Journalist Recalls DIMEBAG's 'Historic' Meeting With JOEY BUTTAFUOCO

Longtime metal journalist and BLABBERMOUTH.NET contributor Don Kaye has penned the following tribute to fallen PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott:

"I can't exactly remember the first time I met 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott, but I do remember the last time I ever spoke with him. Dime and Vinnie Paul had come up to the radio network I work at for an interview about DAMAGEPLAN's debut album, 'New Found Power'. Instead of talking much about the record, however, the brothers opened up about their dad and mom, their relationships with both parents and each other, and their attitudes about their careers, the music business and life in general.

"It was the most personal interview I ever did with the boys, and it pains me to think that it's the last I ever did with them together. In a business that's grown increasingly 'business-like' and corporate over this last decade, where many of us who got into the music industry for fun and love of music don't have much of either any more, a man like Dime would always leave you rocking, smiling, laughing, or, if it was after a show, smashed out of your mind.

"Dime first introduced me to his favorite drink, the Blacktooth Grin, backstage at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. I had spent the whole day with the brothers, and went with Dime on a historic visit (for him anyway) to meet Joey Buttafuoco. Dime was a lover of trash culture and for him, Buttafuoco and his exploits seemed to personify that. I remember when we walked into Buttafuoco's auto repair shop that Dime was shaking — this man who was idolized by millions of metal fans was literally quivering with nervousness and anticipation at meeting a bizarre idol of his own. Of course, once the meeting happened, Buttafuoco and everyone in his shop — who had no idea who Dime was — were won over by the guitarist's charm, humor and sheer zest for life. Naturally, he made sure that everyone had tickets and passes for that night's gig.

"In a time where so many musicians — and celebrities in general — whine about their lives, I never heard Dimebag Darrell complain once. He absolutely loved what he did, and it came across in the way he spoke about and played his music. There was no bigger fan of heavy metal and hard rock out there, and few players who had such an immediately distinctive, powerful and innovative style.

"My thoughts and continued condolences go out to Vinnie, all of Dime's family and friends, and all the other musicians and fans who have shared the grief of Dime's passing over these last 12 months. Let's also not forget today's other horrible anniversary of John Lennon's equally senseless death. May both these amazing souls rest in peace, away from this world that's only darkened by their absence."