EXODUS Guitarist: I Am Mourning The Loss Of One Of My Personal Guitar Heroes

December 9, 2004

EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt has issued the following statement regarding the death of DAMAGEPLAN/ex-PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell:

"I am, for the first time in my life, at a loss for words. The terrible reality of last night's tragedy is starting to sink in, and I am in a deep state of mourning over the loss of one of my personal guitar heroes, on stage and off, Dimebag Darrell.

"When my friend Walter called me with the news last night, I had to make him repreat every word when he was finished. It was just too much to believe. I had to be some sort of stupid, cruel rumor. But it was not. And so begins heavy metal's darkest day.

"I'll never forget when EXODUS, along with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, had the honor of taking PANTERA out on their first U.S. tour. And I will never forget standing there, along with Rick Hunolt, watching Darrell play during their first soundcheck, just totally ripping GARY MOORE's 'Still Got the Blues'. Rick and I knew this cat was something special. And he reminded us of it every night. He was a wildman, able to drink people under the table and still go out there and shred, never hitting a bad note. He was the first guitarist I'd ever seen who actually frightened me, he was so fucking good! And most guys with that kind of talent wear their guitars like a bib and spend their off time indulging in role playing games, but Dimebag was a monster of the best and highest caliber. Only Zakk Wylde could compete with Dimebag in that respect.

"My deepest condolences go out to Vinnie and his family. I am so sorry for your loss, and I will not even try to pretend I have any idea what you must be going through right now. The metal world is behind you, we are all behind you.

"Dimebag, rest in peace bro, this blacktooth is for you."

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