'Dimebag' Darrell Memorial Set for Tuesday

12/14/2004 6:57 PM, Reuters
Jonathan Cohen

Slain Damageplan/Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott will be saluted with a public memorial service Tuesday night at the Convention Center in Arlington, Texas.

Abbott was murdered on stage in Columbus, Ohio, last Wednesday in a shooting spree that also claimed the life of the band's head of security, Jeffrey "Mayhem" Thompson, a club employee and an audience member.

In addition, two memorial funds have been created. The Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund will help cover bereavement and medical expenses for Thompson and two other band employees injured in the incident. Checks can be sent to the fund at 110 SW Thomas, Burleson, TX 76028.

Fans can also make a donation in Abbott's name to VH1's Save the Music Foundation, which works to restore music education programs in schools. Contributions can be made by mail to 1515 Broadway, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10036 or via phone at (888) 841-4687.

Tributes to Abbott continued to pour in from the music community. "I'm stunned," says Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley . "The taking of Dimebag Darrell's life in this horrific murder is a senseless tragedy for his fans and unfathomable loss for his family."

"Some things that happen in life make no sense at all, but out of pain comes strength, and I know the metal community will take that strength and use it as an enduring memory for Dimebag," said Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford.

Added Queen guitarist Brian May , "Pantera were, I think, the first band that I and my son Jimmy both got equally excited about. It was Jimmy who first got me to see them. They were a great band, and Dimebag was an innovative and passionate player."

"My thoughts and prayers are with Darrell's spirit and his family," said guitarist Dave Navarro . "His music will live forever. He was an amazing talent and one of my favorite new school guitarists. This community will surely miss him."

Reuters/Billboard