Early Saturday morning (Saturday 23) the world of rock lost a legend when Pantera drummer and co-founder Vinnie Paul Abbott passed away at the age of 54. The rock community has been mourning the influential musician all weekend, and the latest tribute comes from Kid Rock.
"Tippin one back for my ole’ friend Vinny Paul tonight. Another loss. Here’s to you brother. RIP.. with your brother now," Kid wrote alongside a picture of Vinnie on Instagram. "We all had some GREAT times together through the years and your rock n roll family is gonna miss you. Kid Rock.."
Check out the post below.
Pantera shared a statement via Facebook once the news broke: "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away," it read. "Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time."
Though Pantera has been defunct since 2003, it's remained one of the biggest names in heavy metal. Abbott formed the band with his bother Darrell in the early '80s, and many rock contemporaries consider the group an influence.
Darrell was murdered in 2004 during a concert in Columbus, Ohio, with his and Paul's post-Pantera band Damageplan. For years, Paul openly struggled with depression stemming from his brother's death, though at this time it is unclear if that was a factor in his death.
Photo: Getty Images