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GALLERY: Vinnie Paul Through The Years

Vinnie Paul Abbott was a force in metal.  While he was one of metal’s most adored figures, he was also as big a fan of music as anyone who bought…

LAS VEGAS – NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul participates in the VH1 Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Vinnie Paul Abbott was a force in metal.  While he was one of metal’s most adored figures, he was also as big a fan of music as anyone who bought a ticket to see him play.

In honor of his remarkable life, click through the gallery below.

Fear The Walking Dead Survival At The Fremont Street Experience

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LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 29: Drummer Vinnie Paul (R) of Hellyeah poses with a zombie character as he attends the Fear the Walking Dead Survival attraction grand opening at the Fremont Street Experience on August 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for AMC)

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 29: Drummer Vinnie Paul (R) of Hellyeah poses with a zombie character as he attends the Fear the Walking Dead Survival attraction grand opening at the Fremont Street Experience on August 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for AMC)


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DSC_2203-e1529761567293.jpgPhoto by Erik Aratari

Fear The Walking Dead Survival Attraction Grand Opening

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LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 29: Recording artist Vinnie Paul attends the Fear the Walking Dead Survival attraction grand opening at the Fremont Street Experience on August 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 29: Recording artist Vinnie Paul attends the Fear the Walking Dead Survival attraction grand opening at the Fremont Street Experience on August 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Carrot Top 10th Anniversary Celebration At The Luxor In Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 06: Recording artist Vinnie Paul attends the 10th anniversary celebration of Carrot Top's residency at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on December 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 06: Recording artist Vinnie Paul attends the 10th anniversary celebration of Carrot Top's residency at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on December 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Carrot Top 10th Anniversary Celebration At The Luxor In Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Scott Gorda, recording artist Vinnie Paul, Chelsey Yeager, guitarist Christian Brady, Angel Bean and Brian "Bridog" Jones attend the 10th anniversary celebration of Carrot Top's residency at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on December 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Scott Gorda, recording artist Vinnie Paul, Chelsey Yeager, guitarist Christian Brady, Angel Bean and Brian "Bridog" Jones attend the 10th anniversary celebration of Carrot Top's residency at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on December 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


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DSC_2204-e1529761502594.jpgPhoto by Erik Aratari

4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards - Nominees Announcement

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Drummers Vinnie Paul, Vinny Appice and Mike Portnoy attend the 4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards nominees announcement at the GRAMMY Museum on February 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Drummers Vinnie Paul, Vinny Appice and Mike Portnoy attend the 4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards nominees announcement at the GRAMMY Museum on February 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)


4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards - Nominees Announcement

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Drummer Vinnie Paul attends the 4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards nominees announcement at the GRAMMY Museum on February 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Drummer Vinnie Paul attends the 4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards nominees announcement at the GRAMMY Museum on February 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)


3rd Annual Revolver Golden God Awards - Arrivals

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Musician Vinnie Paul arrives at the 3rd Annual Revolver Golden God Awards at the Club Nokia on April 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Musician Vinnie Paul arrives at the 3rd Annual Revolver Golden God Awards at the Club Nokia on April 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)


Jagermeister Music Tour

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 19: Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah performs during the Jagermeister Music Tour at The Electric Factory on February 19, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 19: Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah performs during the Jagermeister Music Tour at The Electric Factory on February 19, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)


Jagermeister Music Tour

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 19: Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah performs during the Jagermeister Music Tour at The Electric Factory on February 19, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 19: Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah performs during the Jagermeister Music Tour at The Electric Factory on February 19, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)


VH1 Rock Honors Week: Guitar Center

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HOLLYWOOD - MAY 17: (L-R) Vinnie Paul Abbott of Pantera, Rita Hane and Jerry Abbott unveil a plaque in honor of Pantera guitarist, the late Darrell ''Dimebag'' Abbott during the induction to the Hollywood Rock Walk at Guitar Center on May 17, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images for VH1)

HOLLYWOOD - MAY 17: (L-R) Vinnie Paul Abbott of Pantera, Rita Hane and Jerry Abbott unveil a plaque in honor of Pantera guitarist, the late Darrell ''Dimebag'' Abbott during the induction to the Hollywood Rock Walk at Guitar Center on May 17, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images for VH1)


VH1 Rock Honors Week: Guitar Center

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HOLLYWOOD - MAY 17: (L-R) Vinnie Paul Abbott of Pantera, Rita Hane and Jerry Abbott unveil a plaque in honor of Pantera guitarist, the late Darrell ''Dimebag'' Abbott during the induction to the Hollywood Rock Walk at Guitar Center on May 17, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images for VH1)

HOLLYWOOD - MAY 17: (L-R) Vinnie Paul Abbott of Pantera, Rita Hane and Jerry Abbott unveil a plaque in honor of Pantera guitarist, the late Darrell ''Dimebag'' Abbott during the induction to the Hollywood Rock Walk at Guitar Center on May 17, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images for VH1)


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DSC_2201.jpgPhoto by Erik Aratari

VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (L) and Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley pose at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (L) and Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley pose at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (L) and ZZ Top singer/bassist Dusty Hill pose at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (L) and ZZ Top singer/bassist Dusty Hill pose at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


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DSC_2276.jpgPhoto by Erik Aratari

VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul poses at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul poses at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul participates in the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul participates in the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Memorial Service For "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Vinnie Paul Abbott (L) holds a cardboard cutout of his brother, slain rocker "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as he addresses fans at public memorial service at the Arlington Convention Center December 14, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Paul Buck/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Vinnie Paul Abbott (L) holds a cardboard cutout of his brother, slain rocker "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as he addresses fans at public memorial service at the Arlington Convention Center December 14, 2004 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Paul Buck/Getty Images)


VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: (L-R) Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian, Godsmack singer/guitarist Sully Erna, former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul and Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, pose at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 02: (L-R) Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian, Godsmack singer/guitarist Sully Erna, former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul and Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, pose at the VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Flamingo Las Vegas November 2, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Motley Crue Performs At Hard Rock Cafe

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Musician Vinnie Paul arrives at the Hard Rock Cafe for Motley Crue?s live performance September 18, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Donald Bowers/Getty Images)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Musician Vinnie Paul arrives at the Hard Rock Cafe for Motley Crue?s live performance September 18, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Donald Bowers/Getty Images)


Motley Crue Performs At Hard Rock Cafe

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Musician Vinnie Paul holds his late guitarist brother Dimebag Darrell's guitar at the Hard Rock Cafe befor Motley Crue?s live performance September 18, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Donald Bowers/Getty Images)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Musician Vinnie Paul holds his late guitarist brother Dimebag Darrell's guitar at the Hard Rock Cafe befor Motley Crue?s live performance September 18, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Donald Bowers/Getty Images)


Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes

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LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 26: Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger (L), his brother, bassist Mike Kroeger (C), and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (R), talk before the second annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes at the Palms Casino Resort August 26, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 26: Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger (L), his brother, bassist Mike Kroeger (C), and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (R), talk before the second annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes at the Palms Casino Resort August 26, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes

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LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 26: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (L) and guitarist Jerry Cantrell compete in the Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes at the Palms Casino Resort August 26, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 26: Former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul (L) and guitarist Jerry Cantrell compete in the Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes at the Palms Casino Resort August 26, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes

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LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 26: Guitarist Jerry Cantrell (L) and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul talk at the Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes at the Palms Casino Resort August 26, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 26: Guitarist Jerry Cantrell (L) and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul talk at the Second Annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes at the Palms Casino Resort August 26, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Gene Simmons Birthday Party

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LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 25: (L-R) Guitarist Jerry Cantrell, former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger pose at a birthday party for Kiss singer/bassist Gene Simmons at the Ghostbar at the Palms Casino Resort August 25, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 25: (L-R) Guitarist Jerry Cantrell, former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger pose at a birthday party for Kiss singer/bassist Gene Simmons at the Ghostbar at the Palms Casino Resort August 25, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


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DSC_2199-e1529761617690.jpgPhoto by Erik Aratari
Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights