VINNIE PAUL Responds To Accusations That He Is 'Cashing In' On DIMEBAG's Legacy

During an appearance on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" this past Monday night (November 17),former PANTERA and current HELLYEAH drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott was asked about the criticism he has received via various Internet message boards for the fact that the proceeds from his Dimebag-related projects are not going to charity. "I don't even know where to go with that other than, you know… They're [the detractors] not in the same position I'm in or had to go through what I've gone through here," Vinnie replied. "It's really none of their business where it goes, so I don't know how else to address it — I really don't even think about it; it doesn't cross my mind. I'm doing this for the fans and for them to enjoy what Dime was all about and give them more than what they already had — to increase his legacy and to make him larger than life forever. And he'll outlive all of us. I'm beyond letting things like that pick at me or irritate me. I just have to look past 'em and keep rolling."

Vinnie Paul Abbott's appearance on "Rockline" is now available for streaming at this location.

"Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was shot to death along with three others during a DAMAGEPLAN performance at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio in December 2004.

Dimebag was posthumously inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk in May 2007 in a ceremony attended by Vinnie Paul, their father Jerry Abbott and Dimebag's longtime girlfriend, Rita Haney, along with members of ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, KISS, SLAYER and Ozzy Osbourne's band.

A bronze bust of Dimebag was unveiled during the ceremony and later installed on the RockWalk's posthumous inductee wall, alongside luminaries such as Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Robert Johnson.

A special one-time only all-star tribute to fallen PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist and Texas native "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was held on August 9, 2008 at the one-day Ozzfest at Dallas' Pizza Hut Park.

The tribute to "Dimebag" Darrell featured Vinnie Paul (acting as musical director and playing drums),along with an array of prominent hard rockers, including HATEBREED's Jamey Jasta, SLAYER's Kerry King, SOULFLY's Max Cavalera, King Diamond, ANTHRAX's Scott Ian, ALICE IN CHAINS' Jerry Cantrell and METALLICA's Lars Ulrich.

Vinnie Paul Abbott has just released "He Came To Rock" — a new paperback photo book/DVD on "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. "He Came To Rock" contains over 400 pictures of Dimebag along with a biography of his life written by authors Susan Doll and David Morrow ("Elvis, Forever In The Groove", "Marilyn Monroe: Her Life And Legend"). Also included are personal tributes from a number of metal's most prominent musicians, among them SLAYER's Kerry King, ANTHRAX's Scott Ian and OZZY OSBOURNE/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's Zakk Wylde. The DVD portion of the package consists of the previously released "DimeVision - Vol 1: That's The Fun I Have", complete with never-before-seen bonus footage.

The book was compiled by Vinnie and his father Jerry Abbott and has been in the works for more than a year. "We are very excited about this as it's a true tribute to the King himself!" Vinnie previously stated.