The tragic murder of Dimebag Darell

Darrell Lance Abbott, also known as "Diamond Darrell", "Dimebag Darrell", "Dimebag" or simply "Dime”, was an American guitarist, best known as a founding member of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan.

On December 8, 2004, Abbott was shot onstage while performing with Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio.

The gunman was Nathan Gale, who shot Abbott five times, including once in the head, killing him instantly. Gale then continued shooting, killing three others and wounding a further seven. Gale fired a total of fifteen shots, taking the time to reload once and remaining silent throughout the shooting.

"In This River" is a song by American heavy metal band Black Label Society,

featured on their 2005 sixth studio album Mafia. Performed entirely by guitarist, vocalist and pianist Zakk Wylde

A common misconception is that Wylde wrote the song as a tribute to his close friend "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (former guitarist for bands Pantera and Damageplan), who was killed in December 2004. In fact, he wrote the song many months prior to the incident, and subsequently began dedicating the song to him. On the topic of dedication, Wylde explains that he "was looking at the lyrics, and I just said 'Man, this has gotta be Dime's tune', so we just made it Dime's song and that's how the video came about. I think it's really emotional and it came out great. Everyone loves it – Vinnie Paul Abbott [Darrell's brother], Rita [Darrell's girlfriend]. It's all about Dime's memory and there ain't a dry eye in the house every time you see it." Wylde also states that every time he plays a show,"it will never leave the Black Label set.

Zakk wylde tribute to Dimebag Darrell