DANZIG Bassist: 'Gods Never Die; DIME Lives'

December 11, 2004

DANZIG bassist Jerry Montano has sent the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET in memory of DAMAGEPLAN/ex-PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott:

"I just wanted to say my heart goes out to Vince, Rita, and the entire PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN family. We lost undoubtfully the greatest metal guitarist of all time and a great friend.

"I had the honor of calling [Dimebag] a friend and even bandmember at one time (I was lucky enough to play bass for Dime and Vinnie's side band GASOLINE). I have to say just being next to him while he was playing his guitar was always a sacred experience — he was truly unbelievable when it came to his playing, but he really shined when it came to being a friend.

"I can remember during reheasal one day or night (who the fuck knows at that point, right?!!) after the four of us finished playing (fourth being my boy Thurber T. Mingus, our singer and friend from the southern metal band PUMPJACK). Dime and I were hangin having a few beers in the back. I remember asking him, 'How the FUCK do you do it man!!!?' and he looked at me with a very humble look and said, 'Man, I just close my eyes and it comes right through my body my hands and outta my guitar.' I remember him telling me he doesn't even know what's gonna come out of him when he records his solos and that it was a gift given to him from god that he never questions.

"Truly amazing.

"He was THE ONE THE ONLY and there will NEVER be another.

"Words like kind, caring, loving, generous amazing, undeniable, compassionate and god-sized are what come to mind when thinking about this kind man I had the privilege of getting to know very well over the years.

"And there is the touring we did together ... I swear, [it] literally has taken years and years off all of our lives!! GODDAMN! Ozzfest!! Reinventing tour!! Those four months alone almost did me in — literally! I remember he was as excited as me when I landed the NOTHINGFACE gig, and gave us the tour immediately!! (Good times). I will never forget one word, one moment, or one note for as long as I exist. EVER.

"I just needed to say you'll be greatly missed my brother (I still feel like I am gonna get 4- and 5- and 6-in-the-morning phone calls fom you!!). You will never be forgotten — and [you] truly made an impact on my life forever.

"So let's sit back and remember the good times, all the wild and insane times and the quiet cool mellow hung over times, and know the entire world lost a friend and hero. So now he graduates from this life to go on to his destiny as the greatest metal guitarist of all time, a true bonafide LEGEND.

"CHEERS to you, my friend!!! 'I'll see you on the other side.' At the great bar in the sky. Until then, you'll forever be in our hearts.

(Just like you always said!) C'MON with your C'MON!!!

"With all my love, respect, admiration... and with great regret, I now say goodbye.

"GODS NEVER DIE — DIME LIVES"

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