:12pm

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Posted by Roy on Saturday, 03/23/2019 @ 22:14pm

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Posted by Roy on Saturday, 03/23/2019 @ 22:14pm

Right click on image and stick the address between my last two posts

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 03/23/2019 @ 22:16pm

Dude, saw Phil's set at LTL! Really enjoyed it. Had a big crowd & all were entertained. Mr. Anselmo was very appreciative of the crowd & their reaction to his covering of Pantera songs. Sure glad I saw them.

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 10:11am

@ Paul

With half of the members from Pantera gone; I'm picturing what the band's induction into the Hall at the ceremony would look like. Maybe Zakk Wylde and Slipknot's original drummer Joey Jordison would play live as guests with Phil and Rex.

Posted by The Dude on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 10:26am

Pantera and Dimebag with Vinny are a sound that will never be duplicated. Of course they should be in there!!!

Posted by Shredder on Thursday, 04/22/2021 @ 14:44pm

Look just the name PANTERA evokes a certain mentality.

PANTERA to me represents real American HEAVY metal.

Also the band that introduced Groove Metal to me.

It doesn't really matter what the Rock N Roll HOF does. PANTERA isn't rock n roll. They are f'ng heavy metal.

Posted by Brandon on Saturday, 05/8/2021 @ 18:09pm

Dime alone should be enough to get them in. Enough said. Plus, they were one of the few metal bands to hit it big in the 90s alongside grunge acts.

Posted by JDL on Sunday, 08/8/2021 @ 18:09pm

This is a f!cking joke right!? Wow, says alot about the voting!?

Posted by Tim on Tuesday, 12/28/2021 @ 18:11pm

PanterA saved Metal and single handedly carried the flag loud and proud for a decade. They should already be in the Hall of Fame.

Posted by Christopher Brown on Sunday, 02/13/2022 @ 16:06pm

To say Dime was the best since Hendrix is a little off there style of music is completely different completely different day and age . If you look at Dime as the completely package with his heart and soul the way he lived his life treated fans just look at every aspect of Dime ... Nothing comes close to Dime he broke the mold . Then you put the rest of the band behind Dime which is unbelievable PANTERA was and still is unstoppable the band deserves to be in the hall without a question. There style of music gets no respect and the peopel the does the voting im sure not one of them has plaid an instrument in there whole lives. Its sad but true and it needs to be changed let the fans have some say in it and without a doubt PANTERA would be in the hall for sure RIP. DIME AND VINCE you guys are very missed . T
he world of music needs you guys❤

Posted by Eric watts on Sunday, 05/22/2022 @ 10:44am

I can proudly say that I watched Pantera play in small clubs in Dallas. Spoke with him many times. What a beautiful soul , if only we could all be more like Dime . What a great place this could be. I think about the brothers often. I for one truly miss then .

Posted by Dave Damage on Monday, 09/12/2022 @ 22:05pm

Pantera was the best thing for Rock and Roll since Black Sabbath. These guy went heavy and stayed true to the core.

Posted by Sidneey on Wednesday, 10/19/2022 @ 15:35pm

never gonna happen. on top of the halls tendency to leave out metal, pantera must be low on the pecking order. they never broke into the mainstream, and compared to the mass appeal of iron maiden and Megadeth, and the iconicity of Motorhead and Dio, Pantera have a considerably worse shot. adding onto this, their imagery is gonna be a problem, sure Skynyrd used confederate flags too, but that's panteras entire image, from dime bags guitar to all their merch. there's no way the hall would want to risk that, which could wind up a pr nightmare. Anselmo's penchant for controversial remarks doesn't help at all either. if morrisseys controversy can leave the smiths on the outs, pantera aren't getting in

Posted by Will M on Wednesday, 01/11/2023 @ 10:12am

IMO they are the greatest metal band of all time. Will they ever get inducted? I don't know, but I hope they do one day.

Posted by Henry on Thursday, 01/12/2023 @ 19:50pm