Remembering Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell on His Birthday [VIDEO]

This December 8th, 2012, will mark 9 years since one of the greatest guitarists in rock history left this life.  While that day was so devastating to his family, friends and fans, today, I’m choosing to reflect on the day that his life began.  Happy Birthday, Dimebag Darrell.

Darrell Lance Abbott was born on this day, August 20th, back in 1966.  He would be 46 years old today.  Along with his brother, Vinnie Paul Abbott,  he helped form one of the greatest metal bands of all time (if not the best, in my opinion), Pantera.  He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and from then on, he would show the world how bad ass he was.

I got turned on to Pantera from a buddy of mine that I worked with at Taco Bell back in the early 90′s.  I had already missed their ‘Cowboys From Hell‘ release, but ‘Vulgar Display of Power‘ had just came out.  My friend played me some of the songs, and from that moment on, I was a huge fan.

Dime’s riffs and the way he played was so innovative in the world of rock.  At that time, it was the end of the 80′s hair metal, so something new, fast and hard hitting was definitely welcomed to my ears.   Sure there was Metallica, Slayer and tons of fast heavy metal bands, but there was just something real and different with Pantera – they just simply rocked everybody’s faces off.

I’ll never forget the many Pantera concerts that I went to as I would watch in awe as Dime would tear up the stage.

Many have tried, and many more will try, but nobody will ever be able to duplicate what he did for the rock and heavy metal world.  So, join me in remembering one of the best guitarists ever with a video of some of his solos.  Happy Birthday, Dimebag Darrell and R.I.P.

Dimebag’s Top 10 Solos

What is your favorite solo from Dime?