DREAM THEATER Drummer: 'This Is As Tragic And Unbelievable As LENNON Getting Killed'

December 10, 2004

DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has issued the following statement regarding the death of DAMAGEPLAN/ex-PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell:

"I wasn't gonna post anything because this whole tragedy isn't about me or how I feel… and I feel so helpless and insignificant at such an unbelievable time as this...

"But after sitting in front of my computer screen in disbelief for the last 24 hours since I heard about this last night I finally felt I needed to at least acknowledge how absolutely horrible I feel about this nightmare.

"Actually, I am sick to my stomach.

"Dime was an incredible talent who I've admired since the beginning when we had both just signed to Atco Records. It's been many years since I've hung with him or any of the PANTERA guys — but my memories with him and the guys were always of great fun and filled with crazy drunken insanity.

"He lived each and everyday to the fullest. In fact, I never could believe how he could even function (both on and off stage) with the way he partied and lived life.

"I feel so sorry for Vinnie and the rest of the band and family.

"Words really cannot describe the heartache I've had all day.

"This is as tragic and unbelievable as Lennon getting killed.

"But this hits home even closer because he was ONE OF US.

"I really cannot believe it..."

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