Dimebag Dead: Why Was Philip Anselmo Blamed Over Pantera Guitarist's Passing?

Vinnie Paul reportedly blamed Philip Anselmo indirectly for Dimebag's untimely passing, Pantera's Rex Brown said.

Gibson TV released the fifth and most recent episode of its show, "Icons," which features iconic artists, producers, and more music experts around the globe. For the latest part, Gibson TV invited Pantera member Brown who opened up about his musical influences and his band's legacy.

Elsewhere in the interview, Brown opened up about the rift between Anselmo and the Abbott brothers. He also recalled the time the singer told Metal Hammer that Dimebag deserved to be beaten severely.

"[Vinnie] would not have anything to do with Phil - period. He thought that that was the reason his brother was dead. I disagree with that. I think this was a nut that had already been out there planning and premeditating whatever move he was gonna make," Brown revealed.

Dimebag died in 2004, while his brother Vinnie Paul passed away in 2018.

For Anselmo's part, he told High Times in 2011 that Vinnie Paul was feeling guilty after Dimebag's murder.

How Did Pantera's Dimebag Die?

In 2004, a young obsessed fan shot and killed the guitarist and three other people during Damageplan's show at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio.

The 25-year-old shooter named Nathan Gale was shot by a Columbus police officer moments after he fired his gun. According to reports, the fan was upset that Pantera disbanded and blamed everything on Dimebag.

He stood directly in front of Dimebag and fired three shots at the back of his head and one in his hand. He reportedly kept shooting until crew members charged him.

Aside from the musician, three other people were also shot during the incident - Nathan Bray, Jeff Thompson, and Erin A. Halk.

Following the event, people in Marysville shared how Gale was not prone to violence as he served the Marines in 2002. However, he left the Corps after 18 months due to unknown reasons.

Years later, his brother Vinnie Paul was found dead inside his Las Vegas home. The then 54-year-old drummer reportedly suffered a heart condition.

The Clark County Coroner's Office soon disclosed that the musician died from dilated cardiomyopathy.

"Severe coronary artery disease was identified as a significant condition to the cause of death according to the official report submitted by the Clark County Coroner's office. We ask that you please continue to respect the privacy of the family and friends of Vinnie Paul. No further statement will be issued," it said, as quoted by Las Vegas' KTNV.