SINGLE BULLET THEORY's DIFABIO: DIMEBAG Will Be 'Sorely Missed'

SINGLE BULLET THEORY vocalist/guitarist Matt Difabio has issued the following statement regarding the death of DAMAGEPLAN/ex-PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell:

"It's been almost 14 hours since I heard the report that dime had been shot and killed. At first I assumed it was a hoax. I mean, who would shot Dimebag? I sit here still completely blown away and overcome with sadness.

"Dimebag was without a doubt a key element in creating and changing what we are all so blessed to call metal in the new millennium. This guy is the definitive king of killer shredding and great tone... A trend-setting monster of a player who had the skill of a complete mastermind of his craft.

"On a personal note, I had the chance only once to drink for hours with Dime during my time in PISSING RAZORS. I still remember being in awe of his presence, he was 100% down to earth, laid-back, funny as hell and a genuine great person to say I had the privilege of meeting. He also got us drunk to the point of insanity (but that goes without saying).

"I now understand what my parents went through when JFK or Lennon was shot. The world stops and actually looks at just how important this person's life was to other people and how influential one person can be to a generation. Hopefully, we will be able to shed light to the rest of the world that 'heavy metal" isn't too blame for this catastrophe. One sick persons actions does not speak for an entire genre. I already saw one news report trying to paint a picture that metal creates and advocates violence... I hope people come to understand that this was an isolated incident that is as bizarre as it is horrific.

"In closing, thank you, Dime... for inspiring so many of us too do what we do! You set a precedent that will always be imitated but never matched. I speak for all the members of SINGLE BULLET THEORY when I say … You will be sorely missed!"