More Metal Stars Pay Tribute To DROWNING POOL's DAVE WILLIAMS

PANTERA's Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell: "Some people say death is just a part of life.... But it becomes a cold reality when it hits one of your own. Dave was a true brother to us. We had the pleasure of knowing him for years before the world knew him as Dave 'Stage' Williams from DROWNING POOL. We are proud to say that in life he was the same person now as we knew back then. All the success, platinum records, etc never changed him. He was always the same big-hearted, fun-loving Dave, never a rock star... Just Dave. He loved music and most of all he loved his family, friends and fans. It's impossible to say with words how much fun it was to hang with Dave. He was the full package! His wit, charisma and drive to kick ass will be deeply missed by all…

"Dear Dave... With a heart the size of Texas forever your spirit will shine through in our loving memories of you." [Note: PANTERA's Dimebag Darrell gave Williams his nickname, Stage]

OZZY & SHARON OSBOURNE: "Dave Williams was a beautiful man both inside and out. He is gone but will not be soon forgotten. We send our love to his family and bandmembers."

DROWNING POOL guitarist C.J. Pierce, bassist Stevie Benton and drummer Mike Luce: "Dave Williams was one of a kind, and a friend to everyone he met. He was a good man and a giving person. Not a day went by when he wasn't giving somebody a little present and touching everyone around him with his passion. He was full of energy until the day he passed and undeniably full of life. To the end, we were having a great time. We will miss him."

ANTHRAX's Charlie Benante: "I found out yesterday that Dave from DROWNING POOL passed away. I am so heartbroken about this, I just saw him 2 days ago and I just can't believe it. He was so into this whole thing, He was 100% METAL! Not only was he a great singer and frontman, he was a great fucking guy. My heart goes out to his bandmates Mike, CJ and Steve and to his family. Sad day."

ILL NIÑO drummer Dave Chavarri: "We basically went onstage in tears yesterday. In this business you meet 10 people a day, but there will never be anyone like him."

NONPOINT's Elias Soriano: "Dave was always with the crowd and with the fans. He truly was what a rock frontman should be — sweet, charismatic and just great to watch. From the first time I met the band, I couldn't believe how completely genuine Dave was."

COAL CHAMBER's Dez Fafara: "[Dave was] uniquely cool. He was one of the most down-to-earth guys ever. He used to come and bring me horror movies and we'd sit around. Just a good guy. A lot of times you meet musicians and they've got an ego. That guy had none."

DISTURBED's David Draiman: "He was very powerful. He was very much from the Phil Anselmo school, but with a smile. He pretty much embodied what a South Texas metal frontman would sort of be — very good-hearted, very positive toward the audience. Always trying to take them to the next level. He could sing very sweetly and could also scream like the devil."

POISON's Bret Michaels: "I was devastated to hear the news. They were on their way to our show in Roanoke tonight. He was such a great singer and a great friend -- a good soul. I will really miss him."

HATEBREED: "Today we lost a friend. We would like to send out condolences to Dave's family, friends, and the rest of the guys in DROWNING POOL."

ZAKK WYLDE/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY: "Our condolences to the DROWNING POOL and Williams families."

OTEP: "The band is shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Dave was a friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his friends, bandmates, to all of his fans. ... The world is a much darker place without him here. Dave, forgive our tears. You are missed."

LOSTPROPHETS' Mike Lewis: "We found out that Dave from DROWNING POOL was found dead in his bus, which was like 40/50 yards from the pool. It was fucking harsh. I can't even begin to imagine how those guys feel, so I'm not even gonna go into it ... but I/we were stunned to say the least. Condolences go out to everyone who knew him"

Chris Vrenna, who remixed "Bodies" for XXX soundtrack: "I'm saddened by the loss of someone so young. I feel honored that I got an opportunity to work with them. My thoughts go out to his bandmates, family, and friends."